CIEE-Monteverde: Tropical Ecology and Conservation
Program Details
| Program Location |
Monteverde, Costa Rica
|
| Sponsor |
CIEE |
| Program Type |
Co-sponsored |
| Course # |
SA 31006
|
| Duration |
Summer
|
| Upcoming Program Dates |
| Summer 2023 |
06/12/23 to 08/05/23
|
Please Note: Due to COVID-19, programs may be altered or adapted with little
notice
Overview
Students "climb the ficus"
The CIEE Monteverde Tropical Ecology + Conservation program is designed for students with biology-related majors who have completed at least one year of introductory biology and one elective in ecology and seek intensive, sophisticated tropical field and course work in Costa Rica from both theoretical and taxonomic perspectives.
Costa Rica, a country committed to preserving natural parks and biological reserves, is an excellent location in which to pursue tropical biology studies. As part of a land-bridge between North and South America, the geographical and climate conditions allow flora and fauna of both continents to coexist, creating uniquely diverse ecosystems.
Monteverde is a small community of 4,000 that accommodates up to 200,000 tourists each year. Its forest is located in the largest private reserve in Central America and reflects a long heritage of grassroots conservation. Monteverde’s Cloud Forest has been studied for over 25 years by both visiting and Costa Rican biologists. This widens the research opportunities available and acquaints students with practical biological problems associated with agricultural development, eco-tourism, and grassroots conservation efforts in developing countries.
For more program information, please visit the
program website.
This program is sponsored by:
CIEE.
Eligibility
Crossing a forest foot bridge
The program is open to Purdue students who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity and a desire to experience another culture.
Two semesters of college-level coursework in natural sciences, environmental studies, sustainability, and/or agriculture are strongly recommended. Some Spanish is also recommended.
GPA Requirement:
2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none
Purdue Credit
Direct Credit
available from the following:
[
College of Agriculture] [
College of Liberal Arts] [
College of Science]
Specifically from:
BIO (SCI)
Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.
Academic Program
This intensive eight-week program immerses students in tropical biology and ecology and allows them to conduct independent research in a specific area. Spanish classes and a three-week homestay help students build their Spanish language skills. Science courses are taught in English by highly qualified faculty, with guest lectures from resident and visiting biologists.
Students learn with other CIEE students in small, dynamic groups. Lessons are highly interactive and include classroom and field study to take advantage of Monteverde’s amazing biodiversity. Various levels of conversational Spanish allow students to improve their language skills at the right pace.
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.
Excursions
Due to COVID-19, excursions are subject to change.
The program will offer several excursions, which may be day or overnight trips. Please see the CIEE website for more details. Examples of previous excursions include:
- 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.
Housing
For two months, students live next door to the Monteverde Cloud Forest at a biological station where they attend classes and sleep four to a room. Rooms have bunks, a private bath, and hot showers. All meals are provided – family-style. Two teaching assistants are stationed here for guidance and academics, and other staff members plan activities and keep students informed of community events. Field lodging - Students camp or stay in cabins during the field trips with instructors.
All meals are provided.
Estimated Program Costs
Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location. This will vary by program.
The housing fee includes accommodations and all meals.
The program fee includes tuition, orientation, and excursions.
Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are
for: Summer 2022
|
Costs per term to be billed by Purdue
and Co-sponsor
|
| Program Fee |
$6,976.00
|
| Study Abroad Fee |
$609.00 |
| Housing |
$1,280.00 |
| Insurance |
$194.00 |
|
Approximate additional costs per term
|
| To be paid by the student.
|
| Round-trip Airfare |
$650.00 |
| Local Transportation |
$100.00 |
| Books and Supplies |
$25.00 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses |
$0.00 -
$300.00 |
| Travel Documents (passport, photos) |
$175.00 |
Financial Aid
Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should
NOTE: Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad. Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.
Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.
Application Deadlines
For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents before or by the application deadline. Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To insure a place in a program, apply early.
As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.
| Program Application Deadline
|
| Most Summer Programs |
Mar 1 |
Returnees Information
This program in for the daring!
Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted. If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.
Resources
The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.
For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383
or email
studyabroad@purdue.edu.
