CIEE Summer Tropical Ecology and Conservation Program in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Location: Costa Rica: Monteverde

Term: Summer

Dates: 8 weeks: mid-June-mid-August

http://www.ciee.org

300 Fore Street Portland, ME 04101 United States

Call Us

Phone: 207-533-4000;
Toll-free: 800.40.STUDY

Fax: 207-553-5000

Description

The summer Tropical Ecology and Conservation study abroad program in Monteverde, Costa Rica is designed for students with biology-related majors who have completed at least one semester of college-level biology plus one additional semester of college-level biology, ecology or environmental science and who seek intensive, sophisticated tropical field and science course work in Costa Rica from both theoretical and taxonomic perspectives. All courses are taught in English.

Academic Program
Established in 1989, the CIEE summer program in Monteverde was developed to fulfill several goals. The first is to introduce students to all aspects of tropical biology and ecology, including forestry, entomology, and environmental sciences. The second is to allow students to pursue a specific interest in tropical biology and ecology through independent research. Finally, the program gives participants an opportunity to study the language and culture of Costa Rica and enhance their Spanish language skills.

Academic Culture
The small, rigorous courses with a biological focus (taught in English) are offered for CIEE students only and contain extensive experiential components. The required courses combine classroom-based academics with broad practical experience. Professors prepare the students in the classroom and accompany students on field trips.

Given the number of projects and visits required for these courses, students should expect an intense, yet rewarding summer. With its setting in the natural classroom of the forest, the program provides a unique experience that integrates classwork, field study, lab work, and observation.

Highlights

  • Camp and hike in some of Costa Rica's most amazing protected areas, including rain forest, dry forest, mangroves, beaches, and more
  • Live in Monteverde, an internationally recognized area of research and natural beauty, and home to a world famous Cloud Forest
  • Gain research experience conducting your own independent project
  • Experience rural Costa Rica through a homestay with a local family
  • Enjoy cultural activities in the town of Monteverde
Culture
Cultural Activities and Field Trips
Students have the opportunity to explore ecosystems outside of the Monteverde region, including the Santa Rosa National Park, a Tropical Dry Forest known as a center for the study of regeneration. The park is also a sanctuary for the endangered Pacific Ridley sea turtle. Other sites visited during this trip include the Corcovado National Park, a lush rainforest that serves as home to such birds as the chestnut-backed antbird and the white-crowned parrot, as well as to the two-toed sloth, coatimundi, howler, and white-faced monkey. In addition, students visit Carara Rincon de la Vieja National Park, which has an active volcano, as well as other places of biological interest.

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Cost in US$:

Please check the CIEE website for current program pricing.

Cost Includes:

Cost Include Description:

The CIEE fee includes tuition, housing, all meals, transportation to and from the biological station in the cloud forest, optional on-site airport meet and greet, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, field trips, national park entry fees, lab and scientific equipment fees, outdoor camping equipment, field house lab access, pre-departure advising, and a CIEE iNext travel card which provides insurance and other travel benefits.

Credit Available

no

Experience Required

yes

  • Overall GPA 2.75
  • 1 semester of college-level biology
  • 1 additional semester of college-level biology, ecology, or environmental science recommended
  • Some college-level Spanish recommended
This Program is open to

Worldwide Participant.

Typical Living Arrangements
  • Group living
  • Home-stays
  • Other

Participants Travel to Costa Rica

Independently

Application Process Involves
  • Letters of Reference
  • Transcript
  • Written Application
  • Other
CIEE's Mission Statement

Since 1947, the Council on International Educational Exchange, known as CIEE, has been in pursuit of its mission, "to help people gain understanding, acquire knowledge, and develop skills for living in a globally interdependent and culturally diverse world. Our services to young people studying, working, teaching, and traveling abroad are more important than ever.

Year Founded

1947

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