Information for term Aquatic Ecosystems & Sustainability
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenCombine your passions for ecology and the sea in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and other picturesque port cities.
Explore aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity in and around Lisbon alongside biologists and sustainability researchers. Field work and fun trips take you birdwatching at a coastal lagoon, snorkeling in a marine park, kayaking in the longest river of the Iberian Peninsula, observing dolphins in the Atlantic Ocean, and intertidal monitoring at Avencas beach. These three weeks are all about water, so get ready to get wet!
Immerse yourself in conservation and sustainability projects, such as assessing water quality and threats to ecosystems, census-taking of plant and animal species, and conducting interviews with locals on human and economic impacts related to marine ecosystems. Work with local NGOs to raise public awareness around coastal dune preservation and the plastics crisis that is choking the ocean.
Immerse yourself, too, in Portuguese culture. Sample local specialties, such as the famous pastry pastéis de Belém. Paint Portuguese tiles and try Portuguese dances. Learn the romantic sounds of Portuguese and practice new phrases with local teens and market vendors. Back home, share your appreciation for Portuguese culture and apply your sustainability insights to future studies and environmental initiatives.
Follow our Travels:
The Take-Aways
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REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE
Conduct field and lab work, collect data on plant and animal species, and assess threats to marine ecosystems. Conduct research for a sustainability challenge Project and come home ready to contribute to other environmental initiatives.
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CREDENTIALS FOR YOUR FUTURE
Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a portfolio of work to showcase your sustainability research and reflections, and service-learning hours documenting your engagement with the community.
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LIFE SKILLS AND NEW FRIENDSHIPS
Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.
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HOURS OF EXPERT INSTRUCTION
45 -
HOURS OF SERVICE-LEARNING IN THE COMMUNITY
12 -
LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE
1
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Welcome to Portugal, one of the oldest countries in Europe and a paradise for sea lovers.
With half of its territory bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a prime location to study aquatic ecosystems. It is home to the largest fully protected marine reserve in Europe and is packed with wildlife-filled wetlands, sandy beaches, and dramatic riverways.
Portugal is also full of rich history. When you are not enjoying its natural landscapes and biodiversity, you can lose yourself in incredible architecture, medieval castles, and numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lisbon, the capital of Portugal and your home for three weeks, is more ancient than Rome. Here, you’ll love riding the old cable cars up the steep hills, admiring the buildings covered in tiles of countless colors and patterns, and basking in the spectacular views of the vibrant city.
Magical Portugal—with its sunny cities, sea breezes, beautiful beaches, friendly people, and delicious food—awaits you!
CULTURAL AWARENESS
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Lisbon.
Daily Life
Click to OpenDaily Life
Monday–Friday
Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places.
- Breakfast at the dorm
- Hands-on classes with expert instructors and marine biologists
- Lunch in the community or in the field with your fellow Global Navigators
- Out and about for a cultural activity
- Dinner at a local restaurant with your fellow Global Navigators
Weekends
- Overnight or day excursions to top sites
- Quality time with friends
Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program.
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Dorms, single or shared rooms with other Global Navigators
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1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff
Weekly Learning Goals
Week 1
Click to OpenSettle into Lisbon. Investigate species and attributes of river, estuary, coastal and offshore marine ecosystems, human impacts, and habitat threats. Travel to the Tagus River to observe a riverine ecosystem firsthand and conduct experiments. Choose a local environmental challenge for your Project.
Week 2
Click to OpenExamine the rocky intertidal zone at Avencas beach, observe the aquatic bird populations at Lagoa Pequena, and participate in dune restoration with a local NGO. Research and assess the interdependence of local economies, human activities, and conservation of marine ecosystems. Apply insights to your Project.
Week 3
Click to OpenGo snorkeling and observe the marine biodiversity in Arrábida Natural Park. Investigate ocean sounds and animal communication. Take a boat ride to survey and report dolphin sightings. Consider all you’ve learned as you tour Lisbon’s Oceanarium and see how its foundation carries out conservation work. Present your Project.
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
Activities
Click to OpenSample Activities
Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!
- Grab your snorkeling gear and dive into the turquoise waters of Arrábida Natural Park. Encounter schools of fish, octopuses, sea cucumbers, and maybe even dolphins!
- Travel to Tomar and tour the 12th century castle and convent constructed by the Knights Templar. Step into the Middle Ages and feel the power of the Knights Templar, protecting the Holy Grail.
- Pop up and catch your first wave in the surf capital of Europe—don’t worry, a pro surf coach will teach you.
- Kayak down the magnificent Tagus River, teeming with fauna, to a breathtaking medieval castle atop an islet.
- Learn from a Portuguese chef how to make caldeirada de peixe (fish stew) and bring the recipe home.
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.
Dates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
Eligibility
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.
- This program involves engaging in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities, such as hiking, boating and snorkeling. Ability to swim is not required but strongly encouraged to enjoy the program and location at its fullest.
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations or contact us.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Session I 2023 3 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jun 18, 2023 | Jul 8, 2023 |
$5,550 |
| Summer Session II 2023 3 weeks | Deadline Passed | Jul 9, 2023 | Jul 29, 2023 |
$5,550 |
Looking for funding?
What's Included
Click to OpenWhat's Included
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Luisa Caldas
Center Director
uísa has been CIEE Lisbon’s director since 2015. She joined CIEE in 2009. She holds a B.A. in History and Art History and an M.A. in Art History and Preservation.
Ready to change your life?
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