Environmental Studies Abroad
Environmental Studies Abroad
School for Field Studies (SFS)
School for Field Studies (SFS)
The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS)
The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS)
Embedded Files
Environmental Studies Programs help students develop practical skills through hands-on, experiential learning while exploring incredible ecosystems, from the Amazon rainforest to the glaciers of Patagonia. The School for Field Studies and the Organization for Tropical Studies are open to both STEM and non-STEM majors. All students passionate about ecology and environmental conservation are encouraged to apply. Environmental issues are inherently human issues, and studying complex topics like climate change exclusively through a hard science lens doesn’t give you the full picture. On SFS and OTS programs, you’ll take coursework in both the natural and social sciences, incorporating everything from ecology, natural resource management, and policy to culture, ethics, and social justice. With programs in 12 different locations, deciding which one best suits your academic interests can sometimes be challenging. Please stop by the Office of Study Abroad to explore your options!
PROGRAM DATES
PROGRAM DATES
The School for Field Studies and the Organization for Tropical Studies follow a similar academic calendar to Holy Cross. These are single-semester programs, but you can potentially attend two different programs sequentially for a full year abroad.
Australia (fall 2026) Aug 31-Dec 3
Chile (fall 2026): Sept 1-Dec 11
Chile (spring 2027): TBA
Chile (spring 2027): TBA
Tanzania (Spring 2027): TBA
OTS (Spring 2027): TBA
All study abroad students must plan to stay until the end of the exam period, as they cannot arrange to take exams at a time other than the one assigned for the class. See the Student Contract for the policy.
SFS Bhutan, Paro Taktsang monastery
Photo credit: Jill Spirk ’21, an Environmental Studies major and Art History minor, scuba dives in the Turks and Caicos Islands (School for Field Studies).
Photo credit: Erin Kinney '20, an Environmental Studies minor, received recognition in the 2019 Study Abroad Photo Contest for this photo she took at Amboseli National Park in Kenya.
Where can I study?
Click on the country below to learn more
RAINFOREST TO REEF
HIMALAYAN ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY IN TRANSITION
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND MEKONG ECOLOGIES
WILD PATAGONIA: FIRE AND ICE
ECOLOGICAL RESILIENCE STUDIES
SEA TURTLES AND MARINE MAMMALS OF THE ADRIATIC
ENDANGERED SPECIES
TROPICAL ISLAND BIODIVERSITY STUDIES
THE LIVING AMAZON
AFRICAN ECOLOGY AND CONSERVATION
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT STUDIES
MARINE RESOURCE STUDIES
Academic Credit
Academic Credit
Similar to a semester at Holy Cross, participants in the OTS or any SFS program will enroll in 4 courses. Depending on the type of course, you will earn credit in Environmental Studies, Biology, Geosciences, or Common Areas. The OTS South Africa program incorporates a History course as well.
Ordinarily, Environmental Studies majors can count up to three courses from one semester in these programs toward their Environmental Studies major and up to four courses for a full year; Environmental Studies minors can count up to two courses for one semester and three courses for a full year.
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