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 Nicaragua 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
-
EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE ENERGIES
and learn about how they impact communities and biodiversity
-
GET TO KNOW AN ISLAND FISHING VILLAGE
that is a model for sustainable fishing practices
-
INTERN WITH A LOCAL LEADER
and apply the principles of conservation and sustainability to real-life situations
-
species of plants and trees
3,021 -
life zones in the Monteverde Cloud Forest
4 -
inhabitants
6,700
Location & Culture
Click to OpenThe Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Travel Costa Rica and Nicaragua for four weeks, 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.
INTERNSHIPS
- Put your skills to work delivering valuable products and services to the Monteverde community.
- Join a local organization, business, or farm and get a firsthand look at their approach to sustainability, while you gain valuable work experience.
- Projects have included growing crops without agrochemicals, optimizing wildlife passage locations, calculating carbon emissions, using sustainable building materials for construction projects, creating educational materials, and more.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Daily Life
Click to Open-
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.
Campus accommodations. Students stay on campus in shared rooms with en suite bathrooms. Three simple, but hardy meals are served in the dining hall. Additionally, microwaves are available for students to prepare their own food. 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. Transportation is not provided and homes may be up to a 30-minute walk from campus.
-
MEALS
All meals are provided by your host family.
Monteverde, Costa Rica Where You'll Study
-
A
Getting Around
Students either walk or pay for transport by taxi
-
B
CIEE MONTEVERDE
Monteverde
-
Like what you're seeing so far?
request more informationProgram 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
-
OVERALL GPA
Students need to have a GPA of at least 2.5.
-
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 semester/25.5 quarter credits
- Biology courses are 4 semester/6 quarter credits and 60 contact hours per course, unless otherwise noted
- Spanish language courses are 3 semester/4.5 quarter credits, and 45 contact hours
PROGRAM COurse rEQUIREMENTS
Students take the following courses:
- Sustainability: Environment, Economy, and Society
- Tropical Conservation Biology and Policy
- Costa Rican Natural History
- A Spanish language course at one of nine levels
- Conservation and Sustainability 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, Deadlines & Fees
Click to OpenDates, Deadlines & 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
-
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
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 = $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 = $600 † Books & Supplies = $250 Personal expenses = $500 Total Estimated Costs = $1,350Financial 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 = $600 † Books & Supplies = $250 Personal expenses = $500 Total Estimated Costs = $1,350Financial 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 |
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
-
Hector Castaneda
Instructor
Hector Castaneda has a doctorate from the University of Florida in Interdisciplinary Ecology.
-
Karen Masters
Director
Karen Masters has a doctorate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Princeton University.
-
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.
You might also like
-
January in Monteverde
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Spend J-term in sunny Costa Rica learning Sustainable Development for the Tropics.
-
Open Campus Block: STEM + Society
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Our Open Campus Block program allows you to start studying in Monteverde, then study in two other countries in one term.
-
Summer Sustainability + The Environment
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Dig into today’s pressing environmental issues while living on the edge of the world-famous Monteverde Cloud Forest.
-
Summer Tropical Ecology + Conservation
Monteverde, Costa Rica
-
Tropical Ecology + Conservation
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Wake up to the sound of howler monkeys at a unique biological station, on the doorstep of the 57,000-acre Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
