The School for Field Studies 

Through Hollins' affiliation with the School for Field Studies, Hollins science majors can get hands-on, research-based experience in ecology, environmental issues, and sustainable development in environmentally sensitive areas around the world. The School's programs are designed to train students to engage in field research that addresses the environmental problems and needs of local communities.

Affiliate Program Pre-Departure Guide

Overview SFS has a number of field sites available to students, each with a unique focus in environmental research and conservation. Course topics range from "Principles of Forest Management" (Australia) to "Wildlife Ecology" (Tanzania) to "Tropical Ecology of the Amazon" (Peru). Semesters are split into faculty-guided field exercises and a more individually-driven directed research project. Students can select a topic of study from a number of on-going field research projects undertaken at each of the local program Centers, and will engage in data collection and management, various field techniques and analysis under the guidance of a faculty mentor.

Program Locations

Australia: Rainforest to Reef

Bhutan: Himalayan Environment and Society in Transition

Cambodia: Climate Change, Ethics, and Conservation

Chile: Wild Patagonia - Fire and Ice

Costa Rica: Sustainable Development Studies

Kenya: Wildlife, Water, and Climate Resilience

Panama: Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies

Peru: Biodiversity and Development in the Amazon

Tanzania: Wildlife Management Studies

Turks and Caicos Islands: Marine Resource Studies

Academics

Each field station offers four required courses--one in local ecology, one in resource management, one in economic issues and sustainable development, and one in directed research. Some programs also offer two-credit courses in the local language or culture.

Class days are spent in a combination of lectures, field trips, field exercises, and research. Students are taught by resident faculty, who are experienced teachers and research scientists with extensive knowledge of the local cultures. Government officials, resource managers, and local professors, and other local experts may also take part in instruction.

Credit for most courses is issued through the biology department. All courses are subject to the registrar's course approval process.

Housing and Meals Students at the School for Field Studies take classes, live, and eat at the program's field stations and do their research at nearby sites. Students share housing, meals, classes, and free time with other members of the group and are involved in the day-to-day operation of the field station so must be able and willing to get along well with others in close quarters. Because the program's Center and field-work locations may be isolated, students should expect some discomfort or inconvenience during their time on-site. Some of these challenges might include limited or unreliable communication, wet environments, limited or cold showers, and a diversity of wildlife (i.e. rodents, insects, bats, etc.).

What is Covered by the Comprehensive Fee

• Tuition
• Accommodations
• All meals
• Program-related ground transportation and entry fees
• Field equipment and supplies
• Orientation on Hollins campus and at program site
• Comprehensive health insurance while abroad
• International Student ID Card (for programs located in Africa or Asia)

Additional Expenses

• Round-trip airfare
• Personal and independent travel expenses
• Any gear or supplies not provided by program Center

Eligibility

• Junior status
• GPA of 3.0 or higher overall and in science courses
• Two terms of college-level biology with at least a B average
• Two terms of college-level Spanish (Costa Rica only)
• No major disciplinary infractions

Applicants are also evaluated on their academic and personal maturity, flexibility, and openness to new cultural experiences. Hollins recommends approved candidates to the School for Field Studies. SFS makes final admissions decisions.**

**Please note: In addition to the Hollins application, you must also apply directly to SFS for acceptance into this program.  

Relevant External Scholarship

The Garden Club of America Scholarships

Since 1928 when the Rome Prize Fellowship in Landscape Architecture was established, The Garden Club of America has funded more than 1,300 recipients. The GCA offers 28 merit-based scholarships in 12 areas, including "Conservation and Ecological Restoration," "Coastal Wetland Studies," and "Native Bird Habitat" among others. Applications open at various points throughout the year, so students must refer to the program website for the most up to date information and will want to begin the application process as early as possible.

Each area of study supported by the scholarships will have its own eligibility requirements, instructions and deadlines.