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
291 reviews
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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 learned a lot about biology, specifically biology in an environment very different from the ones that I am used to. I also feel I improved significantly in my research skills, planning a project, performing field work, writing papers, etc. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I made friends who were way different from me, learned how to work in groups with all kinds of people, developed field skills, learned to live without a lot of modern comforts (ex. dryer, dishwasher, wifi, heat/electricity), fell in love with being outdoors all day. One of the best experiences of my entire life. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Made the best friends, learned so much about field work and scientific research. Honestly was the best experience and I am so grateful for it Olivia E - Boston University View Entire Review
SFS Tropical Rainforest Studies offered the unique opportunity to truly live in the rainforest! This is an incredibly intimate view of an ancient and endangered ecosystem which boasts incredible biodiversity and ecosystem services. As a participant in this program, I was not a visitor to the rainforest, but actually living insid... Guthrie - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I felt like I learned (and LIVED) about a totally foreign area to me. I don't think I ever would have had an experience even remotely similar to this otherwise. This was the most exciting and adventurous time of my life, and definitely worthwhile! A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
I learned about the environment and it pertained to actual stuff that was going on and also about the culture of both places which was really interesting so yes it was worthwhile. A student - University of Tulsa View Entire Review
Definitely worthwhile. I gained a whole new perspective and a serious case of wanderlust. DaTeng L - University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign View Entire Review
I gained a broader knowledge of the culture and indigenous peoples in both countries. I experienced the amazingly beautiful landscapes and nature in NZ and Australia. Although there are things that would have been helpful to know going into the program, overall I still enjoyed my time and do not regret in the slightest going. A student - Bucknell University View Entire Review
Not only did I gain field skills and extensive knowledge about rainforest sustainability, I learned so much about myself as an individual in this chaotic world. I am more confident in who I am and where I am headed which makes this experience entirely worthwhile. Sara P - St. Mary's College of Maryland View Entire Review
I got to live in a tropical rainforest, which was an amazing and singular experience that I will never forget. I also formed great friendships with other American students from all over the US. Mackenzie A K - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained a much more wholistic knowledge of ecology because it was a place that was in no way similar to where I have studied before. It was 100% worthwhile! A student - Denison University View Entire Review
I learned about how to navigate a foreign place, how to meet new people, how to live in the rainforest, how to carry out an independent research project, how to write a scientific paper, and how to immerse myself in the culture and lifestyle. Everything was worthwhile. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
It was probably the most worthwhile thing I've ever done. I met wonderful people and made some amazing friends and I know I will keep in touch with them forever. I learned a lot of relevant, applicable information and skills that I have taken home with me and help me daily. Haley M - Washington State University - Pullman campus View Entire Review
I gained a lot of personal growth and field experiences. It was hard but very beautiful to live in the rainforest for 3 months. Gained a very different academic experience than being in a classroom at middlebury. Very worthwhile. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
It was worthwhile. I learned to live and work with challenging people and how to conduct research in the field. A student - Wellesley College View Entire Review
I gained an understanding of just how big the world is, and a sense for the different parts of biology I want to study later in life. It was worthwhile. Emma Liddle - Grinnell College View Entire Review
It was 100% worthwhile. I would recommend it to other nature lovers like me! Sabrina Pond - Brandeis University View Entire Review
This program was definitely worthwhile! It reminded me why I chose to study Environmental Studies/Science in the first place! We were encouraged to explore, to be hands-on, and to interact with others and the environment. I gained necessary skills and knowledge, did research for the first time, I met great people, and I fell in ... Elizabeth Hochman - Brandeis University View Entire Review
If you want to know, email me. There is a lot. Yes it was worth every penny. Mark McComb - Baylor University View Entire Review
I learned that I want to pursue a career that allows me to work in a hands on manner and maximize my time outside! I also gained valuable ecological skills. Lastly, my love for travel was deepened profoundly. A student - Brandeis University View Entire Review
Yes, It definitely was emmaleanne1994 - Berea College View Entire Review
I am alot more willing to try new things and be adventurous than I thought I could ever be. It was worthwhile because I got to learn about subjects in the actual environment where they happened. A student - Providence College View Entire Review
I changed my career path, I learned to appreciate the outdoors more, I gained valuable friends and an increase in confidence. It was more than worthwhile, it was better than great, it helped shape who I am today. Allie B - University of Wisconsin - Madison View Entire Review
Most definitely. I believe that by the end of the program we were all wishing that it could have been twice as long. We managed to get so much in that short period of time. There is nothing better than waking up to a symphony of birds, of walking from your cabin and seeing a family of pademelons (little forest kangaroos), and ha... Olivia P F - Wellesley College View Entire Review
Extremely worthwhile. I learned exactly what I hoped to, met amazing people, made wonderful friends, saw the country I've always wanted to see. Haley M - Washington State University - Pullman campus 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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