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 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!
On site, you’ll be introduced to Mediterranean natural history, climate, habitats, and sustainability challenges. On side trips to nature reserves 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.
You will learn from lectures, laboratory work, and field activities around Natural Reserves, Marine Parks, and Museums.
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. Lisbon, the capital, is a beautiful city with many cultural events and affordable activities during the summer. You can enjoy a full meal for 8-10€ and for 6€ a taxi will take you pretty much anywhere in the city. More ancient than Rome, Lisbon combines beautiful patrimony with cutting edge cultural events.
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 hostels in Lisbon, Aveiro and Algarve
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24/7 Support from your CIEE program leader and in-country CIEE staff members
Program Blogs
Click to OpenProgram Blogs
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 Mora Fluviary, and historical and cultural sites such as the Bone Chapel in Évora or the Slavery Museum in Lagos.
- 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
- Alentejo – one of the driest regions of Portugal's temperate climate, known for features like the Mora Fluviary and Alqueva Dam, the largest dam in Europe. We will also visit the city of Évora, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
- Algarve – one of the most sought after touristic destinations in Europe. We will explore its incredible coastline, with its reefs, caves and biodiversity, and prime spots for swimming and snorkeling
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Session I 2020 3 weeks | Feb 14, 2020 | Jun 14, 2020 | Jul 4, 2020 |
$5,250 |
| Summer Session II 2020 3 weeks | Feb 14, 2020 | Jul 12, 2020 | Aug 1, 2020 |
$5,250 |
Looking for funding?
Our Staff
Click to OpenOur Staff
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Luisa Caldas
Center Director
Luísa holds a B.A. in History and Art History and an M.A. in Art History and Preservation.
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Sara Cunha
Center Coordinator
Sara completed her BA in Business and Corporate Communication in Lisbon, having spent a year in Madrid as an Erasmus student.
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Joana Almeida
Academic Director
Joana completed an MA in Social Sciences and a PhD in Historical Sociology. She has been working with CIEE Lisbon since 2011 as a faculty member, after living in London for 5 years. In recent years, she has also been in charge of developing and coordinating CIEE Lisbon special programs.
Ready to change your life?
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