Ocean Conservation & Sustainability
Summer '25 Applications Open
The Take-Aways
Real-World Experience
Alongside Cape Town's passionate oceanographers, conduct field work and assess ecosystem threats. Conduct research on a sustainability challenge and come home ready to take action on environmental initiatives.
Credentials for Your Future
Topics for your college essays, experience to inform your future career, a portfolio of work to showcase your sustainability research and reflections, 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 in the Community
1
Life-Changing Experience
The Destination
Welcome to Cape Town, to dramatic scenery and endless ocean views.
On the most southern tip of the African continent is Cape Town. Here you’ll always be surrounded by natural landmarks, stunning beaches, and two oceans—the warm Indian Ocean and the ice-cold Atlantic Ocean. From the flat top of Table Mountain that towers over the city, take in the wide view out to Table Bay. Travel an hour for field work in the Cape Floristic Region and you’ll be in a hotspot of biodiversity and a Natural World Heritage Site.
Often referred to as “The Mother City,” Cape Town was the first settlement in South Africa. The city has experienced rapid growth and is often listed among the most popular destinations around the world. Modern and sophisticated, Cape Town offers much to do: hiking, museums, shopping at markets, and restaurants, and plenty of opportunities to interact with Cape Town's diverse population. It also invites reflection on how the city’s rapid growth has impacted biodiversity and on how it grapples with the socioeconomic inequalities born from South Africa’s colonial and apartheid past.
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 Cape Town.
Sample Activities
Just Imagine All the Fun You’ll Have!
- Go behind the “staff-only” access doors at the Two Oceans Aquarium, named best Responsible Attraction in Africa in 2019, and get a sneak peek at animal feedings and health checks.
- Take an overnight excursion to the Aquila Private Game Reserve—try to spot the Big 5 (lion, leopard, rhino, Cape buffalo, and African elephant) and experience breath-taking African sunsets!
- Thaw fish to nourish endangered seabirds at the world-renowned SANCCOB Seabird Centre, and sink into the Save Our Seas Shark Education Centre at False Bay to immerse yourself in marine knowledge of sharks, local biodiversity, rock pools, and more.
- Get your penguin fix on a day trip to the most south-westerly point of the African continent.
- Food forage at the coastline on wildly delicious adventures to discover edible mushrooms, seaweeds, shellfish, flowers, roots, shoots, and more.
Please note activities are based on past programs and 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.
Week 3
Students have had a busy (and sunny) past couple of days, and they have taken part in plenty of water activities. Everyone had the chance to search for aquatic wildlife... keep reading
Penguins, Surfing, and African Stew
After getting settled in, students had a very exciting first week. After the weather finally cleared, students have taken part in a wide variety of South African activities. Adventures started... keep reading
Cape Town July 10
Week 1: Students are finally settling in to begin their program in Cape Town. The trip got off to a late start after severe weather caused a flight delay and... 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, and extended observational time outdoors.
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 $5,550 | |
| Program Summer Session II 2025 3 weeks | Start Date | End Date | Costs $5,550 |
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
Nompilo Ndlovu
Center Director
Dr. Nompilo Ndlovu has over a decade of experience working within the academic, policy and non-profit sectors, focused on the African continent.
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