The School for Field Studies
The School for Field Studies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1980 that delivers field-based environmental study abroad programs to college students across 12 research centers on six continents, with academic credit issued through the University of Minnesota.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersBeverly, United States
- Headcount51–100
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The School for Field Studies does
The School for Field Studies (SFS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization founded in 1980 and headquartered in West Boxford, Massachusetts, that delivers field-based environmental study abroad programs to college and university students. SFS operates 12 dedicated field research centers across 12 countries on six continents (Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Italy, Kenya, Panama, Peru, Tanzania, and Turks and Caicos), each anchored by a multi-year strategic research plan and staffed by PhD-holding Center Directors. Programs are offered as 14-15 week semesters earning 16-18 credits and 4-6 week summer sessions earning 4-8 credits, with academic credit issued through the University of Minnesota, which serves as the official School of Record. Each program combines interdisciplinary coursework, faculty-directed field research (100+ hours per semester in the Directed Research course), and community engagement with local partners including indigenous communities, government agencies, and NGOs.
SFS generates revenue primarily through tuition and program fees, with semester total costs ranging from approximately $24,000 to $31,950 and summer programs from approximately $6,700 to $11,500 depending on location. A secondary, recurring revenue stream comes from charitable donations via the organization's 501(c)(3) status, including the Cummings Foundation Sustaining Grants program, alumni giving, and corporate matching gifts. SFS awards over $650,000 in need-based financial aid annually and matches Federal Pell Grant funding, broadening access. Distribution is hybrid: students apply directly through SFS's website portal, and recruitment is amplified through study abroad and faculty advisors at more than 350 U.S. colleges and universities, including Ivy League and community college institutions. The organization employs 51-100 staff and faculty across its centers and headquarters.
SFS has built an alumni base of more than 20,000 graduates who have pursued careers in STEM, business, government, academia, and environmental NGOs. The organization maintains active social media and content channels (Instagram, Vimeo, LinkedIn, Facebook, blog) and operates an Alumni Ambassador program for peer-to-peer recruitment. In January 2025, SFS announced Katlyn Armstrong as President-Elect succeeding the retiring President, marking a top-level leadership transition. SFS does not disclose revenue figures and operates with no disclosed parent company, private equity, or venture capital ownership.
The School for Field Studies firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The School for Field Studies
- Legal name
- The School for Field Studies
- Website
- https://fieldstudies.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 51–100 employees
- Short description
- The School for Field Studies is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1980 that delivers field-based environmental study abroad programs to college students across 12 research centers on six continents, with academic credit issued through the University of Minnesota.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The School for Field Studies industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Environmental Study Abroad Education
- NAICS
- Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Field Schools & Experiential Academic Programs (Archaeology, Ecology, etc.) (EDAIAIAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Experiential & Field-Based Study Abroad (Research, Field Schools, Practicums) (EDAIAAAD), University-Led Summer/Winter Schools (Credit/Non-Credit) (EDAIAIAA)
Keywords
Where The School for Field Studies is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Beverly
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices13 records
Markets served
The School for Field Studies business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Tuition and Program Fees: The primary revenue stream comes from tuition and program fees charged to students for semester and summer study abroad programs. Tuition ranges from approximately $18,000 to $24,000 per semester, with room and board ranging from $6,000 to $8,000, depending on the program location. Summer programs are priced at $4,950 to $7,500 for tuition plus $1,750 to $4,000 for room and board.
- Donations and Philanthropic Giving: SFS is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit institution that relies on charitable donations from individuals, foundations, and corporate matching gift programs. The Cummings Foundation includes SFS in its Sustaining Grants program. Donations support need-based financial aid and general operations.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Programs (Australia) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Programs (Bhutan) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Programs (Cambodia) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Programs (Chile) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Programs (Costa Rica) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Programs (Croatia) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Programs (Kenya) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Programs (Panama) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Programs (Peru) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Semester Programs (Turks & Caicos) |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Summer Programs |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
The School for Field Studies product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The School for Field Studies delivers immersive, field-based study abroad programs in environmental science and conservation at 12 dedicated field research centers across 12 countries and 6 continents. Programs combine interdisciplinary academic coursework, faculty-directed original research, and community engagement, awarding transferable college credit through the University of Minnesota (School of Record). Offerings include semester (15-week, 16-18 credit) and summer (4-6 week) programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
Product overview
The School for Field Studies (SFS) offers field-based study abroad programs focused on environmental studies and conservation. The organization operates 12 field research centers across 4 continents: Australia, Bhutan, Cambodia, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Italy, Kenya, Panama, Peru, Tanzania, and Turks and Caicos. SFS provides two main program types: semester programs (14-15 weeks, 16-18 credits) and summer sessions (4-6 weeks, 4-8 credits). Each center offers specialized programs examining local environmental issues through interdisciplinary coursework, hands-on field research, and community engagement. Students earn academic credit through the University of Minnesota (School of Record) while conducting directed research projects. The programs emphasize experiential learning in diverse ecosystems from rainforests to coral reefs, glaciers to savannas.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Australia - Center for Rainforest Studies Environmental study abroad program based in Queensland, Australia, focusing on rainforest conservation, ecosystem restoration, and the connection between rainforests and the Great Barrier Reef; for undergraduate and graduate students seeking hands-on environmental field research.
- Bhutan - Center for Climate and Sustainable Futures Himalayan-based program in Paro, Bhutan, examining the intersection of conservation and culture through the lens of Gross National Happiness; for students interested in mountain biodiversity, climate change, and sustainable forestry.
- Cambodia - Center for Environmental Justice and Mekong Ecologies Program in Siem Reap, Cambodia, examining environmental justice, biodiversity conservation, and Mekong ecology; for students seeking immersion in Southeast Asian freshwater and forest ecosystems.
- Chile - Center for Climate Studies Patagonia-based program in Puerto Natales exploring climate change impacts on glaciers, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods; for students interested in climate science and Patagonian ecosystems.
- Costa Rica - Center for Ecological Resilience Studies Program exploring tropical ecology, conservation biology, and sustainable agriculture in Costa Rica's diverse ecosystems; for students interested in tropical biodiversity and sustainable food systems.
- Croatia - Center for Conservation of Marine Megafauna Marine conservation program in the Adriatic Sea studying cetaceans and sea turtles through partnership with the Blue World Institute; for students pursuing marine biology and conservation research.
- Italy - Center for Sustainable Food Systems Tuscany-based program examining sustainable food systems, agroecology, and traditional agricultural practices; for students interested in food systems, farming, and rewilding.
- Kenya - Center for Endangered Species Conservation Wildlife conservation program at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro studying endangered species, human-wildlife conflict, and community-based conservation; for students interested in African wildlife and conservation biology.
- Panama - Center for Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies Marine and coastal ecosystems program in the Bocas del Toro archipelago studying coral reefs, mangroves, and sustainable tourism; for students interested in tropical island ecology and biodiversity.
- Peru - Center for Amazon Studies Amazon rainforest program in Tarapoto studying biodiversity, climate change, and indigenous community conservation; for students interested in Amazonian ecology and traditional medicine.
- Tanzania - Center for Wildlife Management Studies
Quantifiable outcome
- 95.8% of SFS students rate the program favorably (Go Overseas rating)
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The School for Field Studies
Customer profileSegments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The School for Field Studies technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The School for Field Studies partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- University of MinnesotacoreThe University of Minnesota serves as the official School of Record for SFS, providing academic oversight and transcript processing for all students. It reviews SFS program curricula and quality, and provides formal program reviews and academic accreditation support.
- Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation (BWI)coreBWI is the formal partner for the SFS Center for Conservation of Marine Megafauna in Croatia. Founded in 2000, BWI works on the Adriatic Sea studying cetaceans and sea turtles. In 2003, BWI constructed the Lošinj marine education center, and in 2013 opened the Sunny Bay turtle rescue center. SFS and BWI jointly deliver the boat-based research program.
- City of Knowledge Foundation (Ciudad del Saber)minorLocated near Panama's city center and across from the Panama Canal, the City of Knowledge is a 120-hectare innovation campus. SFS partners with Ciudad del Saber in Panama for collaborative initiatives, with entrepreneurs, scientists, and NGOs working together on social change projects.
- Maasai, Iraqw, and Hadzabe Indigenous CommunitiescoreSFS programs in Tanzania engage directly with Maasai, Iraqw, and Hadzabe tribal communities for field research and community-based conservation studies. Students participate in homestays and community projects with these groups.
- UWICER and Bhutan Ecological Society (BES)coreIn Bhutan, SFS collaborates with UWICER (Ugyen Wangchuck Institute for Conservation and Environment Research) and BES on research priorities including mountain biodiversity, climate change, sustainable forestry, water resources, and public policy.
- Paññāsāstra University of Cambodia (PUC)minorSFS Cambodia collaborates with PUC, where Cambodian students participate alongside SFS international students in program activities, fostering cross-cultural academic exchange.
- Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous PeoplecoreIn Australia, SFS works with the Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous people on rainforest restoration and management projects, integrating Indigenous knowledge into conservation research.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights4 records
The School for Field Studies competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange): CIEE is one of the largest nonprofit study abroad providers with dedicated environmental and sustainability programs at multiple global sites. Directly comparable scale, structure, and institutional partnership model.
- Semester at Sea: Semester at Sea delivers credit-bearing experiential study abroad at global scale with academic partnerships (multiple U.S. universities serve as School of Record). Comparable credit-transfer mechanism and immersive, multi-country model.
- SIT Study Abroad: SIT (part of World Learning) is the closest direct peer — a nonprofit offering field-based, experiential study abroad programs globally, including dedicated environmental and sustainability tracks with credit-bearing semesters and strong research components. Comparable in mission, academic rigor, and target student demographic.
- IES Abroad: IES Abroad is a nonprofit study abroad organization offering semester and summer programs with environmental science options across multiple countries. Overlapping customer base of U.S. undergraduates and similar academic-credit infrastructure.
- DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia: DIS provides semester study abroad with strong sustainability and environmental science programs. Similar credit-transfer model and tuition band; comparable target segment of U.S. undergraduates.
- International Studies Abroad (ISA): ISA offers semester and short-term study abroad programs with environmental studies tracks across global sites. Comparable tuition level, U.S. university partnerships, and credit portability.
- School for International Training (World Learning): World Learning operates SIT and offers experiential, credit-bearing study abroad with thematic programs including environmental studies. Same nonprofit structure, similar credit-transfer mechanism, and overlapping field-research orientation.
Emerging players
- Earthwatch Institute: Earthwatch runs short-duration, field-based conservation expeditions led by scientists, with a pay-to-participate research model. Smaller and shorter program lengths than SFS but overlaps on field-research orientation and conservation focus.
- Round River Conservation Studies: Round River offers field-based, conservation-focused study abroad with original research projects at sites in the Americas and Africa. Highly aligned mission and pedagogy with SFS but smaller scale.
- School of International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute: SIT Graduate Institute offers master's degrees with field-research components including environmental policy. Represents a potential adjacent growth segment (graduate learners) for SFS.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The School for Field Studies social profiles
Digital presenceThe School for Field Studies financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The School for Field Studies leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
The School for Field Studies funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The School for Field Studies M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The School for Field Studies
What does The School for Field Studies do?
The School for Field Studies delivers immersive, field-based study abroad programs in environmental science and conservation at 12 dedicated field research centers across 12 countries and 6 continents. Programs combine interdisciplinary academic coursework, faculty-directed original research, and community engagement, awarding transferable college credit through the University of Minnesota (School of Record). Offerings include semester (15-week, 16-18 credit) and summer (4-6 week) programs for undergraduate and graduate students.
Is The School for Field Studies a public or private company?
The School for Field Studies is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The School for Field Studies founded?
The School for Field Studies was founded in 1980. It employs 51 to 100 people.
Where is The School for Field Studies based?
The School for Field Studies is headquartered in Beverly, United States, in the North America region.
How does The School for Field Studies make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Tuition and Program Fees are the primary driver. The others are donations and Philanthropic Giving.
Who are The School for Field Studies's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange), Semester at Sea, SIT Study Abroad, IES Abroad, DIS Study Abroad in Scandinavia, International Studies Abroad (ISA) and School for International Training (World Learning). Emerging players are Earthwatch Institute, Round River Conservation Studies and School of International Training (SIT) Graduate Institute.
Does The School for Field Studies have an API?
No public API is recorded for The School for Field Studies.
What industry is The School for Field Studies in?
The School for Field Studies's product category is Environmental Study Abroad Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAIAIAG, Field Schools & Experiential Academic Programs (Archaeology, Ecology, etc.), with a secondary code of EDAIAAAD, Experiential & Field-Based Study Abroad (Research, Field Schools, Practicums). Its NAICS code is 61131 and its SIC code is 8200.