Information for term Tropical Ecology + Conservation
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenExplore the biodiversity in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest Reserve, beaches, waterfalls, and more – all while building on your Spanish language skills. Take courses on tropical ecology, and a Spanish language course appropriate to your skills at CIEE– Monteverde. Work on an independent research project in tropical ecology or conservation, from observation and data collection to a presentation of your findings. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursion to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement
CIEE is requiring all participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before traveling on programs. Read more ›
Follow our Travels:
Unique Experiences
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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
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species of frogs and toads
146
Location & Culture
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Your Destination
Monteverde is a small, international community, nestled along the edge of the cloud forest in the Tilarán Mountains. Drawn to the area’s spectacular beauty and opportunities to see quetzals and monkeys, tourists now contribute the principal revenues to the zone, although coffee plantations and dairy farms still dot the landscape. This area is famous as an epicenter for grassroots conservation and private reserves, and the community is emerging as the vanguard of innovation for Costa Rica’s carbon neutrality program.
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
- Immerse yourself in the steamy jungle of Lowland Rainforest
- 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 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
Whether on or off-campus students live in dormitories surrounded by the Cloud Forest with other CIEE students and less than 10 minutes walking from the classrooms. Students live in double, triple, or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students of their same cohort with en-suite bathrooms, shared desks, and closets. Indoor and outdoor areas for recreation and study, with access to forest trails and gardens.
Homestay (1 or 2 weekends): students live with a Spanish-speaking family and get immersed in the Monteverde culture. Each student has an individual room and laundry if necessary. -
Meals
Three simple, but hearty meals are provided daily.
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Field lodging
Students are provided with breakfast, hot lunch (pack lunches on weekends), and dinner.
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.
There is a wet laboratory, an 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
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 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.
Academic Culture
With a full schedule every day, students have little or no opportunity for independent travel or activities. The program is demanding – and highly rewarding. Fall Schedule: mid-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. Spanish language learning begins online and fills the first 2 weeks of the program. In-person Spanish instruction continues once on-site for a short period. 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 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 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. For Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, Spanish language classes will be taught in an intensive online format during the first 2 weeks of the program, prior to arrival in Costa Rica. Participants should be attentive to the scheduling of the placement tests and the online class schedule, all of which will be communicated well in advance of the program start date.
Fall 2022 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 2022 16 weeks | Jun 1, 2022 | Aug 15, 2022 | Dec 3, 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 = $15,936 ** Housing = $2,420 *** Insurance = $194 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, if required |
| Spring 2023 16 weeks | Nov 1, 2022 | Jan 23, 2023 | May 13, 2023 |
$18,850
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 = $16,683 ** Housing = $1,700 *** 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 Total Estimated Costs = $1,120Financial 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.
Academic/Center Director
Pablo earned a BSc. and MSc. in Biology from the University of Costa Rica, and earned a PhD. in Entomology from the University of Florida.
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Branko Hilje, Ph.D.
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.
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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