So… what’s next?
Below you will find some helpful resources as you navigate your post-SFS experience —everything from when you can expect your grades to how to list SFS on your resume. Interested in helping SFS spread the word? Consider becoming a Campus Rep or leaving a review — see below for more details!
Look for your Center’s Instagram account, too!
Each year, approximately 30% of the SFS student body is assisted with loans from the Merck Family Student Revolving Loan Fund. The availability of loan monies is contingent upon the timely repayment of loans by previous borrowers to provide funding for new loan recipients. The repayment period for each loan is stipulated in the Loan Agreement at the time the loan is made. Students are responsible for making monthly payments on their loans starting the month after their SFS programs are completed.
Any loan for which payment is late by one month or more will be considered in default. Grades will be withheld from any student considered to be in default and the student’s co-signer will be expected to assume payment. SFS charges interest on overdue loan balances at the rate of 15% per year, compounded monthly.
No grades will be awarded, nor transcripts issued, until all outstanding tuition monies are paid in full. All outstanding balances must be settled prior to receiving credit for your semester. If your balance is not cleared, your grades will be submitted to U of M as incomplete. Your official transcript will indicate an incomplete (I) grade status. Transcripts will be issued six to eight weeks following the end of the session. Corrected grades will be sent to U of M, or your SFS transcript will be released when your account is settled. All incomplete grades are converted to failing grades within 12 months of program end if full payment has not been submitted.
Students may occasionally incur expenses that are covered by the Center staff and/or faculty. These may include, but are not limited to, medical expenses, phone bills, and charges for damage done to SFS facilities and/or equipment. Students must pay in full for these expenses prior to their departure from the program. No grades will be awarded until all outstanding fees are paid in full.
At SFS, we employ individuals who are motivated to help inspire a new generation of global citizens, who want to better not only themselves, but the planet as well. Our employees come from diverse backgrounds, but all share a passion for promoting international experiential education.
Can you take a minute to share your SFS experience with the world? SFS is featured on several study abroad review websites, and we need your voice to inform prospective students on what they can expect from an SFS program. You can leave a review on our Go Overseas profile, our Abroad101 profile, or submit one directly to SFS.
You gained important skills and knowledge during your time abroad with SFS, but you might not be sure how to best display them on your resume. Here are a few examples written for a theoretical student of our Australia semester program (click to expand):
Study Abroad/Field Work
The School for Field Studies, Center for Rainforest Studies, Queensland, Australia
Student/Researcher
Learned techniques for rainforest restoration through field exercises, such as: