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Costa Rica: CIEE Tropical Ecology + Conservation in Monteverde (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Monteverde, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: CIEE 
  • The application cycle for permission to study abroad will open in early October.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Language of instruction: English, Spanish Housing Options: Apartment (shared), Homestay
Click here for a definition of this term Available Areas of Study: Agriculture, Biology, Botany, Caribbean Studies, Developmental Sciences, Earth Science, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Foresty, Geography, Humanities, Independent Study, Linguistics, Marine Science, Sciences, Spanish Program Type: study abroad
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, 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.

Unique Experiences

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.

Read more about Monteverde

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.

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

Questions?

Our highly experienced staff have extensive knowledge of all CIEE programs and services. If you are a student with questions about completing your application, or you want to sign up to receive program updates and news, our staff are happy to help.

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Mental Health & Wellness Resources


To ensure a successful study abroad experience, it is important to research the mental health and wellness resources provided by the study abroad program to determine if they offer appropriate support for your particular needs.

CIEE provides 24/7 Emergency Support (1-800-407-8839) for its participating students and publishes health alerts for all programs on their website. 

We urge you to explore these resources via the links that CIEE has provided below to determine if your needs will be met.
 
 

Requirements for Vassar Students

Vassar students must have completed one year of college-level Spanish or the equivalent in order to apply. Students are expected to enroll in a Spanish language course at the appropriate level while studying with CIEE.

Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program.

The application cycle for permission to study abroad will open in early October.