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 The Best Thing I Ever Did The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

"I gained a new perspective on my major, and life in general, and made lifelong friends! It was more than worthwhile!"

Clark University - Worcester
Past Review Spectacular Program The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"Confidence in myself and much improved science-writing skills"

Austin College
Past Review Amazing People, Beautiful Places, The Pura Vida Life! Take Me Back! The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

"I gained so much from this experience. From the classes I learned about the many aspects of sustainable development. We looked at the issues form multiple perspectives and used Costa Rica as a case study. I learned how to conduct an extended research project during the 1 month directed research component of the program. We orga..."

Middlebury College
Past Review Amazing Experience! The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

"It was, without a doubt, worthwhile. I gained so much about living outside of my comfort zone, seeing a different part of the world and learning about a different culture."

Guilford College
Past Review Great For Wildlife Management, Not For Cultural Learning. The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

"It was definitely worthwhile. I gained a greater understanding of the world, an increased perspective on issues, and a greater confidence in myself."

Guilford College
Past Review Worthwhile Study Abroad Program In Costa Rica The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

"I learned about the history of Costa Rica's sustainable development and improvements that they and other countries could make in order to further protect the environment while developing their economy. I had an absolutely amazing time traveling all over the country. The best part about this program was being able to go on short ..."

Wellesley College
Past Review My Study Abroad Experience With Sfs In Queensland, Australia The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

"very very worthwhile- learned about a truly unique part of the world, developed my interest in ecology"

Wellesley College
Past Review Turks And Caicos Inspired Me To Become A Marine Biologist The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"Impacted my cultural understanding and gave me field experience in marine research"

Dickinson College
Past Review Sfs Turks And Caicos Pushed Me To Excel And Persue My Goals The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"the culture opened me up and the knowledge i recieved drove me to land a job working for seaworld, now i work with marine mammals everyday!"

Fairmont State University
Past Review "Kenya: A Dream Come True" The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

"I was so impressed by the staff at SFS. I learned to stop worrying about the small stuff and that putting yourself out there is so worth it."

Western Washington University
Past Review Manu Crew The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

"Absolutely. I met and made friends for life. It's been a whole year since we first saw each other and I miss them terribly. I miss the whole experience and would go back to Costa Rica in a heartbeat."

Trinity College
Past Review Costa Rica: How Living Happily Coincides With Saving The Planet. The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

"I remain more committed than ever to helping to make resource infrastructure sustainable in developing countries. I acquired useful skills in accomplishing that task, and I am psychologically ready now to accept that lifestyle."

Trinity University
Past Review Sfs Kenya & Tanzania (Wildlife Management Studies) The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

"It was a good change of pace from a normal college setting- I was studying the ecosystem, culture and policy of the places in which I was learning. "

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

"It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, solidifying my interest in marine biology and field research. It was not an experience that I would have gotten anywhere else."

Clark University
Past Review Sfs Costa Rica Guapiles Study Abroad The School for Field Studies / SFS: Costa Rica – Ecological Resilience Studies

"Although I would choose a different program with a different focus I'd do so more because of personal reasons, not because the program was bad. My SFS experience was overall fantastic, much learned, many life lessons and friends. "

Colby College
Past Review "Hiking Boots And Bandicoots: Time Spent In The Australian Rainforest" The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

"I loved the experience, and wanted exposure to research, but prior to SFS I knew I did not want to be a career researcher...my SFS experience confirmed that. "

Clark University
Past Review Amazing Snorkeling And Scuba Diving On South Caicos The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"This experience re-excited my love for Marine Science and made me look at the world in a totally new way. It made me realize how much I want to do field research!"

University of San Diego
Past Review Sfs Tci: Best Academic Experience The School for Field Studies / SFS: Turks and Caicos Islands - Marine Resource Studies

"I have an invaluable understanding of the rigor of field research. I have an intimite knowledge of fish dissection and genus/species names. I have decided, after my SFS experience, to pursue a Ph.D. in marine science and policy. "

Saint Michaels College
Past Review Australian Woes The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies

"I was not satisfied with my experience. The policies were too restricting, keeping students from experiences the culture and other social aspects of the country. Very little time was allotted for activities that were outside school time. The only way we got to experience other parts of Australia was through school sanctioned..."

Pacific Lutheran University
Past Review Study In East Africa Was Life Changing! The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

"I learned a great deal about East African ecology and wildlife management. I also learned quite a bit about the political situation in this part of the world. The life experiences gave me a much deeper appreciation for the need for sustainable development and the plague of consumerism in American society. I was able to develo..."

Denison University
Past Review Not Your Typical "Easy" Study Abroad Program, But Great Experience In A Non Traditional Destination! The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

"after studying abroad, i can not wait to go back to kenya and tanzania! all i want to do now is travel and be able to experience new cultures in a non-touristy way"

University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
Past Review How Africa Changed My Life Thanks To The School For Field Studies The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

"This experience was very worthwhile. It has opened me up to a new view on the world and has made me a more flexible, understanding, and compassionate person. It has also cemented my interest in pursuing a field in conservation efforts, and has encouraged me to become globally active and to always consider local communities and t..."

Thiel College
Past Review Go To Bhutan. Do It. The School for Field Studies / SFS: Bhutan - Bhutan - Himalayan Studies

"This program has set me forth on an amazing career path, where I now hope to work in the field of international environmental development. I am also interested now in studying more deeply on the crux between religion and ecology. I have maintained the relationships with Bhutanese officials, and I am planning on going back to Bhu..."

Brown University
Past Review Wildlife Conservation In Kenya: More Than A Game Drive The School for Field Studies / SFS: Tanzania - Wildlife Management Studies

"Study abroad opened me to worlds I never knew. I learned just as much about myself as I did about Kenya and that too is a priceless experience."

University of Wisconsin - Madison