Information for term Aquatic Ecosystems & Sustainability
Application deadline, and cost information.
Overview
Click to OpenCombine 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 scenic coastal towns of Portugal, around SetĂşbal and Lisbon. 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, field 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 you’ll explore both river and ocean biodiversity. Through direct observation and by meeting local communities, you’ll be exposed to sustainability and climate challenges today. In popular vacation destinations, known for their beautiful beaches and sea life, 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.
Follow our Travels:
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Learn
Identify river and maritime ecosystems: history, species, and challenges
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Understand
Recognize the importance of river ecological recovery for long-term sustainability
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Examine
Assess the ecological role of the ocean as a life-support system
Location & Culture
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The Destination
Sunshine and sea breezes make for pleasant, temperate coastal climates.
With half of its territory bordering the Atlantic Ocean, Portugal is a prime location for this program. It features a pleasant mix of Mediterranean oceanic climate and prime proximity to valuable ecosystems for content studies.
As Portugal is a small country, it's very easy to travel from place to place. It’s also safe, affordable, and friendly. SetĂşbal, where you will be based for the program, is a beautiful coastal town, only 1 hour south of Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. You can have a full meal for 8-10€ and for 6€ a taxi will take you pretty much anywhere in the city. In SetĂşbal, you can enjoy beautiful historical monuments, one of the biggest fish markets of Portugal, an amazing shoreline and a dolphin population that adopted its waters as their home!
The best parts of Portugal? Many students name the beaches – among the top places in Europe to go surfing – and the food! Because of the sea, the Portuguese eat a lot of fish of all kinds – grilled, boiled, or roasted. Vegetarian options are gaining popularity around the Portuguese community as well.
Daily Life
Click to OpenDaily Life
"Today we woke up bright and early to beat the crowd to the beach and get to our surf lessons...."
Learn more about daily life on a high school study abroad program by reading our blog posts above.
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You will stay in a hostel in SetĂşbal.
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24/7 Support from your CIEE program leader and in-country CIEE staff members
Program Blogs
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Activities
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Sample Activities
- Venture to local natural parks to study river and ocean ecosystems
- Kayak or canoe in local rivers
- Swim and snorkel in the sea
- Sign up for a surf class or play beach soccer
- Visit the Lisbon Oceanarium, the Sea Museum in Cascais, and historical and cultural sites such as the Roman ruins of TrĂłia or the Work Museum in SetĂşbal.
- Kick up your heels in a traditional dance workshop
- Whip up regional specialties in a Portuguese cooking class
- Stargaze with fellow students at Astronomy Night

Excursions
- Cascais – One of the most popular touristic destinations, Cascais is known for its palace-like summer residences and great beach life. We will visit the Maritime Laboratory of the University of Lisbon, where researchers have their aquariums and do their scientific observations. We will also visit the center of Cascais, check the Sea Museum and eat one the best ice-creams in Portugal!
- Lisbon – The capital of Portugal, Lisbon is more ancient than Rome. We will visit the Oceanary, one of the biggest aquariums in Europe, do a walking tour around the ancient hills of the city, enjoy the magnificent views over river Tagus and have a meal in one of the fashionable restaurants of downtown Lisbon.
​​Please note this list of activities is based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to both adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights. Get ready for maximum fun!
Dates & Fees
Click to OpenDates & Fees
Eligibility
- No specific requirements for standard sessions.
- Program open to all current high school students: Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our Scholarship page.
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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. More details about tuition inclusions can be found here.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
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Summer Session I 2021 3 weeks | Rolling Admissions | Jun 13, 2021 | Jul 3, 2021 |
$5,250 |
Summer Session II 2021 3 weeks | Rolling Admissions | Jul 11, 2021 | Jul 31, 2021 |
$5,250 |
Looking for funding?
Our Staff
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Luisa Caldas
Center Director
LuĂsa holds a B.A. in History and Art History and an M.A. in Art History and Preservation.