CIEE College Study Abroad in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Highlights:
-field experience: being able to travel all over the country and learn about the different ecosystems and species first hand was incredible
-homestay: immersing fully by living with a Costa Rican family both allowed me to finally be comfortable speaking Spanish and build a strong connection with my Mama Tica
-independent research: being able to fully choose and implement my own research project with full support from staff (thanks Moncho and Alan) was instrumental in deciding what I want to do with my future... I will be continuing my research in Oregon this fall
-location: Costa Rica is absolutely gorgeous and we got to experience places that very few others get to - Corcovado National Park (saw a puma!), Eladio's Refuge (10 mile backpacking hike to get there), Pocosol (another 10 mi hike through the Children's Eternal Rainforest)

I have neither seen nor heard of any program that gets to experience all of these: homestay, language immersion, field experience, independent research, travel, challenging academics (science) and more!! The program has everything, and while it was a physical, academic and emotional challenge, I would highly recommend to people who are looking for that. Know however, that it is very academically rigorous and science-based so be prepared for that.

This program fulfilled and exceeded all of my expectations. I extensively researched programs before going abroad and this program showed potential to cover a variety of interests, and it delivered. There were parts of the program I was worried about, such as the month-long homestay, but every aspect of this program ended up being extremely valuable to me. The way this program implements academics in nature's true elements is impressive. I have never had such a valuable academic and cultural experience. If you have a love for the environment, want to go on the adventure of a lifetime, and want to change the way you view the world in a positive way, this is the program for you. It is unlike any other in a beautifully unique way. You will go on hikes in the middle of no where, sleep in the heart of Costa Rica's nature, and experience a truly hands on learning environment.

I cannot say enough about this program. Amazing experiences, amazing staff. This program feels like the most stress free traveling I have ever done. The academics are exciting and fun. With this program you get to see almost all of the beautiful country. My favorite memory is of a backpacking trip we took during the second field trip. The hike we took was so breath taking, I think I will remember it for the rest of my life. Truly a fantastic semester. Again, it is hard to describe in words- the experience was awesome.

Just like every student that studies abroad says.. It changes you. I feel this so strongly and I really thank CIEE for making such a life-changing, fulfilling, and perfect program for students interested in a first hand look at the tropical ecology of such a beautiful landscape. Not only was this the most changing semester of my life, but it was the best. From night hikes, snorkeling, interesting lectures, camping, and home stays this program has it all. For any student of the sciences I would recommend this program if you are down to get dirty, have a different adventure every day, and learn from the most amazing professors there are around.

This was an amazing experience and it's hard to pick any one story to share. Corcovado was one of the first places we explored, and definitely a great example of what the program was about! We got to adventure, see and interact with wildlife (turtles, whales, monkeys, frogs, coral, so much!). The passion of the professors and my peers was contagious from the very beginning! We witnessed to Olive Ridley sea turtles mating between Corcovado and Isla del Cano. It was amazing, but seeing my professors in such awe told me how spectacular what we were witnessing truly was. And connecting that experience to the experience of seeing green sea turtles laying eggs and hatching in Tortuguero brought the experience full circle. I fell even more in love with biology, ecology and all of its' complexities.

My favorite part of the program was the field trips. I learned so much by hiking with the the professors and talking about ecology as we encountered different species. Its incredible how much information you can absorb when you experience nature up-close like that. My favorite memory from the trip was a night hike where we found ourselves waist deep in a swamp tracking snakes and frogs. So extreme, so fun, and so exciting!

What I loved most about this program, besides the tight-knit community of students and professors who quickly became my friends, was how it simultaneously made me feel totally immersed in the forest, and totally safe and comfortable. During the field trips, every day brought a new adventure, a new activity or a new species to learn about. There is something magical about learning the natural history of a tree while standing under it, or pausing in writing down info on a species of millipede to let it crawl across your arm, or learning about a bat from the guy who discovered and named that species while he is literally holding it in front of you. You quickly develop the understanding that the world is your classroom, and realize that you need only to walk into the forest to discover something new and amazing. This program teaches you the beauty and value of tropical diversity, from the smallest intricate details to the largest complex interactions, not so much through lectures in the classroom, but by allowing you to live it every day.
Despite the deep immersion into tropical forests that this program provides, I never felt unsafe. Three meals per day were provided, along with any equipment and supplies we might need. The professors are experts in handling dangers in every area we visited, and their first priority is always the comfort and well-being of their students. I felt I could ask them for help with any problem I was having, and they would do as much as possible to help me. No issue was too small, and no baseline level of discomfort was assumed. Furthermore, they do their best to provide breaks and fun activities to keep spirits high.
I have so many memories from this trip that I will never forget, but one that especially comes to mind happened at the end of a full day of hiking. We were backpacking though the Children's Eternal Rain Forest, and after several days staying at an isolated shack in the forest, we were hiking out to a (somewhat) more densely populated area. There was only one trail, and so people had broken off to hike at their own paces, and I was walking alone. Suddenly I heard a rustling from above and looked up to see a troop of spider monkeys passing through the canopy. A few paused to look at me and drop a stick or two before moving on. I was struck at this moment by how truly remarkable this program was. Feelings of discovery and wonderment, of self-confidence and peace flowed through me at that moment, as I stood there with everything I owned on my back, looking up at this amazing creature I had so causally stumbled across. I remained in that spot, with what I'm sure was a stupid smile on my face, long after the troop had passed.
I went to Costa Rica looking for adventure and a break from my normal routines. On this trip I found those things, but also so much more: vast stores of knowledge on subjects I would never have otherwise studied, exposure to new cultures and ways of life, a passion for ecology, friendships forged strong on long hikes through the jungle and late nights clustered around the guitar, beautiful vistas, invigorating swims, sunsets, waterfalls, huge trees with life draped across every branch all shrouded in Monteverde mist. If you are a lover of biology and the beauty of our natural world, or even if you think you might like to become one, do yourself a favor and take this trip. I promise it will be unforgettable.

If you study ecology or biology then there's no reason you shouldn't do this program. You learn so much about the tropics and ecology in general. The professors are the best I've ever had and they have set up the program in the best possible way, a third of the trip is spent on field trips! No reason not to do this program. I not only saw countless plants and animals but I learned all about their biology. Additionally the independent research project was a great way to get experience and the professors do a great job teaching you how to do research.