The Ultimate Guide to CIEE’s Ecology + Sustainability Program
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Step into a world of ecological wonder and sustainability with a new CIEE Study Abroad program designed for the next generation of environmental leaders.
CIEE’s Ecology + Sustainability program offers you the chance to venture beyond the classroom and dive deep into the most pressing issues affecting our planet. Gain invaluable knowledge, forge lifelong connections, and contribute to real-world solutions as you embark on an unforgettable journey of personal and academic growth.
As a trailblazer in the realm of study abroad opportunities, the Ecology + Sustainability program offers an unparalleled experience in some of the world's most ecologically significant locations. By enrolling in this program, you'll become part of an exclusive group of students who share your passion for environmental stewardship and global citizenship.
The Framework of the Ecology + Sustainability Program
As each generation becomes more environmentally conscious, today's Gen Z students consider ecological issues one of their top priorities. In response to these concerns, the CIEE Ecology + Sustainability program is available in 10+ cities worldwide, enabling you to explore global environmental challenges and engage with innovative solutions.
This is done through:
- Ecology- and sustainability-focused coursework
- Immersive experiential learning opportunities
- Best-in-study-abroad excursions, extracurriculars, and co-curricular activities
By blending these program components, you’ll feel empowered to become an ecological leader, contributing to the development of a new generation committed to fostering sustainability and resilience within urban ecosystems.
An Overview of the Ecology + Sustainability Program Model
What sets the Ecology + Sustainability program apart is its commitment to providing an education that challenges you to think critically and develop innovative solutions to complex environmental issues.
This program model focuses on environmental systems, biodiversity, and ecological resilience, emphasizing science and field-based learning. And the locations in which the program is offered address both theory and practice in diverse settings, like the cloud forest of Costa Rica, the African Savannah of Gaborone, the coastal cities of Cape Town, Athens, Palma de Mallorca, or Lisbon, or the island of New Zealand.
With no prerequisites, students from all majors can participate and take one required sustainability course complemented by co-curricular activities.
More than anything, this one-of-a-kind program empowers you to grow as a leader, researcher, and advocate for our planet's future.
Sample Ecology + Sustainability Coursework
You’ll have a wide range of courses to choose from when you enroll in the CIEE Ecology + Sustainability program.
That’s because classes are offered through your local CIEE Center, host institutions in your area, and CIEE x ASU online.
Learn more about the course topics that could be options for you during your study abroad experience:
| Sample CIEE Study Abroad Courses | Sample Host Institution Courses | Sample Arizona State University Courses |
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Best-in-Study-Abroad Program Excursions, Extracurriculars, and Co-Curricular Activities
Beyond the classroom, you’ll take part in immersive excursions, exciting cultural events, meaningful workshops, and special volunteer opportunities that deepen your understanding of ecology and sustainability.
These include:
- Excursions: Explore more of your host city and country through 5 excursions, either day or overnight trips. Plus, at least one activity per outing will be directly related to sustainability.
- Cultural and social activities: At least 4 sustainability-related activities will be offered throughout the semester.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include policy frameworks, clean energy, corporate social responsibility, advocacy, and public response.
- Volunteer opportunities: Find your people through environmental initiatives offered local organizations, research institutions, or universities.
To get a sense of what best-in-class excursions look like in action, consider these top activities:
- Kayak in San Juan’s Bioluminescent Bay, where the water glows with every paddle stroke
- Participate in a snorkeling tour along Cape Town's coastline to discover local conservation and sustainability practices while exploring vibrant marine life
- Explore Auckland’s lava fields, native forests, and volcanic landscapes on Rangitoto Island
By immersing yourself in impactful sustainable projects, you'll develop meaningful relationships with like-minded peers as you embark on the experiences offered by this program.
Optional Immersive Experiential Learning Components
Get even more out of your study abroad journey when you take advantage of optional learning experiences offered to you – allowing you to customize your program to be as unique as you are.
- Gain professional experience: Opt for a part-time sustainability-focused internship to build work experience and strengthen your resume.
- Conduct independent research: Combine your environmental passion with local happenings for a customized project.
- Volunteer with local organizations: Service-learning opportunities let you collaborate with community-based groups focusing on sustainability, blending coursework with hands-on experiences.
By engaging in any of these experiences, you’ll better yourself and the world around you.
The Right Program for the Right Students
CIEE’s Ecology + Sustainability program may appeal to a wide range of college majors – particularly those interested in environmental issues, conservation, and sustainable practices.
Some of the most relevant majors include:
- Agriculture
- Botany
- Climate Science
- Conservation Biology
- Earth Sciences
- Ecology
- Environmental Science
- Forestry
- Marine Biology
- Natural Resources Management
- Renewable Energy
- Sustainability
- Urban Planning
If you have an interest in these areas – but you aren’t studying any of them full-time in college – that’s okay! Any student passionate about preserving and protecting the environment while promoting sustainable practices should find the program worthwhile.
Study Ecology + Sustainability with CIEE Study Abroad
The United States has made progress in sustainability, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, waste management, and green building practices.
But there’s still a lot of room for improvement compared to other countries leading in sustainability efforts. That’s why CIEE offers the Ecology + Sustainability program in cities like:
- Athens, Greece
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Cape Town, South Africa
- Copenhagen, Denmark
- Gaborone, Botswana
- Lisbon, Portugal
- Mérida, Mexico
- Monteverde, Costa Rica
- Palma de Mallorca, Spain
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
Whether you choose to study abroad in the cloud forest of Costa Rica, the deserts of the Middle East, or the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Pacific oceans, get ready to combine scientific principles with real-world application to address today’s most urgent environmental challenges.
Study Ecology + Sustainability Abroad
As the world continues to navigate environmental challenges, engaging in study abroad programs focused on ecology and sustainability can give you a unique opportunity to become an agent of change. By gaining new perspectives, fostering global collaboration, and embracing innovative solutions, you can contribute to a more sustainable future for generations to come.