Field study placement categories include public health, education, environmental protection, social services, women in development, agriculture, and small business. Housing is in homestays with local families. The SFS program in Mexico focuses on Magdalena Bay, an important coastal habitat severely threatened by overfishing and the pressures of development. The program then concentrates on three interdisciplinary case studies focusing on local environmental problems and resource conflicts. Days are spent in a combination of lectures, field exercises, and research on work sites including beach areas, mangroves, waters, and local communities.
Every student completes a directed research project.
Housing is provided in four-person cabins. The Alma College program in Mexico City operates in cooperation with the Universidad Iberoamericana and features both courses designed specifically for American students as well as the opportunity to take regular courses at the university alongside Mexican students. Course offerings include intensive Spanish, Mexican culture, history, literature, art, anthropology, and political science. Internships are available in businesses, museums, public schools, and international organizations. Spanish language preparation required depends on the level of study to be undertaken.