Tropical Ecology + Conservation
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.
3,021
SPECIES OF PLANTS AND TREES IN MONTEVERDE PRESERVE
26
NATIONAL PARKS IN COSTA RICA
146
SPECIES OF FROGS AND TOADS
Your Destination
Located in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, Monteverde lies along the continental divide at the crest of the Cordillera de Tilarán mountain chain, which is blanketed by a cool, wet cloud forest extending down into the Atlantic lowlands. The cloud forest provides a striking contrast to the deciduous forest on the Pacific side.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve was founded in 1972 to protect the entire ridge above Monteverde and down into the Peñas Blancas Valley. As a result of its unique history and geography, Monteverde is a stunning home to exotic flora, fauna, and wildlife and sustainability projects including agriculture, energy production, water conservation, forest management, and biodiversity conservation.
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Monteverde.
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
Excursions and activities may include:
- Immerse 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.
- See how local coffee farms, livestock, and butterfly gardens add to Monteverde’s vibrant landscape.
- Discover local foods and customs in the town of Monteverde.
- Optional weekend at a homestay where students can live with a local family in Monteverde and immerse themselves in the Costa Rican culture.
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.
Program Blogs
CIEE Monteverde Campus Used in Insect and Light Research Study
Have you ever wondered why insects are drawn to artificial light? From campfires to porch lightbulbs, moths and other insects appear to congregate around these sources of light as soon... keep reading
Our program through the eyes of a Student
Our Summer student Maddie Beale from the State University of New York at Fedonia wrote a blog about how she found us, the process of choosing our program and the... keep reading
Independent Research Projects: Part I
The Tropical Ecology & Conservation students are working on their independent projects right now, many different ecology topics are being cover that involve both field and lab work. From Leaf-cutting... keep reading
Housing & Meals
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.
Standard Housing: Includes a shared room with bunkbeds (occupancy: three to four students) on campus located under 15 minutes from the main campus area, where the dining hall and classrooms are located.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.
Meals
All students receive three meals per day. Accommodations for vegan and vegetarian diets are available.
Academics
This program is designed for students interested in learning about tropical ecology and conservation through rigorous work in the classroom and field, including field trips and an independent research project. Work is complimented with optional weekend homestays and Spanish language study. Courses are taught by biology professors from universities in Costa Rica and the United States who hold degrees in ecology and have extensive experience in tropical ecology. Guest lectures by resident and visiting biologists enhance the learning process.
There is a wet laboratory, an herbarium, and organic gardens to support a wide array of STEM studies and research opportunities. An extensive trail system through forests and fields, links classrooms to a bota
Course Information
Spanish Language classes
All students take a Spanish Language class, at an appropriate level (as determined by a placement evaluation) from the list below. Participants should be attentive to the scheduling of the placement tests which will be communicated well in advance of the program start date.
Biological and Physical Sciences
Languages and Cultural Studies
Biological and Physical Sciences
Languages and Cultural Studies
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarships
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- Stohl International Undergraduate Research Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Fall 25 or Spring 26 Leading Change in Latin America Student Scholarship
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2025 16 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,950 |
| Program Fall 2025 16 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,950 | |
| Program Fall 2024 16 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,950 |
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $15,956**
Housing = $3,500***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $19,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Meals not included in program fee = $0
International Airfare = $700†
Local Transportation = $200
Personal expenses = $230††
Total Costs = $1,130Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $15,956**
Housing = $3,500***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $19,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
International Airfare = $700†
Local Transportation = $200
Personal expenses = $230††
Total Costs = $1,130Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Participation Confirmation = $300*
Educational Costs = $16,456**
Housing = $3,000***
Insurance = $194
Total Fees = $19,950Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
International Airfare = $650†
Local Transportation = $100
Personal expenses = $230††
Other = $100†††
Total Costs = $1,080Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
Select Plus Housing Fee = $1,500
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***includes all meals. Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
†††Covid test fees for entry to the US, if required
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Meals
Our Staff
Pablo Allen
Center Director
Pablo is a native Costa Rican, born and raised in San José. He is an an evolutionary ecologist interested in sexual selection, animal weapons, and phenotypic plasticity. Since rejoining CIEE...
Jessica Arias
Academic Director
Jessica has a PhD on Agricultural Science from the University of Costa Rica. She earned a BSc. in Ecotourism and an MSc. in Sustainable Development, with a concentration in Conservation of...
Jose Carlos Calderon
Student Life Manager
"Moncho" earned his BSc in Biology at the University of Costa Rica with a specialization in bats. He has worked for CIEE Monteverde for over 10 years as Assistant Instructor...
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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