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Programs : Brochure

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Academic Level: Sophomore Language(s) of Instruction: English, Other (non-English)
Housing Options: Homestay Program Model: Partner Provider
Area(s) of Study: Biological Sciences (Biology), Communication, Cross-cultural and Global Studies, Economics, Engineering Management, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marketing, Other Minimum GPA: 2.50
Open to Non-UHCL Applicants: Yes
Program Description:

Summer Sustainability + The Environment

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA

Browse Program

Program Overview

Live on the edge of the world-famous Costa Rican cloud forest in Monteverde, where you'll learn about sustainable economic development, environmental engineering, and other science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-related topics. Since the 1960s, the San Luis de Monteverde region of Costa Rica has been at the forefront of field study in environmental protection and began attracting scientists that marveled at its incredible biodiversity.

See firsthand why there is no better place than CIEE Monteverde for students to study ecology, conservation, sustainable practices, the consequences of climate change, conservation in the tropics, and more. During this summer Open Campus Block program, you can choose to spend one six-week block (or up to two) exploring ways to protect the environment and live more sustainably.

Build Your Summer Adventure
Select one or two six-week blocks at any CIEE Open Campus Block location. Stay in Monteverde for both blocks or go mobile and spend your second block in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cape Town, Copenhagen, Dublin, Kyoto, London, Madrid, Paris, Rome, Santiago, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, or Yucatan. 

Unique Experiences

LEARN FROM COSTA RICAN FARMERS

who maintain crops, improve their soils, and have high productivity with natural and climate-smart practices

 

LIVE IN A RURAL MOUNTAIN COMMUNITY

surrounded by a tropical cloud forest and friendly Costa Ricans

 

SEE UP CLOSE

advance your Spanish skills, and integrate into Costa Rican culture.

 

Read more about Monteverde

Excursions & Activities

Excursions and activities may include: 


  •  Immersing 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.  
  • Rising with the sun for birding tours or farm chores and experiencing biodiversity after the sun goes down with a guided night hike in the forest.  
  • Exploring indoor and outdoor areas with access to forest trails and gardens for recreation, self-exploration, and co-curricular activities.  
  • Optional weekend at a homestay where students can live with a local family in Monteverde and immerse themselves in Costa Rican culture. 

What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • Two-day orientation – an introduction to Costa Rica culture, your academic program, and the city, plus practical information about living in your host city
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
  • Field trips and cultural activities
  • Overnight excursions
  • 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.

Learn more

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.

Contact Us


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Summer 2025 05/05/2025 ** Rolling Admission 05/15/2025 07/10/2025

** 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.