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Tropical Biology & Conservation, Monteverde Institute (Semester)
Take advantage of the unique opportunities of this program in Monteverde, a rural community of Costa Ricans and North Americans who share a bicultural and bilingual lifestyle in a growing eco-tourism area. Located between seasonally dry Pacific slopes to the west and the tropical rain forest of the Atlantic slope to the east, the area's unique contrasting wet and dry forests present extraordinary opportunities to study plant-animal interactions, ecology, and natural history. You will also visit marine habitats and lowland environments. Two of the larger reserves include the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and the Bosque Eterno de los Niños, which together provide a habitat and protection to more than 3,000 species of plants and a variety of animal species including spider monkeys, quetzales, mountain lions, and tapirs. Strenuous hiking and rustic living conditions contribute to the rewarding nature of this program.
 
Because of Monteverde's rich biological attributes, the area is the target of strong conservation efforts. It attracts biologists from around the world, many of whom serve as guest lecturers and resources for EAP.
 
Students attend classes with UC students only.

Course Opportunities

​Plant-animal interactions, ecology, evolution, behavior, natural history, taxonomy, conservation, and discipline-specific Spanish. Courses combine lectures, extensive field trips, and independent research that will teach you how to ask and answer a research question. You also have the opportunity to use video to document natural phenomena and behavior. At the end of the program, you present your research in a symposium open to the public.

Six courses are required for the program:
 
  • Integrative Biology (BIOL 189)
  • Tropical Diversity (BIOL 101)
  • Tropical Community Ecology (BIOL 102)
  • Research Practicum (BIOL 188)
  • Spanish (SPAN 2 or SPAN 100, depending on placement)
  • Agro-Ecology (ENVS 105)
Use the following resources to learn about EAP courses:
 
  • MyEAP Course Catalog to search for courses previously taken by UC students.
    Additional courses may be available at host institutions or program locations and not all courses may still be offered. Since courses in new programs have not yet been taken for credit, they may not appear in the MyEAP Course Catalog.

Units

​Students in the semester system enroll in six classes, including the directed reading course prior to departure (BIOL 189), to earn 12 semester units of UC credit. All students on this program pursue a full-time course of study.

Language of Instruction

English


Language Study

Spanish


Internships, Research, and Independent Study

Independent research is an integral part of the Monteverde program. Students will develop a research proposal on a particular aspect of tropical ecology designed around direct field experience. After conducting the fieldwork, they analyze their results and produce a written report. Students also share their findings in an oral presentation during the biology symposium at the end of the term.
 
Past topics have included the effects of forest fragmentation on species richness, bioluminescence of beetles, and detection of anti-fungal agents by leafcutter ants. Past EAP participants report that this independent work has been instrumental in developing their research skills and strengthening their dedication to the field of biology.
 
Internships for academic credit are not possible on this program.
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Duration

​Go to the Participants section to see current or past calendars.

Fall Semester :  
early October to mid-December ​

Spring Semester :  
late March to early June ​
 

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Housing

​Your housing changes according to program activities. Accommodations include homestays, residence at the dormitory-style Monteverde Biological Station, and stays at other rural field stations. You live with other UC students.

On-site Support

​EAP students are supported by UC's network of EAP offices at every UC campus and partnerships with EAP host universities throughout the world. The Resident Director and local staff help students adapt to life in the field and provide assistance with academics, housing, safety, and other issues.

​See the EAP Program Guide (PDF) for program-specific details about host institutions, program structure, and courses; academic culture and conduct; internships, research, & independent study; units, exams, and grades; orientation; housing; and information about the intensive language program (if applicable).

Host Institutions

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Monteverde Institute

Monteverde Institute
The Monteverde Institute (MVI) is a nonprofit Costa Rican organization dedicated to education, applied research, sustainable development, and community service. EAP has partnered with MVI for 20 years to provide a range of services to students on this amazing program. MVI assists with all of the logistical challenges involved in the numerous field trips and unusual scheduling that the program requires. At the same time, it offers computer and lab facilities for EAP use during the periods that students spend in Monteverde and coordinates many other activities. Though UC manages the academic curriculum of the program, MVI’s Program Director collaborates with its instructors and staff throughout the program.
 

Estimated Cost

Participation in UCEAP is a great value! The cost of studying abroad on UCEAP programs is typically less than that of non-UC study abroad programs. The dollar figures listed in the chart represent: 1) the amount of the fees that are paid directly to UCEAP in the current year, and 2) an estimate of the amount needed to cover personal living expenses in this location. Personal travel and entertainment are not included here.
 
Don't forget that you take your financial aid with you and the amount of your financial aid package will take into account the estimated TOTAL COST of this experience, as it is estimated below.
 
These expenses are estimated for 2012-13. Amounts will vary for 2012-13 participation due to potential changes to UC fees, exchange rate fluctuation, etc. Non-Resident Fees apply: If you are subject to out-of-state tuition at your UC campus, you will pay the same fees on UCEAP. For a more detailed breakdown of 2012-13 payment information, visit the Participants Portal and select the appropriate program. 
 
Here’s what is included in the estimate:
 
  • Predeparture expenses for documents and supplies
  • Round-trip transportation from California
  • UC fees
  • Automatic transfer of credits and grades to your UC transcript
  • Accident and medical insurance
  • On-site orientation upon arrival at the Hotel Cacts in San José
  • Group travel to Monteverde
  • Room and board for homestays, dorms, and field-trip accommodations
  • Instructional trips to Peñas Blancas, Corcovado, or Cuajiniquil
  • Entrance fees to Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve and field stations  
  • Books and other expenses for special research equipment
  • Use of the library and labs
  • Farewell dinner and return travel to San José
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Estimated EAP Costs*

Options Cost
  • Fall Semester
  • Spring Semester
  • $17,800
  • $18,100
*Based on most recent costs to the nearest $100.

Scholarships

UCEAP scholarships for the 2012-13 academic year are available. Please visit our scholarships overview page for general information and details  regarding eligibility requirements and application deadlines.

Application Requirements

Class Level:

Junior, Senior, Graduate

Language Prerequisites:

None

GPA:

2.85 cumulative GPA at the time of application and maintained through the end of the last term prior to departure.

Other Eligibility Requirements:


Completion of one year of biology, including one quarter of upper-division organismal biology by the time of departure (sometimes possible through an environmental studies course; check with your Campus EAP Office). A course in statistics is strongly recommended. The program is physically demanding and you must be willing to take on that challenge.

Minimum Criteria:

 All applicants must also have:
  • Serious academic goals and a clear plan for integrating EAP studies into the student's UC degree program
  • Social and cross-cultural sensitivity; maturity; ability to adapt successfully to a different environment and an new education system; ability to assess and exhibit appropriate behavior in a variety of situations
  • A willingness to abide by program regulations
  • An endorsement by the Campus EAP Selection Committee and completion of all campus-specific requirements (an interview may be required)

Deadlines

Application deadlines and information on the application process are available through your Campus EAP Office. Supplemental predeparture materials will be required for many programs, including, but not limited to, host institution applications, visa and housing applications, medical clearances, etc.

For participation in the program, you must meet all deadlines and submit complete application materials.

Visit your Campus EAP Office for more information: