CIEE Monteverde: Tropical Ecology and Conservation
- Location: Monteverde , Costa Rica
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
Literally up in the clouds of the Costa Rican continental divide, Monteverde is a tropical mountain home to tens of thousands of species. Monteverde is a small, international community, nestled along the edge of the cloud forest in the Tilarán mountain range of northwest Costa Rica. It is perhaps best known for the famed Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve, which offers some 200,000-plus yearly visitors a portal to a lush haven for biodiversity. The region, comprised of numerous small towns (Monteverde, Cerro Plano, Santa Elena), is home to about 5,000 people of diverse backgrounds. What is now considered Monteverde was actually founded by Quakers who left the USA to defy the draft before the Korean War. The dairy farm originated by these Quakers as well as a meetinghouse and school, and a small Quaker community (<100 people) are still in Monteverde today.
- Visa:
Required upon arrival. Students will be issued a tourist visa, which will be renewed after their second academic field trip.
Non-US citizens should consult with CIEE and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program.
- Fees: Students pay Haverford directly to Haverford. Haverford will then be responsible for submitting tuition payment to CIEE. Students pay all room and board costs directly to CIEE.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Two semesters of college-level biology is required. One additional semester of college-level ecology or environmental science is recommended. Students are required to enroll in an appropriate-level Spanish language course.
Academic Credit
CIEE requires students to enroll in all 5 courses. Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students receive a grade of a C or above. Students will receive natural science, social science, and humanities divisional credit.
Curriculum
Courses
Tropical Diversity
Independent Research in Biology/Ecology
Tropical Community Ecology
Humans in the Tropics
Spanish language
Course Highlights
Biology, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Spanish
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
A two-day, mandatory orientation session, conducted in San José at the beginning of the study abroad program, will introduce students to the country, culture, and academic program, as well as provide practical information about living in Costa Rica and the Monteverde community.
Number of Students
TBA
Housing/Meal Plans
Dorms: whether on or off-campus students live in dormitories surrounded by the Cloud Forest with other CIEE students in double, triple, or quad rooms shared with other CIEE students. Rooms have shared ensuite bathrooms, shared desks, and shared closets. All students receive three meals per day. Accommodation for vegan and vegetarian diets is possible.
Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing – that is, housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Gain Travel Grant – The Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grant helps cover airfare to and from CIEE program locations for students who demonstrate financial need. Pell-eligible students are guaranteed a GAIN Grant if they submit their CIEE scholarships application by October 15 for spring programs, or by April 1 for fall programs. GAIN Grants are available on a first-come first-served basis to students with a wider range of need. Students can be awarded $750-$2,000 toward airfare. The award amount depends on CIEE program location.
Additional Resources
Options
- Semester
- STEM Courses Offered
Dates
- Semester I: Mid August - early December
- Semester II: Mid January - mid May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 15
- Semester II: October 1