This education is provided by university faculty and local scientists. Marco Polo programs are offered at the distinguished Universita di Lecce, which is government approved and recognized worldwide.

The Environmental Studies program is taught in conjunction with the American university sending students. Credits can be awarded by home institutions, based on testing and assignments completed according to learning contracts established in advance of acceptance into the program. Credits are based on active participation and assignments demonstrating the knowledge gained, including journals, final evaluations, and attendance.

Specializations are designed to meet credit and assessment requirements established in cooperation with the schools sending students. Credits or certification assigned by home institution for each program will allow students to continue their timely progress toward completion of their academic degrees.

Land Use Planning Courses:
While one current course focuses on natural resources shaped around thematic modules:

Land use
Environmental monitoring
Biodiversity and conservation of marine environment
Another introduces concepts and practices of land use and site planning as they are used to guide and direct development:

Land use planning process
Ecological and social sciences research techniques
Comparative analysis of several planning approaches
Taught at a level appropriate for second or third year environmental studies students, this program focuses on the long habitation of humanity in this region and the impact on the environment. Site visits facilitate the understanding of responses to bauxite (aluminum) mines of Puglia, the fishing communities which extend along the Mediterranean and Adriatic Seas, the agriculture and local urban centers.