Information for term Sustainability + the Environment
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenAttending CIEE Monteverde is a unique and life-changing experience where you will develop new knowledge and skills while taking your Spanish language skills to the next level. This program is for students from all fields of study interested in digging into today's pressing environmental issues. When class is in session, you'll take three required content courses, an internship, and a Spanish language course. Outside the classroom, you'll participate in activities on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and other experiences that provide intercultural understanding.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Follow our Travels:
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EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES
and learn about how they impact communities and biodiversity
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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 -
Natural Wonders of Costa Rica including the Monteverde Cloud Forest
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inhabitants
6,700
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Located in the northwestern region of 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 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.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Monteverde.
The Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES may include:
- Immersing yourself in the steamy jungle of the Lowland Rainforest.
- Rising with the sun for birding tours or farm chores and experiencing biodiversity after the sun goes down with a guided night hike in the forest.
- Meet local people and business owners to get a firsthand look at a range of environmental protection projects.
- Earn work experience as an intern in a local organization or company.
- Indoor and outdoor areas with access to forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration and co-curricular activities.
- Optional weekend at a home stay where students can live with a local family in Monteverde and immerse themselves in the Costa Rican culture.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
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Housing
Dorms: whether on or off-campus students live in dormitories surrounded by the Cloud Forest in double, triple, or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students. Rooms have shared or en-suite bathrooms, shared desks, and shared closets.
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MEALS
All students receive three meals per day. Accommodations for vegan and vegetarian diets are available.
Monteverde, Costa Rica Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE MONTEVERDE
where some classes and laboratories are held and where some students are housed
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B
MONTEVERDE BIOLOGICAL STATION
where some classes and laboratories are held and where some students are housed
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C
Getting Around
CIEE Monteverde provides transportation to town once or twice a week or students may take a taxi.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
This 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 within Costa Rica to places that most visitors never see. You are rewarded with unique and life-changing experiences, new knowledge and skills, and inspiration to carry the sustainability movement forward.
There is a wet laboratory, an 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.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Additional Requirements
Major in environmental studies/science. Have completed two college-level courses in natural sciences, environmental studies, or agriculture.
Recommendations
Some college-level Spanish recommended.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Program Requirements
Students must take 5 required courses including Spanish language and an Internship.
- 3 CIEE Biology/Environmental courses
- 1 Spanish language course
- 1 Internship
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
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Academic Culture
With a full schedule every day, students have little or no opportunity for independent travel or activities. The program is demanding – and highly rewarding. Fall Schedule: mid-August to late November. Spring Schedule: Early February to mid-May.
Class Format
Students learn with other CIEE participants in small, dynamic groups, taking five classes that are designed specifically for this program. For Spring 2022, Spanish language learning begins online, and fills the first 2 weeks of the program. In-person Spanish instruction continues for a short period once on-site. Learning happens through lectures, fieldwork, excursion, interviews, small group work, and discussions. Because of the focus on critical thinking, assignments and exams are writing intensive. Classes are held Monday through Saturday. Courses taught at CIEE Monteverde are for CIEE students only. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.
Grading
Students are assessed with traditional evaluation tools – tests, reports, essays, participation, and oral presentations – and given a standard letter grade of A-F.
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Language of Instruction
English and Spanish
Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors.
Courses
Click to OpenCourse Information
All students take a Spanish Language class, at an appropriate level (as determined by a placement evaluation) from the list below. For Spring 2022, the Spanish language classes will be taught in a hybrid format that includes both online and in-person study. For the first 2 weeks of the program, Monteverde SE students will join Monteverde TEC students in intensive online Spanish study, prior to arrival in Costa Rica, covering the material in the syllabi presented below and valued at 3 U.S. credits. Once in Costa Rica, SE students will continue, for a short period, in-person classes, covering an additional credit worth of instruction, material, and study. Participants should be attentive to the scheduling of the placement tests and the online class schedule, all of which will be communicated well in advance of the program start date.
Spring 2023 CIEE Courses
Click to OpenAcademic Projects
Biological and Physical Sciences
Languages and Cultural Studies
Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment
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.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships
Click to OpenScholarships & Grants
CIEE offers 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:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- 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.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2023 16 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jan 23, 2023 | May 13, 2023 |
$18,850
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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 = $16,683 ** Housing = $1,700 *** Insurance = $167 Total Fees = $18,850Estimated CostsStudents are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration. International Airfare = $700 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $20 Personal expenses = $350 Total Estimated Costs = $1,170Financial 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's 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 2023 16 weeks | May 1, 2023 | Aug 14, 2023 | Dec 2, 2023 |
$18,850
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 = $16,653 ** Housing = $1,700 *** Insurance = $197 Total Fees = $18,850Estimated 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 Personal expenses = $350 Other = $100 †† Total Estimated Costs = $1,200Financial 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 by their US home institution to study abroad via CIEE's 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 †† Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required |
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, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Pablo Allen, PhD.
Center Director
Pablo earned a BSc. and MSc. in Biology from the University of Costa Rica and completed his PhD. in Entomology and Nematology at the University of Florida. Pablo has many years of experience in study abroad and was previously CIEE Monteverde’s Academic Director.
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Jessica Arias
Academic Director
Jessica is a PhD candidate on Agricultural Science from the University of Costa Rica. She earned a BSc. in Ecotourism and a MSc. in Sustainable Development, with a concentration in Conservation of Biological Resources from the University of Costa Rica. Jessica was an instructor at CIEE Monteverde for several years before she joined the team as Academic Director recently.
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Jose Carlos Calderon
Student Life Manager
Moncho earned his BSc in Biology at the University of Costa Rica with a specialization in bats. He has worked for CIEE Monteverde for over 10 years as Assistant Instructor in the Tropical Ecology and Conservation program and since 2021 has been leading the Student Life team that supports the students 24/7.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
1
START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
2
CONNECT WITH YOUR CAMPUS STUDY ABROAD OFFICE
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. -
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Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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