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  • Locations: Monteverde, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: Summer
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: CIEE 
  • Restrictions: U of U applicants only
  • This program is currently not accepting applications. Click on the disk icon to save the program to your profile, join the interest list, and receive updates.
Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program. Click Save to Profile to join the interest list and receive updates.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Program Type: Affiliate Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.5
Click here for a definition of this term Housing Type(s): Apartment Click here for a definition of this term Home Campus: U of U: Utah Campus
Click here for a definition of this term Credit Type: Undergraduate Transfer Click here for a definition of this term Language(s) of Instruction: English, Spanish
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum Language Prerequisite: Advanced English Language Fluency, Check with Affiliate Click here for a definition of this term Badge Opportunities: Independent Options
Click here for a definition of this term Field of Study: Anthropology, Biology, Earth Science Composite Teaching, Environmental & Sustainability Studies, Environmental Science, Human Development & Family Studies, Humanities, International Studies, Languages & Literature, Parks, Recreation, & Tourism, University Studies Click here for a definition of this term Eligibility: Good Academic & Judicial Standing, Minimum Age: 18, OPEN to ALL Majors
Click here for a definition of this term Pre-departure Requirements: Learning Abroad 101, Pre-Departure Orientation, Participation Requirements for Learning Abroad, Post-Decision Health Assessment, Pre & Post Commitments Click here for a definition of this term Program Cost: $$$
Program Description:

Summer Tropical Ecology + Conservation

MONTEVERDE, COSTA RICA

Browse Program

Program Overview

Wake up to the sound of howler monkeys at our unique biological station, on the doorstep of the 57,000-acre Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Your classroom? Cloud forest treetops, sandy beaches, lush rain forests – all ideal for rigorous study of the incredibly diverse ecosystems of Costa Rica. Your summer adventure includes travel throughout the country, a strong boost for your Spanish language skills, a chance to carry out your own independent research project, and a satisfying taste of life in rural Costa Rica.

Unique Experiences

CAMP AND HIKE

through rain forests, dry forests, mangroves, beaches and more, as you explore protected natural areas.

PUT NEW SKILLS INTO PRACTICE

as you complete an independent research project that gives you an in-depth look at a favorite creature or plant, on a topic that fascinates you.

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL

during a three-week homestay.

Read student stories

Excursions & Activities

  • Explore a lush lowland rain forest in Corcovado National Park, where inhabitants include white-crowned parrots, two-toed sloths, coatimundi, white-faced monkeys, and more.
  • Explore a dry forest recognized for its study of regeneration in Santa Rose National Park.
  • Visit Carara National Park, near the Pacific coast, home of the country's largest groups of scarlet macaws.
  • See towering Arenal volcano. Dormant for some time, the surrounding park is home to some 850 species of birds and more.

Research

Put your skills to work on an independent research project in tropic ecology or conservation, from observation to a presentation of your findings. At every step, you'll be guided by an expert faculty advisor. Past projects have explored beetle habitats, hummingbird habits, and the prey of cane toads.
View Student Research


What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Housing
  • Meals
  • Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
  • Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
  • A two-day orientation in San José to introduce students to Spanish culture, the academic program, and surroundings, plus practical information about living in Costa Rica
  • Full-time program leadership and support in your host country
  • 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



 

WHAT IS AN AFFILIATE?

An Affiliate is a partner organization that is evaluated and approved by the University of Utah. Affiliates offer classes in both English and the host language. You may take classes with other U.S. students, international students, or students from the host country. Many affiliates provide special services such as visa support, housing, cultural excursions, and on-site staffing to help you navigate your host country.

APPLYING TO AN AFFILIATE PROGRAM

  1. Complete Learning Abroad 101. This is a short information session about programs, applications, financial aid, and scholarships. You can complete Learning Abroad 101 online.
  2. Submit your Applications. You will submit TWO Applications for this Program. These Applications can be completed at the same time.
    • U of U Application- Click Apply Now at the top of your screen to get started 
    • Affiliate Application- Click on the Homepage link above to find your Affiliate Application. Contact the Affiliate if you have questions.
  3. Commit to your U of U Application. You will receive an acceptance email to your Umail account. Log into your U of U Application and Commit to your Program within 3 business days of acceptance!
  4. Complete the Post-Decision Steps. Finish the Post-Decision steps in your U of U Application by the deadlines provided.

ACADEMICS & ACCOMMODATION

DATES & TRANSPORTATION

  • TENTATIVE dates are listed above. Compare the dates to the University of Utah academic calendar to avoid scheduling conflicts.
  • You are responsible for arranging transportation to and from the host country for most Programs.
  • Do not purchase your flight until you read the instructions in the Learning Abroad Handbook.

LEARNING ABROAD BADGES

Students enrich their time abroad by earning Learning Abroad Badges such as:
Badge Opportunities
This Program is eligible for the Badges listed in the Fact Sheet above. Some Programs offer opportunities to earn additional Learning Abroad Badges through independent options. Click here to learn more about the Global U Program.

FINANCES

  • Scholarships and Financial Aid may be available. Visit our Financial Aid and Scholarships page for more information.
  • Contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to determine if your financial aid and scholarships can be applied to your Learning Abroad program
  • Information about Program Costs, Billing timelines & Due Dates are available to help you plan. 
  • Affiliate Program Fees (non-billable) are established by the Affiliate and are in addition to any fees paid to the University of Utah. These fees are paid in lieu of University of Utah on-campus tuition and housing costs. Click on the homepage link above for more information on Affiliate fees and inclusions.
  • Read the full Withdrawal & Dismissal Penalty Policy before applying.

PROGRAM ADVISING

LEARNING ABROAD HANDBOOK

Interested in learning more about the academic, financial, and logistical aspects of our Programs? The Learning Abroad Handbook outlines the University of Utah's financial, disciplinary, administrative, academic, and logistical expectations. You’ll find videos, tips, and resources that help you make the most of your experience before, during, and after your Program.

TERMS & CONDITIONS

It is your responsibility to read, understand, and adhere to the terms and conditions of your Program. Terms and conditions are outlined in the Learning Abroad Handbook, Learning Abroad website, and in your Program Application. Terms and conditions may also be communicated to you through digital, verbal, and hard copy communication. Contact Learning Abroad with any questions or concerns.



Program Ratings:
Housing:
1 2 3 4 5
Course quality:
1 2 3 4 5
Cost value:
1 2 3 4 5
Overall experience:
1 2 3 4 5
Level of cultural immersion:
1 2 3 4
Program Reviews:
Summer 2019 Participant
It was a really awesome experience that will make me a better biologist going forward

Summer 2023 Participant
It was good, but they kinda put us in a remote campus removed from things.

Summer 2022 Participant
Nothing but amazing!


This program is currently not accepting applications. Click on the disk icon to save the program to your profile, join the interest list, and receive updates.