GoAbroad

SFS Croatia: Sea Turtles and Marine Mammals of the Adriatic

Inquire Here
Submit a ReviewNo Reviews
1980Year established

Program Overview

The Center for the Conservation of Marine Megafauna program takes place in the Croatian archipelagos of the Eastern Adriatic coast. Consisting of 1,244 islands, islets, and reefs, the Croatian coast is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. The Adriatic Sea is a hotspot for biodiversity, and one of the regions of the Mediterranean most affected by climate change.

Alongside marine conservation professionals, students survey bottlenose dolphins, satellite track turtles, and monitor seagrass, while analyzing how shipping, tourism, and bycatch threaten fragile populations. A dolphin breach beside the research boat becomes a moment of wonder, as students log the data into conservation records. They also help rehabilitate injured turtles and interpret stranding data for policy.

Each encounter underscores Croatia’s dilemma: a coast famed for beauty but pressured by unsustainable growth. Students not only contribute data but also grapple with how science and society must recalibrate to keep the Adriatic alive.

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

Program Highlights

Survey bottlenose dolphins during daily research cruises, recording behavior, group composition, and individual IDs for long-term population tracking
Satellite track loggerhead turtles and assess post-release success from rehabilitation centers, linking individual journeys to regional conservation outcomes.
Monitor Adriatic seagrass meadows for structure and health while documenting associations with fish, turtles, and invertebrates.
Record cetacean acoustic behavior with hydrophones, analyzing whistles, clicks, and calls as part of population communication studies.
Conduct Directed Research: frame a stakeholder-driven question, collect and analyze field data with faculty guidance, and present actionable findings to local partners.

What's Included

Tuition & Fees
Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
All Program Activity Costs
Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Travel Insurance
On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
Pre-Departure Orientation
Academic Credit

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Croatia

Fields & Subjects

  • Animal Science
  • Biology
  • Biomedical Sciences
  • Earth Sciences
  • Ecology
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Geology
  • Marine Biology
  • Natural Sciences
  • Science
  • Sustainable Development
  • Zoology & Wildlife Sciences

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027
  • Terms Available
  • Fall
  • Spring

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Couples, Group

Education Levels & Language

  • Language
  • English
  • Education
  • University Freshman (1st Year)
  • University Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • University Junior (3rd Year)
  • University Senior (4th Year)
  • University 5th Year or More

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
  • Transcript

Age Requirement

18-30

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about The School for Field Studies

Be the first to review The School for Field Studies

If you've participated in this program, your review helps future students decide.

Review this Program

Inquire

Inquire about this program

Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 4Timing

When do you want to travel?

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Fund for Education Abroad

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

Scenery view of mountainside and sea
Academic Programs International logo

Academic Programs International

4.6

5 reviews

API: Experience Dubrovnik, Croatia (Scholarships Available)

Study abroad in Croatia, in the beautiful city of Dubrovnik! Located on the southern tip of the country's Dalmatian coast, Dubrovnik is known for...

Study Abroad in Croatia (ZSEM)
StudyAbroad.com logo

StudyAbroad.com

No reviews yet

Study Abroad in Croatia (ZSEM)

Looking for a study abroad experience that matches your ambition? The Zagreb School of Economics and Management (ZSEM) in Croatia offers an excep...

Croatia
Non-Profit Study Abroad (NPSA) logo

Non-Profit Study Abroad (NPSA)

No reviews yet

Direct Low Cost - Summer Study in Croatia

Study this summer in Croatia, choosing from low-cost, non-profit programs and affordable housing options. Upon successful completion, you will ea...

Have more questions?

We're here to help!

The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and The School for Field Studies is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997