This component provides students with an opportunity to make an immediate contribution to the improvement of a local environmental issue and, at the same time, to put the theories learned in the classroom into practice. SFS seeks to produce first-rate applied research in the form of practical reports to local resource managers. The projects usually last for more than half the program, culminating in presentations to both the local community and the larger outside community of scientists, researchers, and representatives from SFS partners and clients. For all programs, students must have completed at least one college level ecology or biology course, and be at least 18 years old. Students interested in the programs in Costa Rica and Mexico must have completed at least one semester of college Spanish or the equivalent prior to participating in the program.
Programs often fill up more than a year ahead of the program date.
Please refer to the application checklist for application information.