Description

Be Part of the Solution! Explore the impact of global trends and policies on sustainable development, and environmental and social justice. Study the interrelated issues of environmental, economic and community sustainability in Monteverde, Costa Rica - one of the most unique and fragile environments on earth. National Geographic denotes Monteverde as "the jewel in the crown of "cloud forest" reserves". Come walk in the clouds among the largest number of orchids in the world, where resplendent quetzals flash through the trees and howler monkeys sound the morning wake up call.

Experience Costa Rica: a peaceful and developing country that abolished its army in order to allocate resources to the environment and education. Engage with Monterverde area farmers who have always farmed organically, who formed cooperatives to promote Fair Trade before that term was invented. Sit in quiet meditation with local Quakers who immigrated here in the 50's after serving prison time for refusing to sign up for the draft. Study social justice and development living in a community (as a member of one of its families) that has merged two cultures and two languages around strong values of family, sustainable development, right livelihood, environmental justice and stewardship and conservation of their unique and endangered land, flora and fauna.

Engage in an academically rigorous, experientially based course of study that looks at sustainability from all sides -- integrating social, economic, environmental and personal aspects. Study tropical ecology by learning research methods, visiting all the life zones and ecosystems found in the tropics, and developing a firsthand understanding of the interconnectedness of fragile environments. Learn Spanish by engaging with your host in service learning projects such as reforestation. Examine the successes and failures of development, eco-tourism, and socialized medicine and integrating a large population of Nicaraguan guest workers. Experience the impact of globalization and the adoption of free trade on the country as a whole and on smaller rural communities like Monteverde.

Highlights

Explore the ecological and cultural diversity and stunning beauty of Costa Rica during a weeklong orientation journey. From the capital, San Jose, you will travel to the Caribbean to experience the Afro-Caribbean influences on culture, the marina eco-systems and the lowland tropical ecology.

Study Tropical Biology and Ecology with Monteverde Institute's international experts in one of the world's leading conservation and research stations in the tropics. Conduct field research during an overnight at the high altitude San Gerardo field station.

Live with welcoming families in idyllic, pastoral San Luis, a farming community that values family and community solidarity above all else. Coffee is the primary crop in this valley and Fair Trade and cooperatives form the economic structure of this area which is a patchwork of sustainable organic gardens, banana trees and dairy cows.

Take your Spanish to the next level with daily language instruction and limitless opportunities to engage with locals (including home-stays, service projects, research and interviewing, field excursions, etc.).

Travel to Nicaragua mid-semester to experience first-hand the contrast between the prosperity and tranquility brought about by the policies of environmental protection and peace in Costa Rica and the history of upheaval in Nicaragua. Visit and do service on local sustainable development projects.

Get to know some of the original pioneering U.S. Quakers, like Marvin Rockwell who immigrated to Monteverde in the early 50's after being sentenced to jail for refusing to sign up for the peace-time draft.

Travel Types

• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Homestay
• RainForest Tours

Degree Level

Bachelors Degree (Undergraduate)

Qualifications

Open to all college, university and gap year students. Various levels of Spanish are offered.

Intern Types

• Agriculture
• Development
• Ecology
• Environmental Management
• Spanish

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Subject Areas

Cost in US$:

16,100

Program Fees Include:

Tuition, room and board, excursions, UMass Amherst Transcript, travel insurance

Experience Required

yes

High school or college level biology

This Program is open to

American and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of small

Scholarships are Available

Need-based up to USD 1,500 per semester

Application Process Involves

• Essay
• Phone/Video Interview
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad