Climate Change Mitigation
Summer '25 Applications Open
The Take-Aways
Real-World Experience
Document climate-related changes on ecology and society, investigate climate mitigation and adaptation strategies, and propose solutions to local and global climate change challenges. Come home ready to start carbon-smart initiatives in your community.
Credentials for Your Future
Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a portfolio of work to showcase your ideas to mitigate climate change, and service-learning hours documenting your engagement with the community.
Life Skills and New Friendships
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.
45
Hours of Expert Instruction
12
Hours of Service Learning in the Community
1
Life-Changing Experience
The Destination
Welcome to Costa Rica, renowned for its biodiversity and leadership in environmental sustainability.
Costa Rica is a small Central American country (roughly the size of West Virginia), but it has lofty ambitions: It wants to become the world’s first carbon-neutral country. And why not? In 1990, it became the first tropical nation to reverse deforestation and since last year, its electric grid runs on 100% renewable energy. People around the world hold this tiny country in admiration, as an example of what can be accomplished when people unite behind climate change mitigation.
Another remarkable fact about Costa Rica is that it covers only 0.03% of the planet’s surface but it contains over 5% of the world’s total species. Plants and animals are literally crammed in this beautiful country, making it one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. In Monteverde, which is nestled in Costa Rica’s northwestern mountains, monkeys, quetzals, sloths, and orchids are readily on display. This misty cloud forest, which will be your home for 3 weeks, is the perfect place for biodiversity, sustainability, and scientific discovery.
Cultural Awareness
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.
Weekly Learning Goals
Take a Tour of CIEE's Monteverde Campus
Just Imagine All the Fun You’ll Have!
- Tube over rapids down a gushing river in the Poderosa Adventure Park. Exhilarating and 100% carefree!
- Stay silent on night hikes around the eco-campus to spot frogs and insects—the creepy crawlies and the fantastic flyers that come alive once it gets dark.
- Get your hands dirty prepping beds and collecting scraps for composting in the community garden.
- Trek through narrow paths and across suspension bridges to El Tigre waterfalls. Take a cold swim, if you dare, and ride home on horseback.
- Fly above the forest canopy on a zipline and see breathtaking views. You might catch a glimpse of sloths, howler monkeys, toucanets, and more!
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.
A Colorful Finale
For our last blog post, the incredible Rama Mansour crafted a fantastic summary of our final few days. Great job Rama! The last few days here in Monteverde have been... keep reading
Unexpected Communication
This blog was written by Izaiah Smith. Izaiah is a global navigator that is flexible and is always up for a challenge. Whether that is learning Spanish or meeting new... keep reading
Tubing in Liberia!
Once again, one of our amazing Global Navigators took over the blog posting honor! Kayla Williams created a fantastic update from our weekend in Liberia. Here is what she had... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.
This program involves engaging in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities, such as hiking, and extended observational time outdoors.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us!
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $4,950 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $4,950 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
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...
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