Marine Ecology & Sustainability
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering San Juan’s colorful spirit, sun-soaked coastline, and unique marine life.
Network
Meet new friends and marine biologists. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Survey plant and animal life and inventory environmental threats to marine ecosystems. Discover how to make a difference back home.
The Destination
Welcome to San Juan, the coastal capital of Puerto Rico, known as the "walled city."
Surrounded by turquoise waters and lush ecosystems, Puerto Rico is a living classroom for marine ecology and sustainability. Its coral reefs and mangroves are home to diverse marine species like sea turtles, manatees and tropical fish. Here, conservationists are employing innovative ways to protect these species, such as the use of 3D-printed artificial corals to rebuild marine habitats.
The colorful streets of Old San Juan boast a vibrant atmosphere, lined with Spanish colonial architecture and views of the Atlantic Ocean. Iconic sites like the El Morro fortress, dating back to 1539, tell stories of a time when the island needed defending from pirates. Sandy beaches provide a cozy place to soak up sunshine with local teens and to try Puerto Rican dishes like mofongo, savory, mashed, fried green plantains. Your time in Puerto Rico will offer a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the importance of protecting them while immersed in "Boricua" 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
Sample Activities
Just Imagine all the fun you'll have!
- Dance your heart out during a salsa lesson where you’ll learn rhythmic steps that blend Afro-Caribbean and Latin influences to create one of the island’s most iconic dance styles.
- Stroll through the lively La Placita de Santurce Market, where you’ll find fresh produce, tasty street food and colorful murals during the day, and live music and dancing at night.
- Visit the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, home to rotating exhibitions as well as a permanent collection of Puerto Rican art spanning from the 17th century to modern day.
- Wander the cobblestone streets of Viejo San Juan (Old San Juan) and uncover centuries of history with stops at El Morro Fortress and San Cristobal Castle.
- Snorkel in Puerto Rico’s crystal clear waters, where you’ll glide over vibrant color reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles and stingrays.
Why Go Abroad in High School to Explore STEM Careers?
Here's something you might not know: STEM students are the least likely to get to study abroad during college. With tightly packed schedules and tons of required courses, STEM majors... keep reading
How to Apply for Your First Passport
Prepare early for your study abroad adventure and apply for your first passport. Here’s how!
How Can I Help My Teen Pick a Study Abroad Program?
Is your teen thinking about studying abroad? That’s super exciting! Choosing the right program, however, can feel overwhelming—especially if your teen is having a hard time deciding where they want... keep reading
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.
Important note on physical activities: This program involves engaging in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities.
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
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 Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $4,950 |
| Total Fees | $4,950 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $4,950 |
| Total Fees | $4,950 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
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
Alejandra Herrera
Regional Director of Operations for Latin America, Interim Center Director, Santiago Chile
Alejandra is a passionate and experienced educator in higher education in Chile with more than 10 years in the field of International Education.
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
You might also like
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- STEM
From this island paradise, you’ll do research, conservation and field work on the coast and at sea.
- Homestay
- Service-learning: 12 hours
- Lisbon, Portugal
- STEM
Combine your passions for ecology and the sea in the port cities of Portugal.
- Homestay
- Service-learning: 12 hours
- Cape Town, South Africa
- STEM
Take a deep dive into ocean conservation in Cape Town and encounter first-hand its unique and biodiverse ecosystems.
- Hostel/Hotel
- Service-learning: 12 hours