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IHP Europe

Biodiversity and Conservation

(Filling; Apply by May 15, 2026)
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From forests to coastlines, cross ecological and national borders to explore how conservation works to protect Europe’s biodiversity and wildlife.

At a Glance

Credits

16

Prerequisites

None

Courses taught in

English

Dates

Aug 31 – Dec 13

Program Countries

Ireland, Spain, Switzerland

Program Base

Ireland, Switzerland, Spain

Visa

Varies

Critical Global Issue of Study

Climate & Environment

Program Cost

Contact a Former Student

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Overview

Why a comparative study of Europe’s biodiversity and conservation?

Explore ecosystems. Compare strategies. Safeguard species.

Travel across Ireland, Switzerland, and Spain to see how Europe protects its biodiversity in the face of climate change, land use, and human impact. From Atlantic wetlands to alpine peaks and Spanish Dehesas, you’ll gain direct experience through fieldwork, site visits, and conversations with local experts to understand the science and practice of conservation.

What sets this program apart is its regional, comparative model. Rather than focusing on a single country, you’ll build insight across three. By applying what you learn in each location to the next, you’ll deepen your understanding of species protection, ecosystem management, and the cultural and political systems that shape environmental action.

Europe is a global leader in biodiversity efforts. With a wide range of ecosystems, robust environmental policies like the Natura 2000 network, and innovative, community-based conservation strategies, it offers a dynamic lens for studying ecological sustainability in action.

If you’re curious about how the natural world works—and how we can protect it—this is your chance to explore the big questions, get your boots on the ground, and discover the wonders of Europe’s wildlife.

Highlights

  • Become a citizen scientist through BioBlitz biodiversity surveys in national parks and protected areas.
  • Engage with scientists, citizen groups, and land managers in region-specific, hands-on conservation work.
  • Study the spread of invasive species and their impact on native biodiversity across ecosystems.
  • Track pollinator species and their ecosystems while learning conservation strategies from regional experts.
  • Explore a self-directed line of inquiry through comparative fieldwork and local engagement.

Prerequisites

None.

program map

Program Sites

Galway, Ireland

Known for its unique habitats, including peat bogs, coastal cliffs, and wildflower-rich grasslands, Ireland offers a varied setting for studying species conservation and habitat management. Its ongoing efforts to restore ecosystems, such as the reintroduction of native species like the red deer and the protection of its Atlantic coast, make it a prime location to explore biodiversity challenges in a smaller, more manageable context. Ireland’s emphasis on protecting its native flora and fauna provides valuable lessons in the intersection of conservation, agriculture, and sustainable development. And there are puffins!

Geneva, Switzerland

With its dramatic Alpine landscapes, Switzerland presents a variety of ecosystems, from mountain meadows to glaciers, that are home to diverse species. The country is a leader in conservation policy, with strong environmental policies aimed at preserving natural habitats and managing human impact in the Alps. Switzerland’s focus on sustainable tourism, ecosystem management, and species protection, particularly in the context of climate change, makes it an ideal location for studying conservation efforts in high-altitude and sensitive environments.

Seville, Spain

Spain’s diverse landscapes, from Mediterranean forests to semi-arid regions, provide a broad spectrum of biodiversity. The country is a key player in the preservation of European biodiversity, with important protected areas like Doñana National Park. Spain also offers insight into the challenges of balancing conservation with agriculture, urbanization, and tourism, especially in coastal areas. Its efforts in habitat restoration, species conservation, and land management make it a vital location for studying the intersection of human activity and biodiversity.

Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.

Academics

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Analyze the ecological and environmental factors that influence biodiversity across diverse European ecosystems.
  • Compare conservation strategies and policies at regional, national, and EU levels and their effectiveness.
  • Apply scientific methods and field research techniques to assess biodiversity and ecosystem health.
  • Investigate the effects of land use and other human activity on biodiversity and the integrity of ecological systems.
  • Engage with conservation practitioners and local stakeholders to understand real-world biodiversity challenges and ethical dimensions of community-based conservation.
  • Synthesize insights from fieldwork and coursework to develop a comparative understanding of biodiversity across European ecosystems.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes.



Coursework

The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.

The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.

Please expand the sections below to see detailed course information, including course codes, credits, overviews, and syllabi.


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European Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Fauna

European Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Fauna – syllabus
4 credits

This course explores the diverse animal life that shapes Europe’s ecosystems, from the temperate forests of Ireland the alpine environments of Switzerland and the Mediterranean landscapes of Spain. Through comparative field-based research, students will examine key animal species, their ecological roles, and the human and environmental factors influencing their conservation. The course addresses critical topics such as wildlife conservation, habitat management, invasive species, climate change effects, and the role of animals in ecosystem dynamics. With a focus on real-world field data and case studies, students will develop a deeper understanding of Europe’s fauna and the challenges of preserving biodiversity across diverse ecosystems.

European Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Flora

European Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Flora – syllabus
4 credits

This course explores Europe’s botanical diversity through a comparative examination of native flora across three ecologically distinct regions. Students investigate plant community dynamics, ecological roles, and the environmental and human factors influencing plant biodiversity. Topics include plant adaptation, pollination networks, invasive species, conservation practices, and the effects of climate change on vegetation. Emphasis is placed on hands-on fieldwork and region-specific case studies, allowing students to analyze real-world conservation challenges and assess the health and resilience of native plant communities.

Human-Wildlife Interactions

Human-Wildlife Interactions – syllabus
4 credits

This course investigates the evolving relationship between humans and wildlife in Europe’s diverse ecosystems, with a focus on regionally grounded challenges and continental conservation frameworks. Using field-based learning across three key regions, students analyze how land use, urbanization, agriculture, and climate change influence biodiversity. Emphasis is placed on habitat fragmentation, species recovery, cultural and ethical dimensions of conservation, and broader, regional commitments to biodiversity protection and ecosystem restoration. Through comparative case studies and an applied simulation project, students explore innovative approaches to sustainable land management, ecological restoration, and community-centered conservation.

Project Biodiversity

Project Biodiversity – syllabus
4 credits

This course combines community engagement and self-directed inquiry to deepen students’ understanding of politics across diverse European contexts. At each program site, students collaborate with local organizations on community-initiated projects while developing intercultural communication and ethical engagement skills. Simultaneously, they pursue an inquiry-based project on an approved issue of their choice—such as habitat fragmentation, species’ genetic diversity, rewilding, or climate change impacts on breeding, as examples. With guidance, students will use appropriate methods to explore their topic across each program site and present their work in a final comparative project and presentation.

Housing

Housing

Student accommodations will include a mix of homestays, hostels, guesthouses, and small hotels/dorms.

Career Paths

Potential career paths include:

  • Conservation biologist

  • Field research assistant

  • Wildlife ecologist

  • Agroecology or regenerative agriculture advisor

  • Conservation project manager in international NGOs

  • Interpretive naturalist or park educator

  • Environmental educator or community outreach specialist

  • Conservation advocacy or campaign coordinator

  • Biodiversity monitoring specialist

  • Environmental policy analyst

Faculty & Staff

IHP Europe: Biodiversity and Conservation

Gyula Csurgai, PhD bio link
Gyula Csurgai, PhD
Alexandre Lambert, PhD bio link
Alexandre Lambert, PhD
Victor Tricot, PhD bio link
Victor Tricot, PhD

Discover the Possibilities

  • Cost & Scholarships

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  • HEALTH, ACCESS &
    IDENTITY

    A critical step in preparing for your study abroad program is planning how you will maintain your health and wellbeing. Please review the following information carefully and contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

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  • Visa
    Requirements

    Depending on your passport of origin, you may need a visa for this program. Please contact your admissions officer for more information.