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CIEE Tropical Ecology and Conservation in Monteverde, Costa Rica
(Outgoing Program)
Explore the biodiversity in Monteverde’s Cloud Forest Reserve, beaches, waterfalls, coral reefs, and more – all while building on your Spanish language skills. Take courses on tropical ecology, and a Spanish language course appropriate to your skills at CIEE Global Institute – Monteverde. Work on an independent research project in tropical ecology or conservation, from observation and data collection to a presentation of your findings. All courses are complemented with CIEE co-curricular activities and excursions beyond the city to enhance classroom learning and provide intercultural understanding.
Unique Experiences
EXPLORE BEYOND MONTEVERDE WITH TWO EXTENSIVE TRIPS
including visits to Costa Rica’s mangroves, lowland rainforest, dry forest, turtle nesting beaches and many others, including the coral reefs of Panama’s Bocas del Toro Islands.
JOIN A SPANISH-SPEAKING FAMILY FOR A MONTH
and fast-forward your language skills as you learn about native culture.
PUT NEW SKILLS INTO PRACTICE
as you complete an independent research project that gives you an in-depth look at local flora or fauna.
Explore Corcovado National Park’s Pacific Lowland Rainforest and neighboring Caño Island, looking for dolphins and whales along the way
Study nesting turtles in Tortuguero National Park
Discover the astonishing diversity of coral reefs in Panama's Bocas del Toro
Explore a dry forest recognized for its study of regeneration in Santa Rosa National Park
See how local coffee farms, cheese factories, and butterfly gardens add to Monteverde's vibrant landscape
Camp, hike, snorkel, boat and swim while comparing Atlantic and Pacific slope habitats
Hike above the treeline to explore endemic species and amazing views in Costa Rica's paramo
Discover local foods and customs in the town of Monteverde
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’ll 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.
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
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
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.
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.
All coursework is recorded as TCU residency credit (not transfer credit), meaning it may be approved for TCU academic requirements, and grades earned will be included the TCU GPA. Your program will provide a grade conversion indicating how the grades from abroad will be converted to the TCU scale.
You will work through the credit approval process with your academic advisors and dean to determine how the coursework abroad will apply to your degree plan (i.e., for major, minor, core, or upper level elective requirements). You should have a minimum of 10 – 12 courses pre-approved for semester-long programs.
While abroad, you will remain a currently enrolled, degree-seeking student at TCU. Semester students typically earn 12 – 18 credit hours.
TCU bills tuition and program fee to your TCU student account.
TCU Tuition:
Fall 2024: $30,825 **This does not include the Neeley Tuition differential**
(students pay TCU tuition, not CIEE tuition)
Program Fee:
Fall 2024: $3,600
Note that this fee includes CIEE housing and insurance fees, plus a TCU graduation sash. It may or may not include meals or other items. Consult the program-specific CIEE page for program fee breakdowns and exact fees.
Additional Expenses:
For airfare, visa fees, meals, books, personal spending money and other outside expenses not included in the program fee. Individual budgets are highly variable. Consult the program-specific CIEE page for program fee breakdowns and exact fees.
Study abroad scholarships and aid will be rescinded and cannot be used towards penalty amounts.
If TCU must cancel the program, the program fee (including deposit) and tuition will be fully refunded. Study abroad scholarships and aid will be rescinded.
Financial penalties will be billed to your student account.
TCU Tuition refunds are subject to TCU policies. See the academic calendar Registrar’s website: https://reg.tcu.edu/
How to Apply
Eligibility Requirements
Good academic and disciplinary standing at TCU
Minimum 2.8 GPA for semester programs, although some programs require higher GPAs
At least two semesters in residence at TCU by the start of the program
