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; meals are provided. 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; students must plan travel independently for these breaks. 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 participants spend two weeks in Bali, where accessible facilities are more limited compared to the Australia Center.

Travel & Transitions

Students are primarily based at the field station but regularly participate in day trips to research sites. 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. 

However, Summer II participants should note that peanuts, shellfish, and their oils are commonly used in Indonesian cuisine. These ingredients may be unavoidable. Students with life-threatening allergies must discuss their needs in advance with SFS and their healthcare providers. 

Cross-contamination accommodations may not be feasible. Email studentlife@fieldstudies.org to confirm if your allergy can be supported. 

Required Vaccinations & Health Care 

SFS does not require specific vaccinations but advises all students to consult a travel medicine professional prior to departure. 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 medical and counseling services are not available during the program. Students must bring a full supply of any prescription medications, including psychotropic drugs, for the entire duration of the program, as local refills are typically not feasible without prior arrangements.