The School for Field Studies

Today, SFS is known throughout the United States as the premier environmental study abroad program for undergraduates. Over 150 colleges and universities are affiliated with SFS and more than 18,000 students from the U.S. and abroad have participated in our programs. SFS operates fully staffed field stations in Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Italy, Kenya, Panama, Peru, Tanzania, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Our faculty and directors maintain close research relationships with the communities in which we are located. While the world has changed immensely since 1980, we believe it is more critical than ever to inspire and educate young environmental leaders, and we move forward with renewed energy and commitment to our core values.

Our Vision

SFS envisions a world where each of us is a responsible steward of the environment and where society is grounded in the understanding that all life, including humankind, is deeply intertwined. We envision a world where all people have access to clean air, clean water, nutritious food, and the other essential services of a healthy ecosystem – now and for all future generations to come.

Young people are the future. We believe that in order to achieve our vision and solve our world’s biggest challenges, we must train and educate the next generation of leaders to think critically, act compassionately, and work collaboratively – our diversity is our strength. Climate change and other social and environmental threats are daunting, but we will be ready.

Our Mission

SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the social and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship.