The School for Field Studies Information

The School for Field Studies (SFS) is a unique 501c3 nonprofit academic institution headquartered in Beverly, MA. It was founded in Boston in 1981 by a small group of visionary individuals. Their mission addressed the critical need to increase environmental literacy and sustainably manage the world's resources. They did this by pioneering experiential, field-based education for young people. Today, SFS is known throughout the United States as the premier undergraduate environmental study abroad program. Over 20,000 students have participated in our programs, and over 150 colleges and universities are affiliated with SFS. Courses on ecology, resource management, and socioeconomics provide the basis of our three-pronged mission to educate students, disseminate research, and reciprocate to host communities by sharing that research. Each SFS field center offers a theme of study based on the local ecosystem and needs of the local community. Our programs include: • Australia: Rainforest Studies • Bhutan: Climate and Sustainable Futures • Cambodia: Environmental Justice and Mekong Ecologies • Chile: Climate Studies • Costa Rica: Ecological Resilience • Croatia: Marine Megafauna • Italy: Sustainable Food Systems • Kenya: Endangered Species • Panama: Tropical Island Biodiversity • Peru: Amazon Studies • Tanzania: Wildlife Management • Turks and Caicos Islands: Marine Resource The SFS model offers students a comprehensive and balanced education firmly grounded in research and real-world application. Our centers have established a long-term presence in the countries where we operate, fostering meaningful relationships with our communities and enabling us to study diverse ecosystems over extended periods. Our interdisciplinary curriculum reflects the intricate and multifaceted nature of the environmental issues that we investigate. Substantial time spent in the field allows students to directly experience the topics they are studying and cultivate practical skills.