Information for term Tropical Ecology + Conservation
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenExplore 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.
Follow our Travels:
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EXPLORE BEYOND MONTEVERDE
when you visit Costa Rica’s mangroves, lowland rainforest, dry forest, and other fascinating natural habitats.
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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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BE ENCHANTED AND INSPIRED
when you hike under the dripping boughs of the cloud forest and observe colorful plants and animals.
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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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Your 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
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.
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 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.
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Meals
All students receive three meals per day. Accommodation for vegan and vegetarian diets is possible.
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 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
Click to OpenCourse 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
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 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
- 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 2023 16 weeks | Deadline Passed | Aug 14, 2023 | Dec 2, 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 = $16,653 ** 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 |
| Spring 2024 16 weeks | Nov 1, 2023 | Jan 22, 2024 | May 11, 2024 |
$19,950
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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 = $16,456 ** Housing = $3,000 *** Insurance = $194 Total Fees = $19,950Estimated CostsStudents 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 = $980Financial 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 |
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. -
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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