Fieldwork in Mallorca on a Shoestring

Mallorca

4 days from £410pp

Based on 40 students and 4 free teacher places

Developing your students' fieldwork skills abroad is often considered a luxury that cannot be justified. But the affordability of Mallorca means that fieldwork on the island doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, Mallorca not only competes with the cost of doing fieldwork at home, it often beats it.

Mallorca is probably best known for being a popular holiday destination. The island's economy survives on tourism, making it a perfect choice for students looking at the effects of tourism on the community. But Mallorca is also undergoing a process of conflict and change and the island is full of a variety of outstanding and contrasting landscapes which gives apt opportunity to explore an even wider range of topics than you’d expect.

This itinerary showcases just two topics students will focus on, but visit our fieldwork page to discover the variety of topics that can be studied during your time on this epic island.

Return flights from UK airport to Mallorca
Hold luggage for all passengers
3 nights' accommodation
Half board basis
Fieldwork tutor on days 1 to 3

As always, Discover the World Education provided an excellent experience for our students. I have travelled with them 4 times and would absolutely recommend them to others looking to book a trip. The ability to tailor your trip makes a real difference. Students loved the glacier walk and the knowledge of the guide added new experiences for staff as well.

Ms Enlund, Whickham School

Ask about our approach to Responsible Travel

We believe the benefits of travel should not be lost for the next generation. In order to protect this world we live in and also inspire a new group of young people to fight for our planet, we are developing an approach to Responsible Travel that is founded in facts, empowers young people to take action and involves suppliers at all levels in minimising negative impacts of travel.

We are committed to finding and implementing maintainable strategies which include developing teaching resources, offsetting carbon emissions, benefitting local economies, protecting local cultures and becoming ‘Plastic Clever’ travellers.

We can’t do it alone. Will you join us?

Day 1

Introduction to Mallorca and fieldwork preparation

As you leave Palma Airport and head for your hotel, you’ll be immediately hit by the view of the mountains ahead, an initial glimpse at Mallorca’s unbeatable geography.

You will then be met by one of the tutor guides from the Es Pla Education Centre who will give you an introduction to the beautiful island and to the topics you will be studying during your stay.

Day 2

Sea grass conflicts and stakeholder awareness

Today’s fieldwork topic will be centred around sea grass conflicts and stakeholder awareness.

Before the arrival of mass tourism in Mallorca, coastal processes and systems were largely unaffected by human interference. Coasts were naturally protected by dead seagrass leaves and water transparency was aided by seagrass meadow sediment retention. However, since the popularity of Mallorca as a tourist destination has grown, the impact of human activity has been considerable. An estimated 46% of underwater seagrass meadows in Mallorca have been affected and there has also been increased beach erosion.

Your students will head to the stunning coastline of Mallorca and visit places such as Cala Bona and Cala Millor.

Here they will study the current situation; the causes of the decline; the level of awareness among stakeholders, the conflicts between them; and the possibility of applying sustainable coastal management policies.

Day 3

Water security fieldwork: Threats, solutions, conflicts and impacts

Day 3 will be focused on the issue of water security in Mallorca.

Every community needs freshwater to survive. When it comes to giving the community fresh water, planning, sources, usage and infrastructure should all be considered. For a small Mediterranean island with limited supplies of freshwater, whose economy relies on tourism, water security should be at the heart of every political, social and economic debate.

Students will investigate and understand the issue of water security using the island of Mallorca as a case study. The study includes different site visits. Each site focuses on a different aspect of water security in order to obtain an overview of the subject.

Day 4

Free time in Palma City

Conclude your exploration of Mallorca with a visit to its capital city, Palma.

Half the population of Mallorca live in this stunning city and it is easy to see its appeal. Wander down the narrow streets lined with unique aristocratic houses, gaze in wonder at the impressive gothic style cathedral and take in the views of the city from the iconic Bellver Castle. Pop into one of the many authentic cafes and buy your souvenirs to take home with you.

Trip Notes:

This itinerary is based on a group size of 45 students and 5 teachers travelling in April 2020. All of our fieldwork trips are bespoke. If you are interested in designing an itinerary with a different topic as focus, for a different time of year and different group size, simply get in touch with our Mallorca experts.

Curriculum links

geography

Water resources
Coastal processes, landforms & management
Urban change & growth
Tourism
Rural rebranding
Sustainability

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