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 environmental studies and sustainability, as well as a Spanish language course at your placement level at CIEE 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 -
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 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 CIEE Monteverde is located in the San Luis Valley, which is embedded in a farming community and close to a major eco-tourism destination.
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
Students stay on CIEE Monteverde 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 Monteverde is provided.
Co-curricular travel: Students and staff travel extensively around Costa Rica and into Panama. During those excursions, the group stays in simple lodges.
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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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CIEE MONTEVERDE
Located next to the Monteverde Cloud Forrest
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B
Getting Around
Students get around by foot and take buses and taxis.
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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 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 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 is a wet laboratory, 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.
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, plus time allotted to be with host families, students have little or no opportunity for independent travel or activities. The program is demanding – and highly rewarding. There is little or no opportunity for independent travel, but field trips are extensive. Fall Schedule: Late 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. Learning happens through lectures, fieldwork, excursions, 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 OpenFall 2021 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 Open Campus Network and that are offered at multiple CIEE Centers.
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:
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2021 12 weeks | Jun 1, 2021 | Aug 16, 2021 | Nov 6, 2021 |
$18,450
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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 = $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 Other = $100 †† Total Estimated Costs = $1,220Financial 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 |
| Spring 2022 12 weeks | Nov 1, 2021 | Feb 21, 2022* | May 14, 2022* |
$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 = $15,963 ** Housing = $2,420 *** 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 = $650 † Local Transportation = $100 Books & Supplies = $20 Personal expenses = $350 Other = $100 †† Total Estimated Costs = $1,220Financial 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 |
*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, 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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Hector Castaneda
Instructor
Hector Castaneda has a doctorate from the University of Florida in Interdisciplinary Ecology.
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Karen Masters
Center Director
Karen Masters has a doctorate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University.
Get Started
Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:-
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START AN APPLICATION
Apply Now
You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! -
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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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