Monteverde, Costa Rica

Tropical Ecology + Conservation

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Information for term Tropical Ecology + Conservation

Application deadline, and cost information.

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Dates: Aug 14 – Dec 2, 2023 (16 weeks)
  • Credit: 17 semester hours / 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

November 1, 2023
weeks
days
hours

Program Deadlines and Pricing Info

  • Deadline: November 1, 2023
  • Dates: Jan 22 – May 11, 2024 (16 weeks)
  • Credit: 17 semester hours / 25.5 quarter hours
  • Eligibility: 2.5 Overall GPA

Overview

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Explore the high biodiversity of the tropical cloud forest of Monteverde, where conservation initiatives, environmental education, ecotourism, and the local community live together to preserve this unique place threatened by climate change. Students interested in environmental and natural sciences will learn valuable skills through hands-on experience courses. The high biodiversity of the tropics comes with the ecological processes that shape tropical communities and affect how human activities harm the environment. Students also have the opportunity to learn Spanish and interact with the local community in their native language. During the last weeks of the program, students carry out independent research projects where they apply the knowledge gained through the program courses. 

  • EXPLORE BEYOND MONTEVERDE

    when you visit Costa Rica’s mangroves, lowland rainforest, dry forest, and other fascinating natural habitats.

  • PUT NEW SKILLS INTO PRACTICE

    as you complete an independent research project that gives you an in-depth look at local flora or fauna.

  • BE ENCHANTED AND INSPIRED

    when you hike under the dripping boughs of the cloud forest and observe colorful plants and animals.

  • species of plants and trees in Monteverde Preserve

    3,021
  • national parks in Costa Rica

    26
  • species of frogs and toads

    146

Location & Culture

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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

Excursions and activities may include:

  • Immerse yourself in the steamy jungle of the Lowland Rainforest. 
  • Natural destinations, such as national parks or reserves to experience Costa Rica’s biodiversity and natural beauty. 
  • See how local coffee farms, livestock, and butterfly gardens add to Monteverde’s vibrant landscape. 
  • Discover local foods and customs in the town of Monteverde. 
  • Optional weekend at a homestay where students can live with a local family in Monteverde and immerse themselves in the Costa Rican culture.  

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 will 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.

View Student Research

Program Blogs

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Program Blogs

Daily Life

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  • Housing

    Dorms: whether on or off-campus students live in dormitories surrounded by the Cloud Forest with other CIEE students in double, triple, or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students. Rooms have shared ensuite bathrooms, shared desks, and shared closets.

  • Meals

    All students receive three meals per day. Accommodation for vegan and vegetarian diets is possible. 

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Where You'll Study

  • A

    CIEE MONTEVERDE

    where some classes and laboratories are held and where some students are housed

  • B

    MONTEVERDE BIOLOGICAL STATION

    where some classes and laboratories are held and where some students are housed

  • C

    Getting Around

    CIEE Monteverde provides transportation to town once or twice a week or students may take a taxi.

What People are Saying

  • "it was an amazing experience that I don't think many people at my school know about it was great for people interested in academics, adventure, community, nature"

    Elizabeth H., Macalester College
  • "I would 100 percent tell everyone to do this program. It is amazing and so hands on and honestly the best experience of my life."

    April M., Hobart and William Smith College
  • "I felt CIEE did a very good job responding well to pandemic restrictions and safety while still maintaining many parts of the normal study abroad experience. I also appreciate the fact that they employ all or mostly academics, program cooridinators, and staff from the country of study."

    Sylvie M., Indiana University-Bloomington

Academics

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Academics

This program is designed for students interested in learning about tropical ecology and conservation through rigorous work in the classroom and field, including field trips and an independent research project. Work is complimented with optional weekend homestays 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 experience in tropical ecology. Guest lectures by resident and visiting biologists enhance the learning process. 

There is a wet laboratory, an herbarium, and organic gardens to support a wide array of STEM studies and research opportunities. An extensive trail system through forests 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

Two semesters of college-level biology.

Recommendations

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.  

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 participants take 5 required courses: 

  • 3 CIEE biology and ecology courses  
  • 1 Spanish language course at the appropriate level  
  • 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.  

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

The program is highly rewarding. Fall Schedule: mid-August to early December. Spring Schedule: Late January to mid-May.  

Class Format

Students learn with other CIEE participants in small, dynamic groups, taking five classes that are required for this program. 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 typically held Monday through Friday and are for CIEE participants only. Instruction is supported and augmented online by Canvas, our e-learning management tool.  

Grading

Participants are graded with standard A-F letter grades based on midterm and final exams, quizzes, field practicum, written reports from field experiments, and participation. Independent study grades are based on a proposal, manuscript, and symposium presentation. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites and participants are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. 

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

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Course Information

Spanish Language classes
All students take a Spanish Language class, at an appropriate level (as determined by a placement evaluation) from the list below. Participants should be attentive to the scheduling of the placement tests which will be communicated well in advance of the program start date.

Fall 2023 CIEE Courses

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Biological and Physical Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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

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Scholarships & 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
  • 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 info

Dates & Fees

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Dates & 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 2023 16 weeks Deadline Passed Aug 14, 2023 Dec 2, 2023
$18,850
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Program Fees

CIEE 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 = $18,850

Estimated Costs

Students 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 = $1,200

Financial Aid

CIEE 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.

See Scholarships

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

Spring 2024 16 weeks Nov 1, 2023 Jan 22, 2024 May 11, 2024
$19,950
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Program Fees

CIEE 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 = $16,456 **

Housing = $3,000 ***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,950

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee = $0

International Airfare = $650

Local Transportation = $100

Personal expenses = $230

Total Estimated Costs = $980

Financial Aid

CIEE 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.

See Scholarships

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

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.

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What's Included

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What's Included

Tuition
Housing
Meals
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext and a local liability insurance
24/7 emergency on-site support

Our Staff

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Get Started

Here's what you need to do to take the next steps:
  • 1

    START AN APPLICATION
    You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience! 

    Apply Now
  • 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. 

  • 3

    Contact Us

    Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.