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  5. Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems & Sustainability
clear water ocean palma spain
Palma de Mallorca, Spain

Mediterranean Marine Ecosystems & Sustainability

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

Overview
From the island paradise of Mallorca, explore marine environments and see up close the rich underwater life of the Mediterranean Sea.

Teeming with biodiversity, the Mediterranean Sea supports more than 17,000 different species, making magnificent Mallorca in the western Mediterranean a special place to focus on sustainability. Here, where Marine Protected Areas abound, you’ll learn firsthand about marine organisms and their interactions with coastal and marine ecosystems.  

Engage with expert ecologists and biologists in class, in the lab, and in the field as you explore nature, inventory species, and monitor habitats. In the process, you’ll discover key species under threat from marine pollution and human activity—and how to make a difference.

There’s also plenty of time to get out on the water and in! Swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard–do it all and play beach volleyball, too. Immerse yourself in island life and Mallorquin culture through your homestay and meet-ups with local teens. Take in the sights from the medieval Bellver Castle with its beautiful bird’s-eye view of Palma to the colorful Olivar Market to the Es Baluard contemporary art museum. And don’t miss the homemade almond ice cream at Palma’s 300-year-old café! 

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 friends of different backgrounds from across the U.S.

45

Hours of Expert Instruction

12

Hours of Service-Learning

1

Life-Changing Experience

Destination
  • coastline palma de mallorca spain sunny
  • downtown mallorca spain building palm trees
  • Group of Global Navigators on a cliff in Palma de Mallorca

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.

Itinerary

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 Goals

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 field work on the uninhabited island of Cabrera. Consider your class, lab, and field work to finalize your Project and present it to your group.

Activities

Sample Activities

High school students with backpacks walking down to the beach in Palma de Mallorca

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 also 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.  
Testimonials

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

View from the castle!
From CIEE

A Day of Discovery: Exploring Cabrera

By Paulina Molina at CIEE

On Wednesday, July 24th, our Marine Ecosystems and Sustainability program participants embarked on an unforgettable excursion to the island of Cabrera, a pristine gem off the east coast of Mallorca... keep reading

walking to snorkeling
From CIEE

A Day at Cala Romana

By Claire Newman at CIEE

We’re excited to share what an amazing day we had here in Palma de Mallorca! Today was all about discovering the wonders of Cala Romana, a beautiful coastal gem that... keep reading

Jordyn birdwatching
From CIEE

Alcudia Adventures!

By Keira Freeman at CIEE

This week, our CIEE students embarked on an unforgettable journey to Alcudia. The adventure began with a double-decker bus ride, stopping at the Parc natural de sa’albufera for a unique... keep reading

Eligibility

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

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?

Enroll Today Contact Us

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

Staff

Our Staff

Antonia Ferriol

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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