Boston University Affiliated Programs: School for Field Studies

The School for Field Studies

The School for Field Studies (SFS) has, for over 30 years, established its reputation as the premier environmental study abroad program for college undergraduates.

SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Its semester and summer programs explore the human and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners. The work of their faculty and students is integrally linked with the priorities of the natural resource dependent communities in which they are located.

SFS “classrooms” include coral reefs, rainforests, and African savannas; the focus of research ranges from wildlife conservation and rainforest restoration to environmental public health and coral reef degradation.

Semester programs offer 16 or 18 credit hours with core courses in ecology, resource management, and socioeconomic issues related to environment and development. A research course introduces students to the process of applied field research, and in East Africa, Costa Rica, and Panama, students take an additional language and culture course for 2 credits. Month-long summer sessions offer 4 environmental studies credits with a more condensed curriculum.

Program information and applications are available from The School for Field Studies Admissions Office, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 534-G, Beverly, MA 01915; 800-989-4418; or online at www.fieldstudies.org.

Tropical Island Biodiversity and Conservation Studies Panama

Panama is the great connector between two continents; a corridor that links the natural riches of Central America to South America. Few places on Earth can claim the density of species and ecosystem richness that this isthmus can. The SFS classroom in Panama is the archipelago of Bocas Del Toro; a place where forest and shore come together and present almost limitless opportunities to study the ecology and conservation of both the marine and terrestrial realms. It is the dynamic interface between forested islands and life-filled waters that will drive our understanding of fragile habitats, natural resource use, and indigenous ways of life based on deep relationships with the environment.

Himalayan Forests, Watersheds, and Rural Livelihoods Bhutan

Bhutan is nestled in the remote and rugged eastern Himalayan region, an area characterized by extensive and numerous mountains (the Himalayas) and valleys. The country has also been identified as one of the top-10 biodiversity hot spots in the world. Bhutan is home to an estimated 770 species of birds and an astonishing variety of medicinal plants and orchids. Takin, snow leopards, golden langurs, blue sheep, tigers, water buffalo, and elephants are among Bhutan’s diverse wildlife. Traveling across Bhutan, students in this summer study abroad program learn about Bhutanese culture, environmental issues, and rural development in Asia.

Wildlife Management Studies and Public Health Kenya and Tanzania

The Tarangire-Manyara ecosystem of northern Tanzania and the Amboseli-Tsavo ecosystem in Kenya, just north of Mount Kilimanjaro, are home to indigenous communities, such as the Maasai, and wildlife sanctuaries in which elephants, lions, baboons, and other creatures roam. Visits provide a rare glimpse of Maasai culture, including musical ceremonies, demonstrations in fire-making, dances by Maasai morans (warriors), and lessons in spear throwing. Students study how changes in land-use and resource can be managed to foster the well-being of local communities while safeguarding and promoting biodiversity conservation.

Rainforest Studies Australia

The astonishing biodiversity of Australia’s and New Zealand’s rainforests, their declines, and dynamic conservation efforts make these areas extraordinary laboratories to study rainforest management and restoration. For thousands of years, they have been home to indigenous tribes, and numerous plant and animal species found nowhere else in the world. These forests, however, have been greatly affected by habitat loss, fragmentation, and climate change. Students focus on the loss and fragmentation of once extensive rainforests and examine environmental policies related to the issue on local and national levels.

Marine Resource Studies Turks and Caicos Islands

The Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) lie in the Caribbean at the southeastern end of the Bahamian archipelago. The turquoise waters surrounding TCI are abundant with marine life and are considered to be among the world’s top 10 diving destinations. Nearly 50 species of coral, as well as spotted eagle rays, sea turtles, sharks, groupers, and snappers, are easily spotted in the clear warm waters just steps away from the SFS field station. TCI has an extensive network of protected areas, but little is known about their function and effectiveness. Students evaluate the concept and practice of marine protected areas as a resource management tool.

Sustainable Development Studies Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a resource-rich, wonderfully biodiverse country that is rapidly developing and increasingly recognized for its efforts to ensure conservation and the protection of natural resources. It is home to beautiful cloud forests, dry forests, volcanoes, lowland rainforests, and plantations. Students examine management schemes, identify the benefits of protected areas, and determine which systems offer the best option for economic development, the maintenance of cultural norms, and the preservation of biodiversity.