Marine Conservation in Lisbon
School Trip Abroad with CIEE
On this hands-on program, students will dive into conservation science across Portugal’s marine environments, discovering the deep connection between conservation efforts and culture. Students will immerse themselves in Portuguese culture by getting to know Lisbon and the historic fishing village of Setúbal. A practical “survival” Portuguese language class will be offered to help them feel comfortable engaging directly with the local community. They will also learn to think like research scientists as they work alongside local experts to explore the important role of aquatic ecosystems.
The Destination
Older than London, Paris, and Rome, the hilly seaport of Lisbon has always been a major European political, economic, and cultural center. The capital city is full of intriguing contrasts, tiny shops with fading facades versus mega malls, and narrow, cobble-stoned streets versus wide-open vistas.
Conveniently located on the campus of CIEE's esteemed partner institution, the Universidade Nova de Lisboa School of Social Sciences and Humanities (NOVA FCSH), CIEE Lisbon features one classroom, an office for academic advising and student life support, and complimentary Wi-Fi. At NOVA FCSH, students may utilize the campus library, study spaces, cafeteria, coffee shop, and copy center.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter what program you choose to design with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout the program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Activities & Excursions
Sample Cultural Activities
All programs include a variety of cultural activities such as:
- Traditional Dance Workshop - Students will participate in a dance workshop of traditional Portuguese folk dances. These dances are organized in circles to bring the community together, share songs, and have fun!
- Community Service Activity at Estoril - Students will take the public bus to Estoril center, where they will help an NGO collect cigarette butts to raise awareness of this type of pollution.
- River Kayaking and Fieldwork - Students will do a river descent with double kayaks at Tagus River, between the town of Constância and the Almourol castle. Midway through the ride, there will be a stop for a hands-on class on the river ecosystem.
Please note activities are examples and subject to change. As we plan your program, we will work with you to finalize a list of place-based, immersive experiences that are the right match for your group and academic goals.
Sample Excursions
Excursions are included in this program and are designed to enhance the experience and provide students with deeper immersion in the local culture.
- Bird Watching at Lagoa Pequena - Students will go by private bus to Lagoa Pequena, part of a diversified coastal lagoon complex. There are a variety of habitats, such as open water lakes, marginal mudflats, and extensive reedbeds – all surrounded by dense pinewoods. It is one of the most important bird areas in the vicinity of Lisbon, with a wide variety of species, from aquatic birds, to shorebirds, to forest birds.
- Constância Aquarium Visit + Beach Games - At Constância Aquarium, there will be a guided tour through several areas organized from river source to mouth, followed by debriefing activities on river biodiversity, native vs invasive species, and impacts. Students will also enjoy some free time at the river beach of Constância, playing games and relaxing.
- Walking Tour of Tomar and Visit to the Castle and Convent - Students will visit the castle and convent of this medieval town, one of the most interesting ancient cities of Portugal that once was a seat of the order of the Knights Templar.
What's Included
Every program is designed in close collaboration with the expertise of the CIEE High School Custom team and our full-time local staff in Lisbon in a way that fits your specific academic goals. You can customize our standard itinerary for this program as much or as little as you want. Our custom high school trips include:
- Interactive classes
- Cultural activities
- Housing (host family included; hotels also available)
- All meals in Lisbon
- In-country transportation and logistics
Beyond these inclusions, every CIEE custom school trip provides additional support including on-site orientations, 24/7 emergency support, comprehensive insurance coverage, and marketing resources to help you promote your program to your students.
Health, Safety, & Security
With over 7 decades of experience, CIEE is a global leader in health and safety. Each of our sites undergoes regular assessments aligned with rigorous international risk management standards and data, ensuring the successful facilitation of every program. You can focus on your students and their experience, knowing CIEE’s dedicated Health, Safety, and Security team has your back. Discover more about our commitment to health, safety and security at ciee.org/safety.