4.5 - 305 Reviews

The School for Field Studies / SFS

https://fieldstudies.org/

The School for Field Studies / SFS is a program provider offering 11 abroad programs. Programs offered include Study Abroad and Research abroad programs in 13 countries such as Chile, Peru, Bhutan, and Panama.

The School for Field Studies (SFS) is one of the nation’s oldest and largest environmental study abroad programs, combining hands-on interdisciplinary environmental studies with scientific research to develop sustainable solutions to critical environmental problems. SFS students work with communities to discover practical ways to manage their natural resources. In the process, SFS students undergo a transformational experience that assists them in advancing their careers as skilled professionals and globally-aware citizens.

For more information, visit our website at https://fieldstudies.org/.

Study Abroad with The School for Field Studies / SFS

OVERALL RATING 4.5
Based on 305 Reviews
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October 13, 2025
Past Review Mixed Bag The School for Field Studies / SFS: Peru – Amazon Studies

"I love traveling. I'm just not sure I want to be tied down. We were largely treated like children. Instead, many of us have lived on our own for a couple years and to enter a program with so many rules is suffocating."

University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
Past Review Immersive Look At Marine Systems The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"Learned a great deal about field work and local culture"

Brandeis University
Past Review Bhutan A Country In The Clouds The School for Field Studies / SFS: Bhutan - Bhutan - Himalayan Studies

"I've thought about this question a lot since I got back, and I'm still not entirely sure how to answer it. What I gained isn't something that can easily be described. I definitely learned a lot about Bhutan and their conservation practices, and now I can say I've participated in this once-in-a-lifetime research experience, but I..."

Brandeis University
Past Review Unforgettable The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"Unimaginable marine science education, directed research, field experience, SCUBA certification and experience, friends for life, ability to live and work in community with my peers and professors "

University of Virginia
Past Review Sfs Science Based Learning In The Costa Rican Rainforests The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

"Yes, I learned all about ecosystems and cultures which I had never been exposed to before and saw sustainable living in practice."

Brandeis University
Past Review Non Traditional, But Worthwhile The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

"Friends, scientific analysis skills, scientific writing skills"

Brandeis University
Past Review Becoming One Again With Nature The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

"It was 100% worthwhile. I would recommend it to other nature lovers like me!"

Brandeis University
Past Review Tropical! The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"I learned a lot about Caribbean culture"

Texas A&M University - College Station
Past Review Educational And Adventurous The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

"On a personal level, I learned how to be independent and okay with not knowing anyone/living in a new setting. Aside from learning a lot in my classes, I also learned (from living at the center) about sustainable living and efforts we can make to truly make a difference. "

Brandeis University
Past Review School Is Nice But The Rainforest Is Better The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

"I felt like I learned (and LIVED) about a totally foreign area to me. I don't think I ever would have had an experience even remotely similar to this otherwise. This was the most exciting and adventurous time of my life, and definitely worthwhile!"

Brandeis University
Past Review An Eye Opening Adventure The School for Field Studies / SFS: Cambodia – Environmental Justice and Mekong Ecologies

"I learned a lot about a part of the world that many people have never even heard of. Most importantly I learned a lot about people; indigenous, locals, students. "

Trinity University
Past Review Amazing Experience The School for Field Studies / SFS: Peru – Amazon Studies

"I learned a lot about the region, as all of our classes were based around local conservation and ecological issues. I also really learned to push my own personal limits socially, academically, culturally, and just as a whole. All the people I met were very inspiring, and I feel like the program has really changed my perspective ..."

Middlebury College
Past Review Sfs Tanzania: The Best Semester Of My Life The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

"I gained an ability to conduct research and carry it out from data collection to paper writeup. I learned to critically analyze the world around me, and I opened my eyes to cultures I had never been exposed to before. "

Bowdoin College
Past Review The Trip I Never Knew I Needed The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"There was a lot of practical knowledge that I gained in the classroom setting that I very much enjoyed, however I think the best part of the learning was the field work aspect that really allowed me to use those practical skills in a real setting. "

University of Wisconsin - Madison
Past Review Researching Coral Reefs In Paradise! The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"I learned a lot about how to study coral reefs and conduct related research projects. This was a very worthwhile experience as having the opportunity to conduct an individual research project in marine ecology is a very rare opportunity. The experience can also help you to get future opportunities in the marine ecology field."

Knox College
Past Review A Life Changing Experience The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"It was extremely worthwhile, learning how to dive and figuring out what I want to do in the future made this program worth it "

College of the Holy Cross
Past Review Cultural Immersion Surrounded With Like Minded Students The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

"I learned more about water scarcity, climate change, and sustainable tourism practices. Yes"

University of Maine - Orono
Past Review It Is A Fantastic Opportunity To Try New Things And To Make Amazing Memories! The School for Field Studies / SFS: Panama - Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies

"I learned great research skills and how to collaborate/share space with people better, I became dive certified, I traveled to Costa Rica for spring break and explored national parks, I saw my first wild shark, I became more passionate about the environment, and overall I just had a wonderful experience. It was incredibly worthwh..."

Clark University - Worcester
Past Review Unique, And Exciting Eastern Exposure The School for Field Studies / SFS: Bhutan - Bhutan - Himalayan Studies

"It was worthwhile. I met a lots of friends, and know others' perception on "happiness." I also learn to research in forest science under the instruction of local researchers. "

Brandeis University
Past Review A Dream Come True And So Much More! The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

"Studying abroad in Tanzania for two months was the best decision I have ever made. I went into the program with uncontainable amounts of excitement for what my life would entail in the following weeks and was welcomed with equal amounts from both the staff and my fellow peers. Not only did I gain a sense of awareness about the i..."

Washington State University
Past Review Learning, Exploring, Volunteering, Playing In The Rainforest! The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

"This program was definitely worthwhile! It reminded me why I chose to study Environmental Studies/Science in the first place! We were encouraged to explore, to be hands-on, and to interact with others and the environment. I gained necessary skills and knowledge, did research for the first time, I met great people, and I fell in ..."

Brandeis University
Past Review It Was Amazing. The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

"I learned about the environment and it pertained to actual stuff that was going on and also about the culture of both places which was really interesting so yes it was worthwhile."

University of Tulsa
Past Review Best Two Months Of My Life The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

"It was totally worthwhile. It was incredible stepping out of the quick paced, rude American lifestyle and joining the welcoming, friendly, polepole Tanzanian life. I now know kind of what I want to do with my future career and know of many opportunities to do so in Tanzania, where I definitely want to spend my future."

Trinity University
Past Review Key To Happiness The School for Field Studies / SFS: Bhutan - Bhutan - Himalayan Studies

"I had entered this program hoping to learn why Bhutan, a country of only 700,000 people, was considered to be the happiest country in the world. I asked many people during my study abroad experience, what is your key to happiness? One answer clearly resonated with the community, from my perspective. "Be happy with what you have,..."

Brandeis University