Wildlife Conservation
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering the incredible wildlife in Monteverde's cloud forest.
Network
Meet new friends and conservationists. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Survey animals, plants, landscapes, and conservation efforts. Discover how to make a difference back home.
The Destination
Welcome to Monteverde, a Central American oasis brimming with diverse wildlife and plant species.
High in the mountains, Monteverde’s lush cloud forest is shaped by colliding moist trade winds from the Caribbean and dry breezes from the Pacific, creating a cool, misty environment that supports incredible biodiversity and rare wildlife high in the treetops. Here, hundreds of mammals, tropical birds, butterflies and orchids thrive. Acknowledging the importance of preserving its natural beauty, Costa Rica has made significant conservation efforts, protecting nearly 30% of its land and pledging to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Beyond its impressive biodiversity and commitment to sustainability, experience Costa Rica’s culture of pura vida or “pure life”, a phrase that embodies the local attitude of enjoying life to the fullest and embracing positivity. Stroll across hanging bridges or visit local shops in downtown Santa Elena. Eat gallo pinto for breakfast, a hearty dish of rice and beans and savor sweet treats like flan de coco, a creamy custard topped with shredded coconut. Experience it all for yourself!
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Sample Activities
Just Imagine all the fun you'll have!
- Hike the lush trails of the Bajo del Tigre natural preserve, a dry tropical forest that’s one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth and home to 450 species of birds.
- Tube, swim and go on safari at Ponderosa Adventure Park, where you’ll spot grazing giraffes and zebras.
- Soar above the misty treetops while ziplining over the beautiful Monteverde Cloud Forest and try to spot exciting wildlife, such as twotoed sloths and resplendent quetzals, a colorful tropical bird considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
- Venture out on a night hike to observe nocturnal animals like owls and kinkajous. Over 80% of Costa Rica’s mammals are nocturnal, so under the cover of darkness is the best time to spot the jungle’s residents.
- Soak in the mineralrich hot springs in Guachipelín, a town nestled in the foothills of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano.
Why Go Abroad in High School to Explore STEM Careers?
Here's something you might not know: STEM students are the least likely to get to study abroad during college. With tightly packed schedules and tons of required courses, STEM majors... keep reading
7 Things to Know About High School Summer Abroad Housing
High school summer abroad is not just about teens exploring a topic in an exciting location. It’s also about finding a temporary home away from home. Read the 7 things you should know about our housing options.
How to Apply for Your First Passport
Prepare early for your study abroad adventure and apply for your first passport. Here’s how!
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
Important note on physical activities: This program involves engaging in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!
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 protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $6,150 |
| Total Fees | $6,150 |
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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 protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $6,150 |
| Total Fees | $6,150 |
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.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Pablo Allen
Center Director
Pablo is a native Costa Rican, born and raised in San José. He is an evolutionary ecologist interested in sexual selection, animal weapons, and phenotypic plasticity. Since rejoining CIEE in...
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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