Marine Ecology & Sustainability
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering Mediterranean life on land and at sea.
Network
Meet new friends and art history experts. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Explore solutions for protecting ocean life. Discover how to make a difference back home.
The Destination
Welcome to Nice, a picturesque destination where artistic legacy, colorful architecture, and Italian influences meet centuries of coastal tradition.
For generations, life in Nice has been tied to the sea. Its proximity to seagrass meadows, coral reefs, and salt marshes makes it a living laboratory for examining marine ecosystems and the challenges they face. With leading institutions like Université Côte d’Azur and the ECOSEAS lab, local scientists are leading efforts to understand climate change, ocean acidification, and habitat restoration, positioning Nice at the forefront of marine conservation.
Beyond its scientific prominence, Nice is renowned for its sun-drenched promenades, vibrant Old Town, and Mediterranean specialties such as Niçoise salad and socca (chickpea flatbread), a local favorite. Strolling the Promenade des Anglais reveals sweeping sea views while nearby markets burst with Provençal flavors and Mediterranean produce. Just beyond the city, charming coastal towns like Antibes, Menton, and Villefranche-sur-Mer showcase pastel harbors and sandy beaches. With its mix of historic neighborhoods, coastal beauty, and dedication to sustainability, Nice offers an immersive taste of French and Mediterranean culture.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Visit the Matisse and Chagall Museums
Explore the art and life of two world-renowned artists, experiencing pieces inspired by the surrounding landscapes of Nice and the French Riviera.
Musée Matisse
Experience the city through the eyes of Henri Matisse, exploring works of art deeply influenced by his affection for Nice. Located in the historical neighborhood of Cimiez, you'll stroll through the olive grove near the museum, explore the gardens of the Cimiez monastery, and admire the architecture of the surrounding palaces and Roman arena.
Musée National Marc Chagall
Originally opened to showcase the 17 large canvases of the Biblical Message collection, the Musée National Marc Chagall now showcases work across his entire career. The museum explores Chagall's life and work, his diversity of techniques and use of artistic trends, and how his spirituality influenced his art.
Promenade des Anglais
Experience Nice's scenic coast with a bike ride along Promenade des Anglais. This famous boulevard features a dedicated bike lane that stretches along the coastline for miles, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean and providing the perfect backdrop for photos. Explore cultural and historical sites along the way, grab a warm slice of socca for a snack on the beach, and enjoy the lively atmosphere of seaside cafés, street artists, and locals savoring the Riviera lifestyle.
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Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- 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.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,450 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2026 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,450 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Flight Chaperone
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Luisa Caldas
Regional Director of Operations for Europe
Luísa has been a Regional Director of Operations since 2023, monitoring and supporting centers in the UK, France, Ireland, and Portugal. Before this role, she was Center Director of CIEE...
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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