Restoring and Protecting Reefs, Sharks, and Coastal Communities
CHANGEMAKER
4
Weeks
WHO
Students aged 18-24
WHAT
Immerse yourself in coral reef restoration while earning SSI diving certifications. Collaborate with local communities to drive sustainable marine practices and gain practical conservation skills that will last a lifetime.
WHERE
Cebu, Philippines
WHEN
Summer, Fall, Spring
COST
WHat YOU'LL BE DOING
Dive headfirst into a transformative four week marine conservation program in Cebu. Develop skills in paddling, snorkeling, and scuba diving while collaborating with experts to restore coral reefs, protect marine species, and maintain buoy systems critical for ocean safety. Document your journey through underwater photography and social media, gaining insight into marine ecosystems’ vital role in sustaining life. Build connections with like-minded peers and coastal communities as you learn how to make a tangible impact on the environment.
Sample Itinerary
Week 1: Foundations and Certification
Begin your journey with an engaging team orientation, where you’ll build connections and prepare for the weeks ahead. Achieve SSI Open Water and Advanced diving certifications, gaining the skills needed for confident underwater exploration. Dive into the science of reef ecosystems, understanding their critical role in ocean health, and lay the groundwork for meaningful restoration work.
Week 2: Coral Reef Restoration
Immerse yourself in the world of marine conservation with hands-on coral reef restoration. Learn how to create and deploy artificial reefs, rehabilitate damaged natural reef structures, and monitor their recovery through data collection and analysis. Develop underwater videography skills to capture the beauty and importance of these marine habitats, creating impactful visual stories that inspire change.
Week 3: Shark and Marine Life Conservation
Explore the fascinating role of sharks in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, working alongside experts to protect these essential species. Participate in field research and conservation projects that focus on sharks and other critical marine life, gaining insights into the delicate balance of ocean biodiversity and the urgent need for its preservation.
Week 4: Buoy Conservation and Sustainability Focus
Work collaboratively to maintain vital buoy systems that support safe navigation and protect sensitive marine habitats. Reflect on your entire conservation journey, analyze the data collected throughout the program, and contribute to meaningful discussions on sustainability strategies for the future groups. Celebrate your achievements during a closing ceremony that highlights your impact and newfound skills.
Where You'll STay
Your home will be our fully equipped marine base in Cebu, offering dormitory accommodations with gender-specific spaces for comfort and security. Enjoy shared cooking facilities and vibrant communal areas ideal for bonding with teammates. When you're not restoring reefs or learning new skills, dive into Cebu’s vibrant culture, relax on pristine beaches, and participate in group activities or independent exploration.
Why Choose This Program?
For Students:
- Forge lasting friendships while contributing to marine conservation efforts.
- Dive into Cebu’s stunning underwater landscapes, earning certifications and gaining field experience.
- Learn unique skills, including scuba and paddling techniques, underwater media creation, and effective storytelling for environmental advocacy.
For Parents:
- Watch your son or daughter grow in independence, confidence, and responsibility.
- Gain peace of mind knowing they’re in a safe, professionally guided environment.
- Help them develop leadership skills, build practical experience in conservation and research, and earn globally recognized qualifications that stand out on college applications and resumes.
For Counselors:
- Recommend a program backed by rigorous safety protocols and globally recognized qualifications.
- Perfect for students interested in marine biology, conservation or scientific fields, or who are simply looking or make a difference while having fun and strengthening their resumes
- We have carefully designed these programs have in partnership with professional marine conversation organisations and local communities
WHat YOU'LL Learn
Scuba diving and paddling techniques.
Coral restoration practices.
Conservation research methods.
Understanding marine ecosystems.
Compelling presentation and storytelling techniques.
Safety First: Your Well-Being Matters
Pre-Program Requirements: Participants must be able to float for 10 minutes and swim 200 meters unaided. No prior diving experience is necessary.
Safety Protocols:
- Comprehensive safety measures with 24/7 support.
- Professional marine biologist guidance.
- Certified instructors for scuba and paddling.
- Separate accommodations for males and females.
- Rigorous risk management and emergency procedures.
PHOTO GALLERY
Destinations
Discover the beauty of Asia's diverse landscapes.
"This program transformed my perspective on the world and helped me discover my true potential! The experiences I gained were invaluable and will stay with me forever."
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FAQs
Find answers to commonly asked questions about our programs
We’re looking for students who are curious, open-minded, and excited to learn. A positive attitude and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone are the most important things.
Depending on the particular program, you may be staying in twin rooms, shared dormitories, homestays, tents or cabins. We vet every accommodation to make sure you are safe and comfortable.
We make sure that meals are healthy and tailored to the needs of the group. Our programs are about experiencing real Asia so we include the dishes that Asia is famous for while also making sure that there is variety and a sense of familiar as well. We accommodate dietary restrictions and will ask for your preferences before the program begins.
No problem! We accommodate dietary needs, including allergies, vegetarians, and more. Be sure to let us know in advance so we can plan accordingly.
We encourage a healthy balance between spending time fully engaged in your surroundings and staying connected. Many of our programs include a "storytelling" element where we teach and encourage people to capture and share their experiences digitally. Most locations have phone and internet access. In remote areas, connectivity may be limited, so we will provide updates to your family through our team if you are out of coverage.
THE APA DIFFERENCE
APPLY NOW
By joining the Cebu Marine Conservation Program, participants will not only restore coral reefs but also gain certifications, skills, and friendships that will last a lifetime.