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CIEE Tropical Ecology and Conservation in Monteverde, Costa Rica (Provider / Exchange Programs Program)

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  • Locations: Monetverde, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: CIEE 
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 10/15/2024 10/15/2024 TBA TBA
Fall 2025 04/15/2025 ** Rolling Admission TBA TBA

** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2- Sophomore Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English, Spanish
Housing Options: Apartment/Flat, Homestay Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5
Well Suited For: Biology, Environmental Studies, Geography, International Studies, Psychology, Spanish
Program Description:

Tropical Ecology + Conservation

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA

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Program Overview

Explore the biodiversity in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest Reserve, beaches, waterfalls, coral reefs, 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 Global Institute – 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 excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.

Unique Experiences

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.

JOIN A SPANISH-SPEAKING FAMILY FOR A MONTH

and fast-forward your language skills as you learn about native culture.

PUT NEW SKILLS INTO PRACTICE

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

Read student stories

Excursions & Activities

  • Explore Corcovado National Park’s Pacific Lowland Rainforest and neighboring Caño Island, looking for dolphins and whales along the way
  • Study nesting turtles in Tortuguero National Park
  • 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, cheese factories, 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.

View Student Research

What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • A two-day orientation in San José to introduce students to Spanish culture, the academic program, and surroundings, plus practical information about living in Costa Rica
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host country
  • Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
  • Excursions and/or Study Tours
  • Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext
  • 24/7 emergency on-site support

1 out of 3 CIEE students receives a scholarship - get yours!

GAIN Travel Grants - up to $2,000 toward travel costs guaranteed to all Pell-elgible students.

Gilman Go Global Grants - $2,500/semester and $1,000/summer, guaranteed to all Gilman applications.

Merit-Based Scholarships - $2,500/semester and $750/summer, awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Minority Serving Institutions (MIS) Grant - $2,000/semester and $500/summer, guaranteed to all students attending MSIs.

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Why CIEE

  • 200+ study abroad programs in 40+ countries
  • $8 million in scholarships offered each year
  • 1 in 3 students receives a scholarship
  • Study tours and cultural activities included
  • Internships and volunteering opportunities
  • Rigorous academics
  • Cultural immersion
  • iNext travel insurance included

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