Aquatic Ecosystems & Sustainability

Combine your passions for ecology and the sea in the port cities of Portugal.

Observe different aquatic species, from starfish to bottlenose dolphins; swim, snorkel, surf, and study the stars at night. Each day you’ll explore a range of fascinating topics related to water resources and aquatic biodiversity as you immerse yourself in conservation and sustainability projects in the scenic coastal cities of Portugal. You will also engage in activities with local peers – playing beach games and sports, performing community service, and practicing your conversational language skills in the most authentic way possible!

Through lectures and lab work onsite, you’ll be introduced to Mediterranean natural history, climate, habitats, and sustainability challenges. On side trips to nature reserves and marine parks in North, Central, and South Portugal you’ll explore both river and ocean biodiversity. Traveling to Alentejo, you’ll be exposed to consequences of climate change and water management in one of the driest regions of Europe. In the Algarve, a popular vacation destination known for its reefs, caves and dramatic coastline, you will observe first-hand and critically discuss how sustainable tourism can help to protect its fragile ecosystems.

These three weeks are all about water, so get ready to get wet! When not kayaking or swimming for fun, you’ll find yourself knee-deep in various river, coastal and maritime ecosystems while gathering and analyzing data with your team. Working alongside marine biologists, conservationists, and sustainability researchers, you’ll develop important skills in a short period of time.

Surveying plants, birds and marine biodiversity in the wild provides invaluable experience and lifelong lessons. Back home in the US, you can apply these insights to future studies on ecology, and spread your message about the importance of long-term sustainability for our society and our planet.