Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Tropical Biology and Conservation Programs, Monteverde Institute

Host Institution

Monteverde Institute

Highlights

UC students attending this quarter-long program take advantage of the unique opportunities of 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. Students also visit marine habitats and lowland environments. 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 worldwide, many of whom serve as guest lecturers and resources for EAP. (details)

Duration

Fall quarter: early October to mid-December (calendar)
Spring quarter: late March to early June (calendar)

By submitting a separate EAP application, fall students with two years of Spanish may continue their biology studies at the University of Costa Rica during the spring term.

Academic Focus

Plant-animal interactions, ecology, evolution, behavior, natural history, taxonomy, conservation, and discipline-specific Spanish. Students enroll in courses that combine lectures, extensive field trips, and independent research that teaches students how to ask and answer a research question. They also have the opportunity to use video to document natural phenomena and behavior. Students present their research in a symposium open to the public at the end of the program.

For course descriptions and additional information, see the EAP Course Information page.

Students attend classes with UC students only.

Language of Instruction

English

Language Study

Spanish language study is required during the term and is offered at various levels.

Units

Students are required to take a full-time course of study while abroad. All students on the quarter system enroll in five classes to reach the unit requirement of 16 UC quarter units.

UC Berkeley and UC Merced students only: 19 UC quarter units (12 semester units) are required. UC Berkeley and UC Merced students undertake an additional directed reading program prior to departure for an extra 3 UC quarter units, to earn a semester of UC credit.

Housing

Housing changes according to program activities. It combines homestays, residence at the dormitory-style Monteverde Biological Station, and stays at other rural field stations. Students live with other UC students. (details)

Estimated Cost

For estimated program costs, see the Financial Overview page.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this program, see the Selection Criteria and Application Deadlines.