Information for term Sustainability + the Environment
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenWatch your Spanish skills bloom in Monteverde as you dig into today’s pressing environmental issues. Take four required content courses focused on Costa Rican history, environmental studies, and sustainability, as well as a Spanish language course at your placement level at CIEE Global Institute – Monteverde. Learn in the classroom and field, and travel to remote parts of Costa Rica and Panama that most visitors never see. You’ll be rewarded with unique and life-changing experiences, new knowledge and skills, and inspiration to carry the sustainability movement forward. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES
and learn about how they impact communities and biodiversity
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GET TO KNOW AN ISLAND FISHING VILLAGE
that is a model for sustainable fishing practices
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INTERN WITH A LOCAL LEADER
and apply the principles of conservation and sustainability to real-life situations
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species of plants and trees
3,021 -
life zones in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
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inhabitants
6,700
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Located in northwestern Costa Rica, Monteverde lies along the continental divide at the crest of the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain chain, which is blanketed by a cool, wet cloud forest extending down into the Atlantic lowlands. The cloud forest provides a striking contrast to the deciduous forest on the Pacific side.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was founded in 1972 to protect the entire ridge top above Monteverde and down into the Peñas Blancas Valley. As a result of its unique history and geography, Monteverde is a stunning home to exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife and sustainability projects including agriculture, energy production, water conservation, forest management, and biodiversity conservation.
2025: The Year Costa Rica becomes carbon neutral.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Travel Costa Rica and Panama, visiting remote communities and protected areas.
- Meet local people and business owners to get a firsthand look at a range of environmental protection projects.
- Discover local foods, legends, and customs as you visit unique villages.
- Be mentored by a resident expert and help solve a local sustainability challenge.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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Accommodations while in Monteverde
Co-curricular travel: Students and staff travel extensively around Costa Rica and into Panama. During those excursions, the group stays in simple lodges.
Students stay on the Global Institute campus and in homestays:
Campus accommodations: Students stay on campus in shared rooms with en suite bathrooms. Three simple, but hardy meals are served in the dining hall. The campus includes indoor and outdoor common areas for recreation and study and allows exclusive access to forest trails and gardens.
Homestay: Students stay with Costa Rican families in simple, rural homes. They are provided private rooms and three meals per day. Bus transportation from the town center and the CIEE Global Institute is provided.
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MEALS
Campus accommodations: Three simple, but hardy meals are served in the dining hall.
Homestay: Students are provided three meals per day.
Monteverde, Costa Rica Where You'll Study
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Getting Around
Students either walk or pay for transport by taxi
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CIEE MONTEVERDE
Monteverde
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Program Details
Click to OpenWhat you need to know
The program detailsThis demanding program is designed for energetic, outdoorsy students who are committed to fully immersing in academics, local culture, and nature. Successful students are those committed to working hard, playing hard, and expanding their comfort zone. Students learn in the classroom and field, and travel to remote parts of Costa Rica and Panama that most visitors never see. They are rewarded with unique and life-changing experiences, new knowledge and skills, and inspiration to carry the sustainability movement forward.
CIEE Global Institute – Monteverde is located on an extensive 153-acre campus that includes forests and farms against a backdrop of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Facilities include classrooms, residence halls, and recreational areas in a natural setting. There are wet, dry, and GIS laboratories, a herbarium, plus organic gardens to support a wide array of STEM studies and research opportunities. An extensive trail system through forest and fields, links classrooms to a botanical garden, animal stables and coffee and vegetable production areas.
Academics
Click to OpenEligibility
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OVERALL GPA
Students must have a GPA of at least 2.5.
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ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Major in environmental studies/science. Have completed two college-level courses in natural sciences, environmental studies, or agriculture. Some college-level Spanish recommended.
Curriculum
Program Credit
Total credit: 17 U.S. semester credits/25.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE Biology courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits, 60 contact hours unless otherwise noted
- CIEE Spanish language courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits, 60 contact hours
- CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 25 seminar hours, 110 placement hours
Language of Instruction
English and Spanish
Requirements
Through the fall 2019 term, students must take 4 required courses including Spanish language and an Internship.
- 2 CIEE Biology courses
- 1 Spanish language course
- 1 Internship
Starting with the spring 2020 term, students must take 5 required courses including Spanish language and an Internship.
- 3 CIEE Biology courses
- 1 Spanish language course
- 1 Internship
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
Spring 2020 Courses
Click to OpenREQUIRED CIEE COURSES
All courses outlined below, including Spanish, are required. The final syllabi for courses are given to students upon arrival in Monteverde. Because requirements vary between schools, contact your study abroad office for course equivalents and credits awarded toward your degree
- BIOL 3001 MTVE/CONS 3001 MTVE: Tropical Conservation Biology and Policy
- ENVI 3001 MTVE: Sustainability: Environment, Economy, and Society
- BIOL 3002 MTVE: Costa Rican Natural History
- INSH 3003 MTVE: Conservation and Sustainability Internship
SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES
The curriculum is specifically geared to CIEE students, with vocabulary focusing on ecology and conservation. Students are also involved in experiences under the guidance of the course instructor, researching and reporting on particular topics. Classroom instruction is in Spanish. There are multiple individualized levels offered with no more than four students per instructor. Students are tested during orientation to ensure appropriate placement in language classes.
- SPAN 1001 MTVE: Spanish Language, Beginning I
- SPAN 1002 MTVE: Spanish Language, Beginning II
- SPAN 1003 MTVE: Spanish Language, Beginning III
- SPAN 2001 MTVE: Spanish Language, Intermediate I
- SPAN 2002 MTVE: Spanish Language, Intermediate II
- SPAN 2003 MTVE: Spanish Language, Intermediate III
- SPAN 3001 MTVE: Spanish Language, Advanced I
- SPAN 3002 MTVE: Spanish Language, Advanced II
- SPAN 3003 MTVE: Spanish Language, Advanced III
Fall 2019 Courses
Click to OpenCIEE Sites Syllabi
To view the most recent syllabi for courses taught by CIEE at our site, visit our syllabi site.
REQUIRED CIEE COURSES
All courses outlined below, including Spanish, are required. The final syllabi for courses are given to students upon arrival in Monteverde. Because requirements vary between schools, contact your study abroad office for course equivalents and credits awarded toward your degree.
- BIOL 3002 MTVE: Costa Rican Natural History
- ENVI 3001 MTVE: Sustainability: Environment, Economy, and Society
- INSH 3003 MTVE: Conservation and Sustainability Internship
The curriculum is specifically geared to CIEE students, with vocabulary focusing on ecology and conservation. Students are also involved in experiences under the guidance of the course instructor, researching and reporting on particular topics. Classroom instruction is in Spanish. There are multiple individualized levels offered with no more than four students per instructor. Students are tested during orientation to ensure appropriate placement in language classes.
SPANISH LANGUAGE COURSES
- SPAN 1001 MTVE: Beginning Spanish Language I
- SPAN 1002 MTVE: Beginning Spanish Language II
- SPAN 1003 MTVE: Beginning Spanish Language III
- SPAN 2001 MTVE: Intermediate Spanish Language I
- SPAN 2002 MTVE: Intermediate Spanish Language II
- SPAN 2003 MTVE: Intermediate Spanish Language III
- SPAN 3001 MTVE: Advanced Spanish Language I
- SPAN 3002 MTVE: Advanced Spanish Language II
- SPAN 3003 MTVE: Advanced Spanish Language III
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers more than $8 million in scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarships
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application. Learn more at the Scholarships & Grants section of our website.
See more scholarship infoDates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
YOUR FEE INCLUDES:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Meals
- Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
- On-site airport meet-and-greet
- Two-day orientation in Alajuela introduces students to Spanish culture, the academic program, and surroundings, plus practical information about living in Costa Rica
- Full-time program leadership and support in your host country
- Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
- Excursions and/or Study Tours
- Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
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24/7 emergency on-site support
No Hidden Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2019 14 weeks | Deadline Passed | Aug 22, 2019 | Nov 30, 2019 |
$17,450
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Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $14,563 ** Housing = $2,420 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $17,450Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. International Airfare = $650 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $20 Personal expenses = $350 Total Estimated Costs = $1,120Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** includes all meals † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Spring 2020 14 weeks | Nov 1, 2019 | Feb 7, 2020 | May 18, 2020 |
$18,450
Click to Close
Program FeesCIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel insurance with benefits. Participation Confirmation = $300 * Educational Costs = $15,563 ** Housing = $2,420 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $18,450Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. International Airfare = $650 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $20 Personal expenses = $350 Total Estimated Costs = $1,120Financial AidCIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants. This breakdown has been prepared from the program budget for the purpose of calculating eligibility for financial aid. During the course of program operations, actual figures may vary. It should not, therefore, be used as a basis for calculation of refunds. CIEE reserves the right to adjust fees at any time. Students required to study on CIEE programs through a School of Record will be charged a $500 administrative fee in addition to the Program Fees listed. * non-refundable ** direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students *** includes all meals † round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure |
| Fall 2020 14 weeks | May 1, 2020 | Aug 20, 2020* | Nov 28, 2020* |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, ask your college or university study abroad advisor if your school charges additional fees for study abroad.
Looking for funding?
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Hector Castaneda
Instructor
Hector Castaneda has a doctorate from the University of Florida in Interdisciplinary Ecology.
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Karen Masters
Director
Karen Masters has a doctorate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University.
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Erick McAdam, MSc
Instructor
He has an MS from Oregon State University in Sustainable Forest Management with emphasis on remote sensing of forest attributes and process-based growth modeling.
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