Palma Spanish Mediterranean Ecosystems & Sustainability
Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems & Sustainability (En Español)

Summer '25 Applications Open

STEM

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,150

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Dates

-

3 weeks

Costs

$6,150

Application Deadline

Enroll Now

Request Information

Program Overview
Discover the marine environments and underwater life of the Mediterranean... ¡en español! 

Dive deep into the study of marine organisms and their interactions with coastal and marine ecosystems while gaining a greater appreciation for the island of Mallorca.

If you have completed Level 3 or higher of high school Spanish or are a heritage Spanish speaker, this is the perfect opportunity for you. During this program, you will:

  • Learn about marine biology directly from local experts, in Spanish, expanding your vocabulary. 
  • Soak up the local culture through an immersive stay with a host family. Live and breathe in Spanish 24/7! 
  • Explore the island, enjoy outdoor activities, and engage with other motivated students looking to advance their Spanish skills.

Now, let’s get real and switch to Spanish! 

En la isla paradisíaca de Mallorca encontrarás un lugar especial para estudiar la sostenibilidad marina. El Mediterráneo, repleto de biodiversidad, alberga más de 17.000 especies diferentes. Interactúa con ecólogos y biólogos en clase, en el laboratorio y en el campo, y descubre las especies amenazadas por la contaminación marina y la actividad humana. También nada, practica snorkel, kayak y remo y juega voleibol de playa. Sumérgete en la vida cotidiana de la isla y la cultura mallorquina conviviendo con una familia anfitriona y relacionándote con adolescentes locales. 

If you can’t read the above without a translation tool, consider joining the English-taught version of the Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems & Sustainability in Palma program.

The Take-Aways

Real-world Experience

Take on the skills of a marine biologist observing and inventorying species in marine environments. See firsthand biodiversity and marine ecosystem threats. Come home ready to make a difference in the sustainability of local ecosystems.

Credentials For Your Future

Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a portfolio and poster showcasing your Project on a marine biodiversity and sustainability topic, and service-learning hours documenting your engagement with the community.

Life Skills And New Friendships

Return with greater self-confidence, independence, and improved communication skills. Enjoy a broader worldview and diverse friendships from across the U.S.

45

Hours Of Expert Instruction

12

Hours Of Service-learning

1

Life-changing Experience

The Destination
  • Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems & Sustainability
  • Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems & Sustainability
  • Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems & Sustainability

The Destination

Welcome to Mallorca, a tourism hot spot known for dramatic landscapes and crystal blue waters. 

It’s easy to fall in love with this stunning Balearic Island off the east coast of Spain. You can wander in any direction and be mesmerized by scenic coves, exquisite limestone mountains, luscious greenery, and a sea so clear that you can see the grains of sand at the bottom of the sea.  

The capital, Palma de Mallorca, known as the “pearl of the Mediterranean,” bustles with tourism and commerce today. Here you’ll experience the spirited vibe and Mediterranean flair of streets filled with stylish boutiques, quirky shops, art galleries, and artisanal bakeries. Most restaurants spill out onto pedestrian streets buzzing with families enjoying their evenings together. 

Founded by the Romans in 123 BC, Palma has been a crossroads of cultures throughout history. Its rich Islamic past is still evident within the casco antiguo, or Old Town, which also boasts Gothic structures from the Middle Ages and many hidden treasures, small museums, courtyards, and even an 800-year-old olive tree! Be sure to take a picture there of the tallest Gothic structure in Europe—La Seu cathedral.   

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 Palma de Mallorca. 

Daily Life

Daily Life

Monday–Friday 

Each day offers a balance between interactive instruction and cultural activities with time on your own, too. Morning classes and afternoon activities may swap places. 

  • Breakfast at the homestay 
  • Hands-on classes with expert instructors, ecologists, and marine biologists  
  • Bagged lunch in the study center or in the field  
  • Outdoor activities, community service, or cultural activities 
  • Dinner at the homestay  

Weekends  

  • Overnight or day excursions to top destinations 
  • Quality time with friends and everyone at your homestay 

Check out the blog posts to discover more about daily life and excursions on program. 

Housing

Carefully-screened homestay

24/7 Support

1 Program Leader for every 12 students and support from local staff

Weekly Learning Objectives

Settle into your homestay. Study marine organisms (plankton and algae) at the Aula de la Mar lab. Conduct field work with an inventory of species at Dragonera Natural Park, and upload group findings to seawatchers.net. 

Study marine organisms (vertebrates, invertebrates, seagrasses, algae) and inventory bird species in the wetlands of S’Albufera Natural Park. Investigate the human impact on marine environments. In small groups, select a topic for a Project on protecting marine biodiversity.

Analyze data and draw conclusions about the human impact on marine life and ecosystems. Conduct more fieldwork on the uninhabited island of Cabrera. Consider your class, lab, and field work to finalize your Project and present it to your group. 

Program Blogs

From CIEE

Farewell Dinner

By Bethany Hansen at CIEE

Students say wistful but joyous goodbyes to friends, staff, and host families.

From CIEE

Exploring the Wonders of Palma de Mallorca with Global Navigators

By Ryan VanSant at CIEE

Recently, our spirited group of Global Navigators embarked on an exciting journey to the center of Palma de Mallorca, and it turned out to be an adventure filled with awe and delight.

From CIEE

A Day at Castle Bellver: The Perfect Spanish Study Break

By Ryan VanSant at CIEE

When you think of studying Spanish in the enchanting island of Mallorca, endless vocabulary lists and grammar rules might come to mind. But for a group of enthusiastic Global Navigators, a recent field trip to the majestic Castle Bellver turned an ordinary Thursday into an extraordinary adventure. Nestled atop a hill overlooking the vibrant city of Palma, Castle Bellver is not only a historical gem but also a perfect escape from the classroom.

Activities

Sample Activities

Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems & Sustainability

Just imagine all the fun you’ll have!

  • Overnight at La Victoria natural area in Alcudia between the mountains and sea. Maneuver down a rocky path to the beach of Coll Baix. Snorkel, swim, kayak, and paddleboard. Sail back in a private boat.
  • Travel back to the 14th century when you explore the unique circular Bellver Castle. Then climb to the top for sweeping views of Palma, the harbor, the sea, and the Tramuntana mountains. 
  • Dive into the blue water of Cabrera National Park and watch the colorful fish dance with you in the waves. Who knows? You might even encounter an inquisitive octopus. 
  • Take a boat ride to the uninhabited island of Sa Dragonera, swarming with Lilford’s wall lizards. These reptiles look like miniature dragons and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. 
  • Compete in a scavenger hunt in Palma’s historic Olivar market. Practice your Spanish with the vendors and feast your eyes on all the delicious Mallorquin produce. 

What Students Are Saying

  • “My time in Mallorca was amazing because we did activities that I’ve never done before, like kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, and coasteering.”

    Albin K., Global Navigator Alum

  • “The friends I made on this trip are the best friends I could possibly have. I owe these friendships to this trip and I could not be more grateful.”

    Imogen S., Global Navigator Alum

  • “It’s the perfect program balancing education and fun. I met my new best friends from all across the country. And it was my first time snorkeling.”

    Jordan M., Global Navigator Alum

  • “I learned more about Marine Science but also learned about myself. I stepped out of my comfort zone so many times and it has really taught me what I can do!” 

    Kernen J., Global Navigator Alum

Eligibility

Eligibility

Participants must be 14 years old and above.

Program open to all current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors—who:  

  • Have completed high school Spanish Level 3 or higher by the start of the program and/or  
  • Can fully participate in an oral interview in Spanish with Intermediate-High proficiency or higher 

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 comfortably swim, as the program is centered around the sea. 

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Dates & Fees

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 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,150
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks Start Date End Date Costs $6,150

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

(Local Set up to Use U.S. Smartphone Abroad)

All Cultural Activities and Excursions

Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection

24/7 Emergency On-site Support

Our Staff

Our Staff

Antonia Ferriol, PhD

Center Director

Antonia brings a great passion for teaching and a wealth of educational experience, having taught Spanish language, linguistics, literature, and culture at Pennsylvania State University, Middlebury College, Denison University, and...

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