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Palma
Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Ecology + Sustainability

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

$18,950 See Full Breakdown

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Eligibility

2.5 Overall GPA

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your Ecology + Sustainability program in Palma de Mallorca lasts a full semester and is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, political, and social contexts of environmental sustainability in Palma. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in Palma!

Check out our Ecology + Sustainability Courses

Unique Experiences

Explore the Natural Park of Albufera

to understand the importance of wetlands and biodiversity conservation through birdwatching

Participate in Service Learning

at Dragonera Island Natural Park to collaborate in conservation efforts that ensure its preservation

Visit the Local NGO GOB

to learn about the challenges the island faces and what ecologists do to contribute toward conservation

Experience
  • Palma de Mallorca

Your Destination

Palma de Mallorca is Spain’s vibrant Mediterranean city, celebrated for its stunning beaches, cultural heritage, and beautiful landscapes. From the historic Old Town to the Palma Bay and Serra de Tramuntana mountains, history and modern living blend seamlessly. With a mild climate, rich history, and beautiful architecture, Palma offers an inspiring setting for students. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, sustainability, marine biology, business, liberal arts, or international studies, Palma is the perfect place to study abroad.

students learning abroad palma spain

Program Highlights

  • Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.  
  • Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.  
  • Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.  
  • Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to connect with local leaders on environmental protection projects. 
palma-students-biking-palma-bay

Excursions & Activities

CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Palma de Mallorca will open doors for you to explore Spain’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.  

Samples of past excursions and activities:

  • Take a day trip to Santanyi market and Mondrago Natural Park guided by experienced biologists to discover unique habitats and how tourism impacts them
  • Visit Sierra de Tramuntana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to discover its amazing history and 18th-century water management system that is still in use today
  • Bike Palma Bay and participate in a citizen science beach clean-up at Es Carnatge

Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience. 

Program Blogs

imagen-de-whatsapp-2024-06-12-a-las-18.54.43_76fa4b49-1.jpg
From CIEE

Top 5 Things to do in Palma! (by Helin Can)

By CIEE Palma at CIEE

Palma, the gorgeous capital of Mallorca. A city that captures the Mediterranean essence with its stunning views, beautiful cobblestone streets and gothic architecture. The city is an amazing place to... keep reading

f9b6a528-e7f3-4db5-98a6-c0638cd8ecd8.jpg
From CIEE

Best Viewpoints in Mallorca (by Helin Can)

By CIEE Palma at CIEE

Mallorca, one of the gorgeous Balearic Islands, is a paradise of stunning landscapes, crystal blue waters, and picturesque villages. From dramatic cliffs and lush mountains to serene beaches and charming... keep reading

2
From CIEE

Discover the Magic of Mediterranean Cuisine in Palma! (by Helin Can)

By CIEE Palma at CIEE

Deciding between programs in Spain? Imagine wandering through sunlit markets, the scent of fresh herbs and citrus in the air, as you immerse yourself in the beautiful culture of Palma... keep reading

Housing

Housing & Meals

House

CIEE Palma offers students diverse housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From homestays to shared apartments, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. Additionally, all housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation and shops. The local university is accessible by metro (15-minute ride) and bus (20-minute ride) from the main square. CIEE classes meet in the downtown CIEE offices located inside ELE USAL Language Institute, located roughly 15 minutes on foot from the main square in Palma, and a 10-minute walk from the sea.

  • Standard Housing: Includes a single room at a homestay, with or without another CIEE student. Homestays feature a kitchen, living room, and a bathroom shared with a host family. Laundry and Internet access are provided. All homestays are located within a 30-minute commute of Palma’s main square and the building where CIEE Palma is situated.
  • Select Housing: Includes a twin room with another CIEE student, at a shared apartment located within 30 minutes from CIEE Palma. Shared apartments are modest in size, featuring basic amenities with laundry facilities, Wi-Fi access, bed linens, towels, and a kitchen. Meals are not included. Select housing requires an additional fee.
  • Select Plus Housing: Includes a single room in a shared apartment located within 30 minutes from CIEE Palma. Shared apartments are modest in size, featuring basic amenities with laundry facilities, Wi-Fi access, bed linens, towels, and a kitchen. Meals are not included. Select plus housing requires an additional fee.

A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive.

Meals

Homestays: Students have breakfast and dinner with their host families, and they are responsible for lunch. Students do not typically have access to use the oven or stove at the host family home but can prepare cold lunches such as sandwiches or heat up food in the microwave.

Shared Apartments: Meals are not included. Students living in apartments share full kitchens where they can prepare their own meals. There is a wide range of restaurants and cafeterias close to the apartments, and the building where classes are offered.

palma-housing-25-select-apartment-single

Select Single

palma-housing-25-select-double

Select Double

palma-housing-25-select-apartment-living-room

Select Living Room

Academics

Academics

CIEE Palma: Study on the second floor of ELE USAL language academy, CIEE’s partner institution, located near shops, restaurants, cafeterias, supermarkets, and two public libraries. CIEE Palma features classrooms, a student lounge, a student life office, computer labs, and a modest study space.

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB): Established in 1978 and descended from Mallorcan universities dating back to the 15th century, the UIB is a public institution with 16,000 students specializing in 36 different majors. UIB is a university rooted in the culture and identity of the Balearic Islands and the Mediterranean, with a strong commitment to serving society, sustainability, and respecting the environment. The UIB Campus is four miles from downtown Palma, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Serra de Tramuntana mountains, a World Heritage Site. It is well connected to the center of Palma and 15 minutes away by metro.

Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Recommendations

  • For students who want to take classes in Spanish at the Universitat de les Illes Balears, five semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) are required.
  • For Academic Projects in Spanish, at least four semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) are required.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All Palma Ecology + Sustainability students enroll in 4-5 courses for a total of 13-16 credits per semester. At least one course in the area of ecology or sustainability is required. Students select from:

  • CIEE courses · A minimum of one course at UIB
  • Up to one ASU online course (max 4 total credits, after 12 in-person credits)
    • In the Spring term, students will be limited to ASU Session B

Program Credit

Total credit: 13-16 (15-16 recommended) U.S. semester credits/19.5-24 quarter credits.

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester/4.5-6 quarter credits; 45-60 contact hours
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 seminar hours, 100-120 internship placement hours)
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours (15 contact hours, 100-120 research hours)
  • UIB Courses: Typically, 4 U.S. semester/6 quarter credits; 60 contact hours
  • ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture and standards. The class environment typically features a combination of traditional lecture and discussion with co-curricular excursions and activities. Heavy emphasis is placed on student engagement. Similar to classes at U.S. institutions, students should expect to spend an average of two hours of preparation and study for each hour in CIEE classes.


CIEE courses typically run from Monday through Thursday, providing students with a concentrated schedule that allows for intensive study and exploration. This condensed format encourages students to fully engage with the material and make the most of their time.

Attendance is mandatory for CIEE courses.

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB): Courses are academically challenging and involve daily reading and homework assignments and attendance at lectures and field trips. Students are responsible for knowing the dates of exams and assignments. Dates are firm and attendance is required. University classes are typically scheduled Monday through Friday.

Fall classes at the university end in December and official exams can take place in January. Spring classes end in May and official exams can take place in June. Early exams may be possible but must be confirmed on an individual basis with the professor of each course. Students may be able to take their exams early, though only if they request it at the start of the semester and it is confirmed by the professor. Housing will be covered until all exams are completed. However, as it is impossible to confirm exam schedules prior to arrival, we advise students who wish to take their exams early to book an airline ticket with a low change fee or a flexible departure date.

Arizona State University: Most ASU online courses are asynchronous. You may find yourself in classes with students from ASU, other American universities, and students from around the world. You’ll receive direct and individualized support from faculty, 100% online.

Class Format

Below is the wording to be used for CIEE and ASU on the program pages. The CD/RDO will be responsible for including host institution class format on the individual location-specific program documents.

CIEE classes are for CIEE students only. Classes are small, typically with up to 15 students per class, and emphasize communication and work in small groups. Instruction is supported and augmented online with our learning management system, Canvas.

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB) classes are for Spanish and international students. Classes range from 15 to 50 students depending on the major. Local university classes are generally lecture-style, and they can involve less guidance than U.S. students are accustomed to; syllabi can be less detailed and there are fewer assessments. Cursos de Español at UIB are exclusively open to international students and do not include local students.

ASU online courses meet in “sessions” that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. In CIEE courses, students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.

Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB): Each instructor determines the exact breakdown of grades, which typically includes less elements of evaluation (mid-term, final exam and written project). University professors assign numerical grades based on a 10-point scale, which CIEE converts to recommended U.S. letter grade equivalents, following a predetermined grade conversion scale.

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Featured Courses

The Ecology + Sustainability program offers a rich curriculum that investigates the vital links between ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy. Students will explore diverse topics like energy solutions, ecosystem resilience, and the role of social justice in environmental action. With a focus on both theoretical and practical application, these courses provide students with the essential knowledge and multidisciplinary insights to confront the urgent environmental challenges facing our world today.

CIEE Courses (in-person)Universitat de les Illes Balears (UIB)ASU Courses (online) 

Principles of Ecology 

Global Change and The Environment 

Global Environmental Policy 

Sustainable Tourism

Populations and the Physical Environment (Spring)

Parasitology and Fauna with an Incidence in Health (Spring)

Environmental Economics in Tourism Areas (Spring)

Agricultural and Ornamental Plant Pest Management (Spring)

Environmental Economics (Fall)

Sustainable Tourism (Fall)

Corporate Social Responsibility (Fall)

Systems Thinking 

Sustainable Ecosystems 

Basic Energy Science 

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Biological and Physical Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Natural Resources, Conservation, and the Environment

Course
Language
Semester Credit

CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.

CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.

Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program! 

Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO

 

Program Options
Program Options

The following lists are samplings of courses that may be available. Not all courses are offered each semester.

Spanish Language courses for International Students certified by Instituto Cervantes:

A1 - Beginning Spanish  
A2 - Elementary Spanish  
B1 - Intermediate Spanish  
B2 - Upper-intermediate Spanish  
C1 - Advanced Spanish  
C2 - Proficiency Spanish

Courses in Spanish* are offered from the following departments:

  • Biochemistry  
  • Biology  
  • Business and Management  
  • Catalan Studies  
  • Chemistry  
  • Economics  
  • Engineering  
  • English Studies  
  • History  
  • Hotel Management  
  • International Law  
  • Mathematics  
  • Philosophy  
  • Physics  
  • Psychology  
  • Spanish Studies  
  • Tourism

*For students who want to take classes in Spanish at the Universitat de les Illes Balears, five semesters of college-level Spanish (or equivalent) are required

Courses in English:

The following lists are samplings of courses that may be available. Most but not all courses are offered each semester.

Fall:

  • Sustainable Tourism  
  • Corporate Social Responsibility  
  • Environmental Economics  
  • Introduction to Tourism  
  • Geography of Tourism  
  • Tourism Operations Management  
  • Tourism Marketing I  
  • Tourism Marketing II  
  • Lodging Management  
  • Conference and Convention Management and Organization  
  • Leisure and Entertainment Business  
  • Management Economics of Tourism and Hospitality  
  • Business Strategy  
  • Strategic Management  
  • Introduction to Markets and Financial Operations  
  • Production and Operations Management  
  • Commercial Management I (Marketing)  
  • E-Marketing  
  • Organizational Design and Human Resources  
  • Financial Accounting I  
  • Balance Analysis and Management Control  
  • Information Technology Management  
  • Economic Environment  
  • Financial Economics  
  • Econometrics  
  • Games and Strategic Decisions  
  • International Economics  
  • Macro-econometrics  
  • Economic Data Analysis  
  • Photonics: Lasers and Applications

Spring

  • Populations and Physical Environment
  • Environmental Economics in Tourist Areas
  • Parasitology and Fauna of Sanitary Incidence
  • Agricultural and Ornamental Plant Pest Management
  • International Protection of Human Rights
  • Introduction to Business
  • Corporate Investment and Financing Decisions
  • Design of Organizations
  • Industrial Organization
  • Management Skills
  • Strategic Management
  • Financial Accounting II
  • Quality Management and Customer Service
  • Microeconomic Analysis of Tourism
  • Tourism Intermediaries
  • Corporate Finance
  • Organizational Design and Human Resources
  • Management of Human Resources
  • Tourism Industry Contracts
  • Public Law in Tourism
  • Tourism Marketing II
  • Electronic Commerce and Internet
  • Micro-econometrics
  • Economics of Tourism
  • Analysis of Economic Data
  • Macroeconomic Analysis of Tourism
  • Microeconomics
  • Industrial Economics
  • Air Transport Economics
  • Legal Protection of Tourists
  • Community Social Law
  • International Trade Law
  • Extension of Cellular Biology
  • Applied Electromagnetism
  • Tensor Calculus and Groups
  • Econophysics
  • Nanostructures

Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.

Internships

Discover Internship Opportunities

We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.

Explore Industry Options

A female intern picks crops from a field

Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources

Gain experience in agricultural markets, agribusiness companies, and NGOs to study food production and global processes.

Business Management and Administration Internships

Business Management and Administration

Study international business practices, multicultural leadership, and global market dynamics in Scotland, China, and more.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

Female finance intern presenting to coworkers at a whiteboard in a conference room

Finance

Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

Marketing interns pose at a Loki premiere event

Marketing, Sales and Service

Explore global market dynamics, cross-cultural consumer engagement, and sales techniques in firms, agencies, and companies.

Two female interns work on an engineering project

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

Gain hands-on skills in sustainable technologies, research projects, and scientific studies in Costa Rica, Mexico, and more.

Browse Internship Opportunities

Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.

Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.

Scholarships

Scholarships & Grants

CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.

Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • Trailblazer Grant

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

Dates & Fees

You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.

Program

Application Due

Start Date

End Date

Fees & Housing
Program Spring 2026 16 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $18,950
Program Fall 2026 16 weeks Start Date * End Date *

*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.

To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Participation Confirmation $300 *
Educational Costs $12,156 **
Housing $6,300 ***
Insurance $194
Total Fees $18,950

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

Meals not included in program fee $381 †
International Airfare $1,250 ††
Local Transportation $120
Books & Supplies $60
Visa Fees $160
Potential travel to consulate for visa $500
Personal expenses $210 †††
Total Costs $2,681

*non-refundable fee

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.

†The listed estimated cost is for students in homestays. Families provide 2 meals (breakfast and dinner) and students purchase lunch (there isn’t usually access to a kitchen, but students can store food in the house). For students in apartments, you should budget approx. $265 per month for groceries if you plan on making your own meals, and more if you plan on eating out regularly.

††Round-trip flight based on U.S. East Coast departure ranges from $1000-1250 dependent on carrier

†††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense (low-cost SIM card with a 30GB-50GB data plan) + toiletries

Program Fees

CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.

Financial Aid

CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

What's Included

Tuition

Housing

Pre-departure Advising

Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions

Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet

Orientation

Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city

On-site Staff

Full-time program leadership and support in your city

Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities

Excursions and/or Study Tours

Travel Protection

CIEE iNext travel protection

24/7 emergency on-site support

Staff

Our Staff

Antonia Ferriol

Antonia Ferriol, PhD

Center Director

Antonia brings a great passion for teaching and a wealth of educational experience, having taught Spanish language, linguistics, literature, and culture at Pennsylvania State University, Middlebury College, Denison University, and...

Clara Copano

Clara Copano

Program Coordinator

Clara worked as a Spanish Teacher at the Instituto Cervantes in Munich (Germany) and has over 3 years of experience teaching at university level and project management. She is passionate...

Get Started Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing internship abroad experience!

Apply Now

2

Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office

Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad. 

3

Contact CIEE

We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Contact Us

4

Interested in an optional internship?

After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!

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