Information for term Tropical Ecology + Conservation
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
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Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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EXPLORE BEYOND MONTEVERDE WITH TWO EXTENSIVE TRIPS
including visits to Costa Rica’s mangroves, lowland rainforest, dry forest, turtle nesting beaches and many others, including the coral reefs of Panama’s Bocas del Toro Islands.
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JOIN A SPANISH-SPEAKING FAMILY FOR A MONTH
and fast-forward your language skills as you learn about native culture.
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PUT NEW SKILLS INTO PRACTICE
as you complete an independent research project that gives you an in-depth look at local flora or fauna.
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species of plants and trees in Monteverde Preserve
3,021 -
national parks in Costa Rica
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species of frogs and toads
146
Location & Culture
Click to OpenThe Culture
EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES
- Explore Corcovado National Park’s Pacific Lowland Rainforest and neighboring Caño Island, looking for dolphins and whales along the way
- Observe nesting turtles on Atlantic-slope beaches
- Discover the astonishing diversity of coral reefs in Panama’s Bocas del Toro
- Explore a dry forest recognized for its study of regeneration in Santa Rosa National Park
- See how local coffee farms, livestock, and butterfly gardens add to Monteverde’s vibrant landscape
- Camp, hike, snorkel, boat, and swim while comparing Atlantic and Pacific slope habitats
- Hike above the treeline to explore endemic species and amazing views in Costa Rica’s paramo
- Discover local foods and customs in the town of Monteverde
RESEARCH
Put your skills to work on an independent research project in tropical ecology or conservation, from observation to data collection and then to a presentation of your findings. At every step, you’ll be guided by an expert faculty advisor. Past projects have explored beetle habitats, hummingbird behavior, the prey of cane toads, orchids and their pollinators, and much more.
Program Blogs
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Daily Life
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Biological Station
For two months, students live next to the cloud forest at the Monteverde Biological Station where they attend classes and sleep four to a room. Rooms have bunkbeds, a private bath, and hot showers. All meals are provided – family-style. Two teaching assistants are stationed here for guidance and academics, and other staff members plan activities and keep students informed of community events.
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Homestay
Homestays: A one-month homestay with a Spanish-speaking family in Monteverde, Cerro Plano, Santa Elena, or another nearby town, makes it easy to immerse yourself in local language and culture. During a homestay, students are provided with three meals a day.
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Field lodging
Field lodging: Students camp or stay in cabins when they take field trips with instructors.
Monteverde, Costa Rica Where You'll Study
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A
CIEE MONTEVERDE
Monteverde
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B
CENTRO PANAMERICANO DE IDIOMAS
A Spanish-language school
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C
Getting Around
Students either walk or pay for transport by taxi.
Academics
Click to OpenAcademics
This demanding program is designed for energetic, outdoorsy students who are committed to fully immersing in academics, nature, and local culture. Tropical Ecology and Conservation is for students who are studying biology and related fields. Students learn about tropical ecology and conservation through rigorous work in the classroom and field, including two extensive trips and an independent research project. Work is complimented with a homestay and Spanish language study.
Courses are taught by biology professors from universities in Costa Rica and the United States who hold degrees in ecology and have extensive tropical experience. Guest lectures include resident and visiting biologists. Spanish is taught by instructors from Centro Panamericano de Idiomas.
GPA
2.5
Language Prerequisites
There are no specific language requirements for this program.
Additional Requirements
Two semesters of college-level biology.
Recommendations
One semester of college-level ecology or environmental science is recommended. Some college-level Spanish is 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
All students on the program take 5 required courses.
- 3 CIEE biology and ecology courses
- 1 Spanish language course at one of nine levels
- 1 Independent Research course
Program Credit
Total credit: 17 U.S. semester/25.5 quarter credits
Course Credit
- CIEE Biology and Ecology courses: 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits and 60 contact hours per course, unless otherwise noted
- CIEE Spanish language courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact 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
Students learn with other CIEE participants in small, dynamic groups. Learning happens primarily through experience, with plenty of field work, excursions, and small group work.
Class Format
Classes in this rigorous program run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The schedule for fall runs from late August to the end of November. The schedule for spring runs from early February to mid-May.
Grading
Students are graded with standard A-F letter grades based on midterm and final exams, quizzes, field practicals, written reports from field experiments, and participation. Independent study grades are based upon a proposal, manuscript, and symposium presentation.
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
Spanish and English
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 OpenBiological and Physical Sciences
Languages and Cultural Studies
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 Global Institutes and 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
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- 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 14 weeks | May 1, 2021 | Aug 22, 2021* | Nov 30, 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* |
*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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Branko Hilje, PhD
Ecology Instructor
Branko Hilje is a Costa Rican trained in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences who has conducted research on the wildlife responses to human impacts on the landscape.
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Johel Chaves
Ecology Instructor
Johel Chaves is a Costa Rican ecologist and bird specialist. He earned a B.A. and MSc from the University of Costa Rica, and his Ph.D. from Purdue University.
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! -
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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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