The School for Field Studies / SFS: Australia – Rainforest studies
- Location(s): Queensland, Australia: New Zealand
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Research
The School for Field Studies / SFS
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This is not the Australia you know. Towering strangler fig trees and rare species like the southern cassowary and mahogany glider can be found in these ancient rainforests. Far North Queensland is one of the most biodiverse places in the world, pr... read more
All Reviews
I gained a new perspective on my major, and life in general, and made lifelong friends! It was more than worthwhile! A student - Clark University - Worcester View Entire Review
very very worthwhile- learned about a truly unique part of the world, developed my interest in ecology A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I was not satisfied with my experience. The policies were too restricting, keeping students from experiences the culture and other social aspects of the country. Very little time was allotted for activities that were outside school time. The only way we got to experience other parts of Australia was through school sanctioned... Kirsten P - Pacific Lutheran University View Entire Review
Love for nature spiked during my time at the Rainforest Research Center in Australia. I appreciate my time there so much. It very much changed my life. Chun Yi L - Stanford University View Entire Review
I gained knowledge about the rainforest and cultures surrounding it in both oz and nz. I made some amazing life long friends and had some spectacular adventures. Mary M - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota View Entire Review
My study abroad experience was definitely worthwhile. It was challenging but rewarding. I had never done field work before and this program prepared me for my career as a biologist. Riley B - Linfield College View Entire Review
It was the best thing I've ever done. I learned about a different culture and living in a country with different laws and rules it broadened my perspective on the world. I would say I pay more attention to world news now than I did before I went abroad. Since going abroad I realize I definitely want to continue to travel to o... Kenyetta G - Swarthmore College View Entire Review
Yes A student View Entire Review
I was in a completely different environment for three months. I saw things and met people I will never see again. Natalia O - Wellesley College View Entire Review
yes. It is difficult to describe in a short space how studying abroad has affected me. It was an entirely new experience, and one that I will not forget. Andrew H - Austin College View Entire Review
Completely changed some of my views of the environmental world, expanded my horizons about environmental and agricultural issues, and was the singlest best three months of my life. Yeah, I'd call it worthwhile. Alex H View Entire Review
I learned about foreign ecology and culture, and about the US through interacting with my fellow students. I learned about myself and what I want to do for the rest of my life. I am very happy I did this program and I would love to return to NZ and AUS. Amber B - Boston University View Entire Review
It was a marvelous experience and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I met amazing people that all had a common interest in the environment, and I now know people from all over the United States and Australia. I've learned so much from them, as I'm sure they've learned from me. It's important to keep in mind how our actions impac... Erica H - Trinity University View Entire Review
It was, without a doubt, worthwhile. I gained so much about living outside of my comfort zone, seeing a different part of the world and learning about a different culture. A student - Guilford College View Entire Review
I loved the experience, and wanted exposure to research, but prior to SFS I knew I did not want to be a career researcher...my SFS experience confirmed that. Andrea M - Clark University View Entire Review
It piqued and kept my interest in environmental education. Anne O - University of Southern California View Entire Review
I learned that the world is far more intricate than I originally thought. I learned to live in close quarters with my fellow students, professors and staff. Patience was definitely needed as well as team spirit. The experience also confirmed my passion and interest in conservation biology. Katherine F - Clark University View Entire Review
This program helped me to confirm my interests in graduate studies (or a career) in ecology Kelsey M - Knox College View Entire Review
Very much so, there will rarely be times in your life that you are able to have such an oppurtunity, for example, living in the middle of one of the World Heritage sites, and its something I would do over again in a minute. The only thing I would change was being more involved in the community and really getting to immerse mysel... Alaina M - University of Redlands View Entire Review
yes. Thomas D - Harvard University View Entire Review
I've learned much more about being a global citizen and also about myself. Anna P - Pacific Lutheran University View Entire Review
amazing Michelle D - Lesley College View Entire Review
My study abroad experience in Australia and New Zealand was one of the best experiences of my life and definitely of my college career. It really changed me for the better. I loved being exposed to so many people from different parts of the United States and people from around the world. It did help me make a firm decision on my... Jessica H - Boston University View Entire Review
What I learned at Warrawee deepened my interest in working on environmental policy, as we studied the political context and how poor policies had contributed to ecological destruction -- as well as how changes to those policies could make a big difference on the ground. I learned very practical ways of how to give back to my com... K.G. F - Williams College View Entire Review
Yes it was definitely worth it. There's just a type of learning experience you can't get elsewhere, other than studying abroad. I realized that there is a world of things to discover (literally!) and that we need to be taking advantage of these moments! Diana H - University of Cincinnati View Entire Review
About
This is not the Australia you know. Towering strangler fig trees and rare species like the southern cassowary and mahogany glider can be found in these ancient rainforests. Far North Queensland is one of the most biodiverse places in the world, preserving over 500 million years of evolutionary history. It is also home to Earth’s largest living structure – the Great Barrier Reef.
Based in this rugged region, SFS programs take place in Australia’s legendary forests, with excursions to the edge of the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef. Our research focuses on the environmental threats that have caused rainforest fragmentation, species loss, and reef die-off, and we work with the Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous people and Tablelands communities on restoration and management projects to reverse these impacts.
Based in this rugged region, SFS programs take place in Australia’s legendary forests, with excursions to the edge of the Outback and the Great Barrier Reef. Our research focuses on the environmental threats that have caused rainforest fragmentation, species loss, and reef die-off, and we work with the Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous people and Tablelands communities on restoration and management projects to reverse these impacts.
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Rainforest to Reef (SEMESTER PROGRAM): Immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the rainforest and learn about ecological resilience in the face of environmental threats like climate change. Explore the multitude of environments that exist in Northern Queensland and the complex relationships between them – rainforests to dry forests, savannahs to wetlands, and mangroves to coral reefs.
Join large-scale restoration ecology experiments and study sustainable food systems while developing skills in field research and data collection. In the final weeks of the semester, you’ll spend your time out in the field conducting an extensive research project. -
Marsupials of Australia (SUMMER I PROGRAM): In a land of strange and fascinating wildlife, spend your summer observing tree-climbing kangaroos, egg-laying mammals, flightless birds, giant lizards, and the many other iconic animals that live in Australia’s ancient rainforests and dry savannas. Learn how each of these species has developed special adaptations to Australia’s unusual habitats and consider the policies and actions needed to preserve these precious ecosystems. -
Farming for the Future - Australia & Bali (SUMMER II PROGRAM): The agricultural systems that feed the world lie precariously at the cross section of globalization, industrialization, climate change, cultural and indigenous heritage, and market demand. Spend your summer untangling the complex web of providing food for a global population and discuss ways of implementing sustainable agriculture in the face of environmental change. You’ll explore examples from the agricultural landscapes in both northern Queensland and on the Indonesian island of Bali as you consider matters of soil health, economic livelihoods, ethnobotany, economies of scale, meat production, distribution, and more.
Students live and study at the SFS Center for Rainforest Studies. Our Center lies at the end of a narrow, winding road, in the middle of a lush rainforest. The 153-acre property is surrounded by protected World Heritage forests, and you can see incredible wildlife from the front steps of your cabin. Nearby Yungaburra and Cairns provide the occasional return to civilization.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadResearch
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Summer
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Natural Resources, Conservation
- Natural Resources and Conservation
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Natural Resources Management
- Forestry
- Environmental Engineering
- Biology and Biomedical Sciences
- Botany, Plant Biology
- Zoology, Animal Biology
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
- Biological and Physical Sciences
- Natural Sciences
- Global Studies
- Earth Science
- Social Sciences
- Anthropology
- Geography
Minimum GPA:
2.5Website
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The School for Field Studies / SFS Scholarships
All students are eligible to apply for these need-based awards. SFS will work with you and your home school to understand and meet your financial need.
N/A
Deadlines:
The complete aid application is due at least 60 days before the program begins for semester applicants, and at least 30 days before the program begins for summer applicants.
Guidelines/Requirements:
All students are eligible to apply for these need-based awards.
These grants will be awarded on the basis of need and may supplement other awards of SFS need-based scholarships, travel grants, and zero- or low-interest loans.
N/A
Deadlines:
Spring: November 1st
Summer 1 or Summer 1+2: April 1st
Summer 2: May 1st
Fall: June 1st
Guidelines/Requirements:
The SFS Trailblazer Grant is available to students who are the first from their home institution to attend an SFS program.
SFS matches Federal Pell Grant funding for all SFS semester programs to students who use their Pell Grant to help pay the cost of their SFS program.
N/A
Deadlines:
Spring: November 1st
Summer 1 or Summer 1+2: April 1st
Summer 2: May 1st
Fall: June 1st
Guidelines/Requirements:
Students must complete the SFS Financial Aid Application in order to receive this award.
This need-based scholarship is available for students with a cultural and/or ancestral connection to the country in which they plan to study abroad with SFS.
N/A
Deadlines:
Spring: November 1st
Summer 1 or Summer 1+2: April 1st
Summer 2: May 1st
Fall: June 1st
Guidelines/Requirements:
In order to be considered for the need-based Heritage Scholarship, students must complete a personal statement indicating how they qualify for this award.
SFS seeks to broaden and strengthen the participation of traditionally underrepresented minority students in all of its programs. The SFS Diversity Scholarship is one of the ways we broaden the participation of underrepresented groups of students in study abroad. For SFS, underrepresented groups include, but are not limited to, students who identify with a certain race, sex, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, age, marital status, national origin or ancestry, ethnic origin, or veteran status. Underrepresented groups also include first generation college students and students from low income families.
N/A
Deadlines:
Spring: November 1st
Summer 1 or Summer 1+2: April 1st
Summer 2: May 1st
Fall: June 1st
Guidelines/Requirements:
In order to be considered for this scholarship, students must explain how participation in an SFS program would broaden the diversity of the program.
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