School for Field Studies
* Mexico * Australia * Costa Rica * British West Indies
Academic Program
USD, in association with the School for Field Studies (SFS), offers semester programs at SFS sites in several locations for qualified students majoring in the sciences. Depending on the selected site, students have the opportunity to analyze such challenging problems as preserving ecosystems, balancing economic development and conservation, or managing and maintaining wildlife, agricultural, and marine resources. Each site offers its own diverse characteristics and experiences. Although some locations may appear to be somewhat isolated, all programs endeavor to facilitate participation in local life and promote contacts and exchanges with the local population. Science, policy, and resource management course work is integrated with practical field experience and directed research to address the environmental issues pertinent to the chosen location.
Living Arrangements
Students participating in SFS programs will be housed in shared facilities at the varying sites. Each site has a slightly different housing arrangement. For information specific to each site, please visit the SFS website: http://www.fieldstudies.org/index.cfm
While each SFS site has a computer room with internet access, these labs are very small and are shared between all the students at the site. It is important to remember proper etiquette and not spend large amounts of time on the computers when others are waiting to use them. Students are welcome to bring their own laptops with proper documentation and insurance; however, it should be noted that as the SFS sites are fairly remote, if the laptop malfunctions, it may not be able to be fixed until the student returns to the United States
Eligibility, Applications, and Deadlines
Students must first apply through the USD International Studies Abroad Office, Serra Hall 315. These programs are available only to students who are majoring in science and have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Students’ disciplinary records with USD will be reviewed during the application process.
See pre-approved School for Field Studies course listings
Visit the School for Field Studies website
