Ecology + Sustainability
Your Ecology + Sustainability program in San Juan lasts 12 weeks and is designed for you to engage with the world's most pressing environmental challenges in a local context. You will enroll in a combination of sustainability- and discipline-focused CIEE courses and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU, to develop your understanding of the ecological, social, economic, and political contexts of environmental sustainability in San Juan. Enhance your experience with cross-disciplinary co-curricular and extracurricular activities related to sustainability and the environment. Live and learn in San Juan!
Unique Experiences
Join reforestation efforts in El Yunque Rainforest
to remove invasive species, maintain trails, and protect Puerto Rico's unique ecosystem
Help conserve the Yellow-shouldered blackbird
by participating in wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration for endangered species
Install solar panels in rural communities
to gain hands-on experience in renewable energy and support sustainable development
Your Destination
San Juan is Puerto Rico’s vibrant, sustainability-focused capital, known for its dedication to environmental conservation, coastal protection, and renewable energy initiatives. The city seamlessly combines colonial history with modern eco-conscious efforts, offering iconic landmarks like the historic El Morro fortress, the colorful streets of Old San Juan, and the lush beaches of Condado. With a tropical climate, diverse ecosystems, and a growing emphasis on sustainable tourism and green infrastructure, San Juan provides an inspiring environment for students. Whether you are majoring in environmental science, sustainability, marine biology, urban planning, business, or cultural studies, San Juan is an ideal destination to study abroad.
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 San Juan.
Program Highlights
- Featured Courses: Choose from a set of theoretical and practical Ecology and Sustainability courses that explore today's pressing environmental issues.
- Sustainability in Practice Workshop: Take part in an optional workshop to compare different models of sustainability in your host country and around the world. Topics may include business, public policy, technology, waste-management, and more.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activities and volunteer work on local farms, natural reserves, field stations, and more while applying real-life solutions to challenges in the fields of energy, waste management, and conservation.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in a for-credit internship, directed independent research project, or service-learning to connect with local leaders on environmental protection projects.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in San Juan will open doors for you to explore Puerto Rico’s rich diversity, language, culture, history, contemporary trends, vibrant art, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of excursions and activities:
- Experience the magic of kayaking in the bioluminescent waters of Laguna Grande in Fajardo, where the water glows with every paddle stroke
- Master the moves and history of reggaeton in a dance workshop with local instructors, and learn the history of popular reggaeton clubs in San Juan
- Spend the day glamping by the river in Utuado, surrounded by lush tropical forests, and enjoy activities like river tubing, hiking, and swing-rope jumping
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE San Juan offers diverse residence hall housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. From single to shared rooms, we will strive for your accommodation preferences to be met. All housing has convenient access to plenty of shopping, supermarkets, restaurants, and public transportation.
- Standard Housing: Includes a double room in a residence hall, located within 15 minutes of the city center by public transportation. Students can prepare their meals in the facility and access study areas and other amenities. This type of accommodation offers fully furnished kitchen space, laundry facilities shared with other students, shared bathrooms, and Wi-Fi.
- Select Housing: Includes a single room in a residence hall. Residence halls are located within 15 minutes of the city center. Students can prepare their meals in the facility and access study areas and other amenities. This type of accommodation offers fully furnished kitchen space, laundry facilities shared with other students, shared bathrooms, and Wi-Fi. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Meals are not included in residence halls. Students can prepare their meals in the fully furnished kitchen space.
Academics
CIEE San Juan: Study in San Juan, a dynamic city where rich history meets Caribbean charm. From exploring colorful streets and historic forts to soaking up the sun on stunning beaches, experience the vibrant culture and warm hospitality that make San Juan unforgettable.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Featured Courses
The Ecology + Sustainability program offers a rich curriculum that investigates the vital links between ecology, sustainability, and environmental policy. Students will explore diverse topics like energy solutions, ecosystem resilience, and the role of social justice in environmental action. With a focus on both theoretical and practical application, these courses provide students with the essential knowledge and multidisciplinary insights to confront the urgent environmental challenges facing our world today.
| CIEE Courses (in-person) | ASU Courses (online) |
Principles of Ecology Global Change and The Environment Global Environmental Policy Sustainable Tourism | Systems Thinking Sustainable Ecosystems Basic Energy Science |
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
- Principles of Ecology
- Global Change and the Environment
- Global Environmental Policy
- Sustainable Tourism
- Culture and Cuisine in Puerto Rico
- Intercultural Communication and Leadership
- Race and Identity in the Caribbean
- Photojournalism
- Doing Business in Latin America
- International Marketing
- Spanish Language - Beginning I
- Internship Seminar
- Service-Learning Project
- Directed Independent Research
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
San Juan's work scene is diverse, offering abundant internship opportunities with innovative businesses, nonprofit organizations, and multinational corporations across tourism, finance, healthcare, and creative industries. The city's multicultural and bilingual environment fosters collaboration and networking, supporting professional growth in a vibrant Caribbean business hub.
Finance
Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.
Health Science
Immerse yourself in global healthcare systems to study cross-border medical practices and address public health challenges.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Manufacturing
Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Wollitzer Merit Scholarships in Area or Comparative Studies
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Ritzmann Tropical and Marine Ecology Scholarships
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
- Trailblazer Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Spring 2026 12 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
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.
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.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext 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.
Get Started
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Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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