Marine Ecology & Sustainability
Why Choose This Program?
Explore
Have fun discovering Cape Town's world-famous beaches, mountain ranges, and adventure-filled sites.
Network
Meet new friends and marine biologists. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Survey plant and animal life and inventory environmental threats to coastal ecosystems. Discover how to make a difference back home.
The Destination
Welcome to Cape Town, to dramatic scenery and endless ocean views.
On the most southern tip of the African continent is Cape Town. Here you’ll always be surrounded by natural landmarks, stunning beaches, and two oceans—the warm Indian Ocean and the ice-cold Atlantic Ocean. From the flat top of Table Mountain that towers over the city, take in the wide view out to Table Bay. Travel an hour for field work in the Cape Floristic Region and you’ll be in a hotspot of biodiversity and a Natural World Heritage Site.
Often referred to as “The Mother City,” Cape Town was the first settlement in South Africa. The city has experienced rapid growth and is often listed among the most popular destinations around the world. Modern and sophisticated, Cape Town offers much to do: hiking, museums, shopping at markets, and restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to interact with Cape Town's diverse population. It also invites reflection on how the city’s rapid growth has impacted biodiversity and on how it grapples with the socioeconomic inequalities born from South Africa’s colonial and apartheid past.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Cape Town.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Discovering Life in the Intertidal Zone
Explore the rocky shores of False Bay and discover the remarkable diversity of marine life that thrives along Cape Town’s coastline. Move between the rockpools, observing and identifying the fascinating species that live within these small but complex ecosystems—from colorful anemones and sea stars to crabs, molluscs, fish and other intertidal creatures. Get hands-on with marine ecology as you investigate how these species interact with one another and adapt to the constantly changing conditions of the intertidal zone, where the ocean meets the shore.
Look closely at the different habitats within each rockpool and discover how even the smallest organisms play a role in the wider coastal ecosystem. Through exploration, species identification and observation in their natural habitat, develop a deeper understanding of False Bay’s unique marine biodiversity and the importance of conserving these fragile coastal environments.
Citizen Science Snorkeling Project With Cape RADD
A shark glides past you in the cool, clear waters off Cape Town, its striped pajama-like pattern weaving through the kelp forest. With a touch of nerves, but mostly awe, you marvel at the vibrant underwater world—sea stars clinging to rocks, schools of fish flashing through the sunlight, and the gentle sway of marine plants. As a citizen scientist with Cape RADD, you’re observing this incredible ecosystem and helping to protect it.
This snorkeling excursion is part of a much larger research project. You and your peers collect critical data on species abundance, habitat health, and marine biodiversity. Guided by expert marine biologists, you document your findings, contributing to ongoing conservation efforts aimed at preserving South Africa’s coastal ecosystems. This experience brings the lessons on conservation to life, reinforcing the impact of real-world efforts to protect the ocean.
As you share the day’s highlights with your peers, laughter and excitement flow easily. The experience sparks meaningful conversations about your shared dreams for the future—ideas for careers, studies, and the kind of difference you each hope to make. Bonds formed here feel as enduring as the ocean itself, rooted in shared purpose and unforgettable moments.
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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, and extended observational time outdoors.
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 |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Summer Session I 2027 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,800 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2027 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,800 |
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Group Flight
(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
Faeza Khan
Center Director
Faeza Khan is a higher education leader, researcher, and student affairs practitioner with over 15 years’ experience spanning student success, wellbeing and institutional transformation. Her work explores how universities can...
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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