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Locations: Monteverde, Costa Rica
Program Terms: Summer
Homepage: Click to visit
Program Sponsor: CIEE

Fact Sheet:

Fact Sheet:
Academic Level:	Sophomore	Language(s) of Instruction:	English, Other (non-English)
Housing Options:	Apartment	Program Model:	Partner Provider
Area(s) of Study:	Biological Sciences (Biology), Cross-cultural and Global Studies, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematical Sciences, Other, Professional Writing, Statistics	Minimum GPA:	2.50
Open to Non-UHCL Applicants:	Yes

Program Description:

Summer Tropical Ecology + Conservation

Monteverde, Costa Rica

Visit CIEE's Program Page

Program Overview

Your Summer Tropical Ecology + Conservation program in Monteverde places you in one of the world's most biodiverse environments, where lush rainforest landscapes and conservation efforts shape everyday learning. You'll enroll in three CIEE courses, including two biology courses and independent research. Learning is extended through co-curricular and extracurricular activities, including immersive multi-day excursions exploring ecosystems such as the cloud forest, lowland tropical rainforest, and mangrove habitats, offering hands-on insight into Costa Rica's environmental diversity. Monteverde's cloud forests, incredible biodiversity, and strong environmental focus create an ideal setting for an engaging and transformative study abroad experience.

Unique Experiences

Explore beyond Monteverde

when you visit Costa Rica's 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

Visit the Cloud Forest

where mosses and orchids dripping with mist decorate the boughs of gnarly trees

Learn More About Monteverde

Your Destination

Monteverde is Costa Rica's renowned ecological haven, celebrated for its rich biodiversity, pioneering conservation efforts, and commitment to sustainability. The town seamlessly integrates scientific research with eco-tourism, featuring iconic landmarks like the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, the Butterfly Gardens, and the stunning hanging bridges. With a tropical highland climate, diverse ecosystems, and a strong emphasis on reforestation and renewable energy, Monteverde is the perfect place to study abroad.

Housing

CIEE Monteverde students live in on-campus residence halls surrounded by the Cloud Forest in triple or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students.?Rooms have shared or ensuite bathrooms, shared desks,?and shared closets.

View CIEE's program page for additional housing information.

Program Highlights

Academic Courses: Enroll in CIEE courses related to tropical ecology and conservation in the heart of the rainforest.
Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit independent research project that brings your classroom studies to life.
Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience.
Experiential Ecological Exploration: Multi-day educational excursions across diverse ecosystems, offering firsthand insight into Costa Rica's rich environmental landscapes.

Activities

CIEE's excursions and cultural activities in Monteverde will open doors for you to explore Costa Rica's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.?

Samples of past excursions and activities:

Immerse yourself in overnight experiences in the lush, tropical lowland rainforest of Costa Rica's Caribbean region
Spend a few days at natural destinations and biological reserves around the country to experience Costa Rica's biodiversity and natural beauty
Rise with the sun for birding tours or farm chores and experiencing biodiversity after the sun goes down with a guided night hike

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.

Academics

CIEE Monteverde:?Study in the beautiful town of San Luis in Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province, surrounded by lush forests and beautiful coffee farms. CIEE Monteverde is fully equipped with three classrooms, a student lounge, a library, a student life office, and an academic advising office.?

View CIEE's program page for additional academic information, eligibility requirements, and courses.

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

GAIN Travel Grants - Up to $1,500 toward travel costs guaranteed to students with a FAFSA SAI of $10,000 or less. Higher should still apply!

Gilman Go Global Grants - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $1,000 guaranteed to Benjamin A Gilman International Scholarship applicants.

Merit-Based Scholarships - Up to $2,500/semester, $1,500/quarter, and $750/summer awarded to students deomonstrating high academic achievement.

Learn More About Scholarships

What's Included

Tuition
Housing
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation – an introduction to your academic program, plus practical information about living in your host city
Full-time program leadership and support in your host city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Insurance and other travel benefits, with CIEE iNext Travel Protection
24/7 emergency on-site support

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 Protection 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.

Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program.