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Summer Study Abroad with SFS

Bring your studies to life this summer. Study diverse environmental subjects critical to combatting climate change and to sustaining the communities you’ll call home during your studies. Along the way, you’ll make lifelong friends and contribute to a 40-year legacy of environmental stewardship. Our planet is home to an incredible diversity of life and depends on the next generation of environmental leaders to protect its future – will you be one of them?

Financial aid packages available. Learn more about SFS financial aid or check out the summer program costs.

Want to spend the entire summer with SFS?

Take back-to-back summer sessions and earn 8 credits! Each summer session focuses on a different topic and you’ll have time to travel independently between sessions. Receive a $1,000 discount on your second session (available pairings limited). Due to the possibility that the ongoing pandemic will prompt reduced cohort sizes, we encourage students to apply early for Summer 2022. Program space will be limited, and we anticipate many, if not most, programs to go on a waitlist.

2022 SUMMER STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS:

Programs

summer session I

Rainforests of Australia

In this summer study abroad program, you will learn how environmental and social factors have contributed to forest fragmentation in the spectacular, once-vast rainforests of Australia. Compare endangered species management practices, meet with Indigenous communities to learn about their natural resource use and relationship with the environment, and examine ecosystem restoration approaches.

Summer 2022

Jun 6 - Jul 6

Closed

Summer 2023

Jun 2 - Jul 2

Open

summer session II

Marsupials of Australia

Study abroad in Australia with SFS and spend your summer observing the strange and fascinating mammals and wildlife that live in Australia’s ancient rainforests and dry savannahs, all while considering the policies and actions needed to preserve these precious ecosystems.

Summer 2022

Jul 11 - Aug 10

Closed

Summer 2023

Jul 7 - Aug 6

Open

summer session I

Forests in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

In this summer study abroad program, explore the rich culture, biodiversity, and dramatic mountain views of the Bhutanese Himalayas and learn how forests are integral to achieving the goals of Gross National Happiness. Spend four weeks surveying forests – which cover more than 70% of the landscape, visiting ancient shrines, and studying issues of conservation and development in one of the most fascinating countries in the world.

Summer 2022 (Extended Session)

Jun 7 - Jul 22

Closed

Summer 2023

Jun 2 - Jul 2

Open

summer session II

Big Cats of the Himalayas: Tracking and Conservation

In Bhutan, a deep cultural and spiritual reverence for life has aided in the preservation of the country’s tigers, snow leopards, and other wild cats. During this summer study abroad program, learn to use camera traps and radio telemetry, study the conservation of these elusive creatures, and learn how adaptation and management strategies can ensure their survival in a changing world.

Summer 2022

Jul 11 - Aug 10

Closed

Summer 2023

Jul 7 - Aug 6

Open

summer session I

Elephants of the Cambodian Highlands

During this summer study abroad program, spend your time in the lush Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary studying the behavior and ecology of the endangered Asian elephant. Examine human-wildlife conflict and conservation pressures and discuss elephant welfare and management practices. Visit the vibrant city of Phnom Penh and the ancient temples of Angkor to explore the history and culture of Cambodia.

Summer 2022

Jun 6 - Jul 6

Closed

Summer 2023

Jun 2 - Jul 2

Open

summer session II

Freshwater Cambodia: Fisheries to Floating Villages

On this summer study abroad program, Cambodia’s freshwater ecosystems become your classroom, from Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake to the mighty Mekong River. Travel across Cambodia, visiting ecological sites, floating villages, ancient temples, and the vibrant capital, Phnom Penh. Learn about endangered species conservation, fisheries, water governance, food security, and hydropower development.

Summer 2022

Jul 11 - Aug 10

Closed

Summer 2023

Jul 7 - Aug 6

Open

summer session I

The Patagonian Winter

Spend your summer studying the biodiversity and fragile habitats of southern Chile. The trails of national parks like Torres del Paine and the expansive Patagonian steppe become your classroom as you explore the region from high-alpine forests to glaciers to the lower-elevation steppe. You’ll practice animal observation and census techniques on species like the guanaco, Andean condor, and elusive puma, and explore how nature adapts in extreme conditions.

Summer 2022

Jun 6 - Jul 6

Closed

Summer 2023

Jun 2 - Jul 2

Open

summer session I

Biodiversity and Sustainable Food Systems

Using coffee and chocolate as case studies during this summer study abroad program, explore the relationships between food systems, ecology, conservation, and sustainability. Learn how different agricultural techniques have the potential to restore biodiversity and combat climate change. Study the sociocultural history of coffee and cacao, from Indigenous histories to modern production and exports.

Summer 2022

Jun 6 - Jul 6

Closed

Summer 2023

Jun 2 - Jul 2

Open

summer session II

Environmental Justice from the Ground Up

This summer, the national parks and cloud forests of Costa Rica become your classroom as you investigate issues of biodiversity conservation and sustainability from a community point-of-view. Explore diverse perspectives on controversial environmental management issues, learn to conduct community-based data collection, and assist community members in reaching their own solutions to natural resource management and protection.

Summer 2022

Jul 11 - Aug 10

Closed

Summer 2023

Jul 7 - Aug 6

Open

summer session I

Fundamentals of Wildlife Management

In this summer study abroad program, the world-famous national parks and reserves of Kenya are your classrooms. Through safari drives and field excursions, study wildlife found nowhere else on the planet – in person. Discuss different approaches to wildlife management and conservation, and learn about traditional knowledge and culture from Maasai and other community groups.

Summer 2022

Jun 6 - Jul 6

Closed

Summer 2023

Jun 2 - Jul 2

Open

summer session II

Elephants of the African Savanna

The African elephant is a keystone species with a profound influence on the landscape and dynamic in which it coexists with other African wildlife. As the largest (and one of the most charismatic) animal walking our planet, its conservation continues to attract concern within and beyond Africa. Join SFS Faculty and leading elephant scientists to learn about these animals in the elephant conservation strongholds in and around Amboseli National Park. Hear the perspectives of local...

Summer 2022

Jul 11 - Aug 10

Closed

Summer 2023

Jul 7 - Aug 6

Open

summer session I

Tropical Island Ecosystems: The Human Impact

On this summer study abroad program, snorkel and hike through the diverse environments of Bocas – from coral reefs and mangroves to beaches and rainforests – and study human impacts, such as tourism, on the island’s ecosystems and communities. Meet the local residents who depend on both tourism and natural resources and learn about current approaches to sustainable development in the archipelago.

Summer 2022

Jun 6 - Jul 6

Closed

Summer2023

Jun 2 - Jul 2

Open

summer session I

Fundamentals of Wildlife Management

In this summer fundamentals course, the Serengeti becomes your classroom. Through safari drives and field excursions, the wildlife of Tanzania bring the critical challenges of wildlife management and conservation to life before your eyes.

Summer 2022

Jun 6 - Jul 6

Closed

Summer 2023

Jun 2 - Jul 2

Open

summer session II

Carnivores of the African Plains

Tanzania is home to more than 35 species of carnivores, including the African lion, cheetah, leopard, and wild dog – all of which are on the IUCN Red List. In this summer study abroad program, you'll look at the behavioral ecology and conservation challenges facing these incredible creatures, while observing some of Africa’s largest remaining carnivore guilds up close.

Summer 2022

Jul 11 - Aug 10

Closed

Summer 2023

Jul 7 - Aug 6

Open

summer session I

Fundamentals of Marine Conservation

Explore the spectacular reefs and turquoise waters of South Caicos, snorkeling or diving with rays, turtles, brilliantly colored fish, and other marine life. In this summer study abroad program, you’ll learn about the environmental issues and policies affecting these ecosystems and the island community, and gain the skills needed to conduct marine research.

Summer 2022

Jun 6 - Jul 6

Closed

Summer 2023

Jun 2 - Jul 2

Open

summer session II

Marine Megafauna

Spend your summer studying sharks, turtles, and rays in the waters surrounding the island of South Caicos. In this summer study abroad program, you’ll learn about the ecology and conservation of these and other marine megafauna through in-water field lectures, snorkel or dive sessions, and video tracking exercises.

Summer 2022

Jul 11 - Aug 10

Closed

Summer 2023

Jul 7 - Aug 6

Open

Adjusted Refund Policy

In consideration of Covid, SFS has amended the refund policy for summer 2022 programs. The updated refund policy can be viewed on our Program Costs page.