Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems & Sustainability
Why Choose This Program?
Explore
Have fun discovering Mediterranean life on land and at sea.
Network
Meet new friends and marine biologists. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Inventory environmental threats to marine species. Discover how to make a difference back home.
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.
Sample Itinerary
Top Rated Activities
Visit to Cabrera National Park
The water glows a surreal, electric blue as you swim through Cabrera’s iconic Blue Cave, the last stop on a day filled with discovery and adventure. Laughter and splashes echo around you as you and your fellow Global Navigators snorkel in this stunning natural wonder, spotting schools of fish darting beneath the surface. It’s a moment of pure wonder, capping an experience you’ll all remember forever.
Earlier in the day, you arrive at Cabrera National Park, the largest maritime protected area in the Balearic Islands, ready to apply classroom learning to the real world. Working in small groups, you carry out a species inventory—a common scientific tool used to identify the presence of different species in an area. Exploring the coastline and pristine waters, you document your findings, contributing valuable data to ongoing conservation efforts and gaining firsthand insight into the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems.
Spending the day doing the work of real scientists in the field is as fascinating as it is fun, leaving you with a deeper appreciation for conservation and the importance of protecting biodiversity.
Visit to Palma Cathedral and Can Joan de s'Aigo
You’re savoring creamy ice cream, laughing over inside jokes with your host siblings and fellow Global Navigators—friends who have become like family during this incredible journey. The cool sweetness of the dessert is matched by the warmth of the moment as you share stories, trade bites of flaky pastries, and marvel that this chocolaterie, Can Joan de s’Aigo, has been delighting locals since the 1700s.
This special day is all about connections—to the people you’ve met and the vibrant culture of Mallorca. Earlier, you explored the majestic Palma Cathedral, where Gothic spires and stunning stained glass create a kaleidoscope of light. Walking through centuries of Mediterranean history, you admired Antoni Gaudí’s architectural flourishes and contemporary art by Miquel Barceló. Each detail added depth to your understanding of this incredible place.
As the day winds down, you reflect on how much you’ve learned and gained this summer—about history, culture, and yourself—and how travel and cultural exchange are treasures that will shape your perspective forever.
A Day of Marine Discovery at Portixol
Today, our students embarked on an exciting educational adventure to Portixol, a picturesque port-side area of Palma de Mallorca. This vibrant locale set the perfect stage for a day dedicated... keep reading
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
When Can My Teen Book Their Flight for High School Summer Abroad?
Your teen might be the first in the family to study abroad, to travel outside the U.S., and/or to take a solo flight. This is both exciting and nerve-wracking—so the... 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.
- This program involves engaging in moderate- to high-intensity physical activities, such as hiking, boating, and snorkeling.
- Ability to comfortably swim, as program is centered around the sea.
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 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,150 | |
Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $6,150 |
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
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...
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.