Australia

Living Conditions & Daily Life

Students follow a structured schedule of classes and field activities most weekdays and some weekends (7 AM–7 PM). Accommodations are in shared cabins with communal dining facilities; breakfast and lunches are typically self-prepared, and dinner is provided by an on-site cook. The remote rainforest setting means there are no nearby amenities within walking distance.

Semester programs include 5–7 free weekends (3–4 days each) and a week-long mid-semester break. During free weekends and break, the Center is closed and students must plan travel independently. Summer sessions offer fewer free weekends.

Physical Readiness

Fieldwork includes outdoor activities and research in rugged rainforest terrain, featuring short hikes (1–2 hours), standing or walking for extended periods, and occasional manual conservation work. Expect hot, humid conditions with heavy rainfall.

The Center sits on hilly terrain with narrow paths, limiting accessibility for those with mobility impairments. Swimming and snorkeling opportunities during the semester are infrequent.

Summer II students spend two weeks in Bali in a busy, urban environment, where facilities are much more accessible compared to the Australia Center. 

Travel & Transitions

The program is primarily based at the SFS field station, though students regularly participate in day trips to research sites and occasional overnight excursions. Flexibility is essential, as schedules may change. 

Summer II students spend two weeks at the Australia Center, followed by two weeks traveling across Bali, requiring adaptability to varied environments and travel conditions.

Program Location & Natural Environment 

The SFS Center is in a remote rainforest teeming with biodiversity. Expect daily sensory engagement, from the sights and sounds of dense green landscapes to wildlife encounters—snakes, spiders, insects, and more. Wi-Fi access is intermittent, so delays in communication are likely. 

Cultural & Linguistic Differences 

Australian culture is generally familiar to students from Western countries, with English as the primary language. Students may engage with Indigenous Australian communities, gaining deeper cultural insight. All classes are conducted in English. 

During the Summer II excursion in Bali, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, though cultural norms differ and adaptability is key. 

Allergies & Dietary Preferences 

Allergy and dietary restriction management in Australia is generally straightforward due to high public awareness and specialty product availability. Students prepare their own breakfasts using kitchen appliances. 

Summer II students should note that peanuts, shellfish, and their oils are commonly used in Indonesian cuisine. These ingredients may be unavoidable. 

Cross-contamination accommodations for advanced allergies abroad may not be feasible. Students with severe or life-threatening allergies and/or strict dietary requirements must consult with medical professionals and studentlife@fieldstudies.org before applying.

Required Vaccinations & Health Care 

SFS does not require specific vaccinations for this program. For additional recommendations, consultation with a travel medicine professional is strongly advised before departure. For Summer II, see local recommendations for both Australia and Indonesia before traveling.

Access to medical care in remote areas may be delayed up to 24 hours. Basic medical facilities are about 30 minutes from the SFS Center; advanced care is approximately 1.5 hours away.

Routine in-person medical and counseling services are not feasible during the program. Students must bring a full supply of any prescription medications, including psychotropic medications, for the entire duration of the program, as local refills may not be available without prior arrangements.