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Programs : Brochure

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  • Locations: Monteverde, Costa Rica
  • Program Terms: Summer
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: CIEE 
  • This program is full, or the deadline has passed.
Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Area of Study: Biology, English, Environmental Studies & Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science Language of Instruction: English, Spanish
Type of Program: Academic Study Housing Type: Shared Apartment
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 more about Monteverde

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



 

Study Abroad Costs 

The following information has been compiled by the Buckman Center for International Education at Rhodes College. This is not an end- all, be-all of costs for off-campus study. Information is not limited to what is listed and all things are subject to change. Any organizations linked are simply there as a means of price comparison – the Buckman Center is not promoting or opposing any particular organization. While we have provided base resources, it is your responsibility to complete sufficient research and finalize your budget model for your program. Everyone has different spending habits; therefore, your personal costs can vary greatly and are subject to the individual. 

 

We appreciate your help in keeping these links live. We ask that you report any broken links to internationalprograms@rhodes.edu with the broken URL or the location of the broken link. 

 

Costa Rica 

General Costs 

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Visa  

Be aware in the steps of acquiring a visa any hidden fees such as transportation, travel, time off of work, etc. 

Student Visa Fees and Costs around: $52.00 

Though most visas have online applications, there will be in person appointments at consulate offices 

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Passport 

Passport book: $110  

Passport card: $30 

Passport Book and Card: $140 

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Academic Supplies 

Power adapter: Costa Rica uses a different adapter from the US 

If you plan on traveling to other locations, consider purchasing a universal power adaptor. 

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International Phone Use 

You might run into issues with phone use in other countries, but this usually depends on your phone service provider. Many have international options/packages that will allow you to use your phone in a different country or you can also buy a separate phone made for international use. If you fully own your phone, it should not be difficult to acquire an international sim card once you arrive, and if not, you could use an old phone still in your possession. Work with your own phone service provider to find the best option for your situation. 

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Airfare (Greatly depends on location) 

If flying from Memphis to San Jose, cost is between: ~$350 to ~$500 for a round trip 

These are generalizations, but a ballpark estimate assuming you are leaving from Memphis. We recommend purchasing refundable/changeable airfare, for unforeseen situations. We recommend you purchase the “Cancel for Any Reason” trip protection insurance mentioned on the Buckman Center’s website. Once you purchase your airfare, you have 14 days in which you can add your ticket to this insurance policy so as to be able to recoup some of its expense in the event you are unable to travel. 

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Immunization - travel vaccinations are not normally covered by many private health insurance plans (although some plans will cover them) and are not covered at all by Medicare.  

Please review the CDC’s site for required and recommended vaccinations and medicines well in advance of travel. 

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Additional Insurance 

Make sure you have medical and accident insurance while outside the US. Check with your program, as most programs offer this protection. If your program does not include medical and accident insurance, you must ensure that you purchase adequate coverage. The Buckman Center can help identify insurance carriers for students.  Alternatively, if you are included in your guardian’s/parent’s insurance plan, you should check with that insurance carrier to see if you remain covered while outside the US.  

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Food/Room (if not included) 

Rooming: Dependent on choice of stay and program cost coverage  

Be aware that some programs require housing deposits that could cost several hundred dollars. This is the case for most ISEP programs. 

Private room in a hostel: average $5 - $137 per month 

Private Flat: average $400 per month 

Be sure to do ample research on housing options with your program in my mind 

Food:  

Meal cost average ~$7 

Note that if you spend above average on food in the US, you will most likely do the same abroad 

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International Bank Account and ATM fees 

Students will most likely continue to use their domestic banks unless they are staying for over a year (most students do not open a new bank account for a semester or year-long stay) However, if you are interested in opening a foreign bank account, do extensive research before making any decisions. Be aware of ATM fees that your personal bank may have in foreign countries. 

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Public Transport 

Commuter Train tickets: $1.00 USD (One-Way) 

Taxi Fare: $1.00 USD (per km) 

Bus tickets: $1.00 - $18.00 USD (Depending on length of travel) 

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Personal Costs 

This is subjective but be aware that these are costs that will come up. Average entertainment costs include sports, cinema, excursions, shopping, souvenirs, etc. Be aware of any independent travel on weekends (transportation, hotel, meals, entrance fees to museums, etc.). 

 




This program is full, or the deadline has passed.