WHAT ARE STUDYABROAD FIELD SCHOOLS?
Instead of studying abroad in a university cut off from the local population, students at field schools live with local families, in youth hostels , research stations or even in tents. Rather than choosing courses as in a typical university program, you choose a program planned around a central theme, such as studying abroad in the Amazon ecosystems of Brazil or studying abroad in the public health sector in South Africa. These programs often involve quite a bit of student travel and frequently take place while you study abroad in developing countries . You will be working with a small group of fellow field-schoolers who tend to become as close as family by the end of your stay. StudyAbroad programs Field schools also give students a chance to participate in current research worldwide, and sometimes even the chance to conduct some research of their own. Be prepared for work though. Because these programs emphasize the marriage of learning and living in everyday life, they are very hands-on and often quite demanding.

Though there are many studyabroad field schools to choose from, three of the more popular ones are the School for International Training, The School for Field Studies and Where There Be Dragons. The School for International Training is one of the largest studyabroadfield schools around. It offers programs worldwide and is one of the most commonly accepted for credit at major universities. Where There Be Dragons is less formal, offering less-conventional independent study projects such as rug weaving. The School for Field Studies has programs more focused on environmental concerns. All their projects and work directly relate and contribute to sustainable solutions in your location of study.

All of these schools offer studyabroad semester programs in several countries under a variety of themes. Each of them also allows its students to design his or her own independent study project. However, the nature and context of these projects varies by school and program.

ARE YOU THE FIELD SCHOOL TYPE?
It can be tough to know if such an unconventional course of study is right for you. Many travel, some study abroad programs , but studyabroad field school students are a whole other breed. If you own a Nalgene and wear Tevas, you are probably a prime candidate. Nevertheless, studyabroad field schools are a wonderful opportunity for a wide variety of students. Some say that diligence is the key trait for the successful field school student, as there is often a lot of work involved. For curious but non-studious field-schoolers however, enthusiasm can be more important than discipline. And you will find plenty to enthuse about in your new environment.

The immersion in a new culture always requires open-mindedness. These programs are designed to be a constant learning experience, and while students may get breaks from traditional education, even social events will present opportunities for discovery and illumination if you leave yourself open to them. It is also wise to bring your sense of adventure. You will no longer be peering passively at pictures of foreign plants, animals and people from a safe distance behind your textbooks. Hands-on and interaction are key principles of the field school movement. Though many may find they return with a newfound sense of bravery and willingness to embrace the not-so-familiar, it takes a certain kind of person to leave the safety of university dorms in exchange for a semester in the field. Those who approach daily life with a propensity for inquisitiveness and adventure will find a good home in these programs.

THE TEST: WHAT YOU CAN DO AT HOME
According to Max Woodfin, a Where There Be Dragons blogger, “most of the world doesn’t get out much.” StudyAbroad Field schools are therefore a great way to stand apart from the rabble and see in-depth into a particular part of the globe. However, before you commit to living months in a jungle, it would be wise to determine if a field school is the right option for you. There are a variety of things you can do at home to help you decide.

Ask yourself what your passions are. What fascinates you? What are your favorite subjects? Why not venture out of the classroom and take it upon yourself to head your own local field studies? Home is a great place to break out of the books for the first time and see what is actually going on in the world, without ever venturing too far out of your comfort zone. A marine biology major may want to begin his or her own study of local tide pools and their inhabitants. Art majors may want to research their town’s local art scene and attempt to trace its origins.

Do some research and figure out what sort of activities in your area might help bridge your foray into the real world. It doesn’t have to be formal. Try googling some local plants you find on a hike. Take a good look at a local historic landmark and see if you can figure out its architectural origins. Since you will be doing a lot of social interacting on a field school stay, you should make sure to involve people in your own local field research. You might be surprised how much the school gardener knows about the drought patterns of the local creek or the wealth of information the security guard at the museum can help you find. Worst case scenario, you’ll have made a new friend, and friend-making is another good skill to have when you are going to study in a new place. The main goal is to find out if you enjoy this sort of out-of-classroom interaction and hands-on learning. If it strikes you as appealing, your personal field studies will have equipped you with a better idea of what sort of programs and qualities you are looking for in a field school.

Studying abroad, in general, is a great experience with a lot to offer those who choose to take advantage of it. For some, however, the thought of just one more hour in a lecture hall is reason enough to hit the snooze, no matter where it is. Field schools are a great option if you want to study abroad, but don’t want just another university setting. They provide a chance for a more active — and interactive — education. Think about studying where the books you read are written. Think about waking up to a sunrise over the Costa Rican sea shore. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

FIELD SCHOOL FACTS
Check out these studyabroad field school programs that try to break down the barrier between students and locals.

WHERE THERE BE DRAGONS is focused more on cultural immersion and local interaction. While most field school programs offer independent-study opportunities, the Dragons program is the most self-constructed. You can choose to conduct your own research or pursue a personal interest, such as language proficiency or the cooking techniques of your host country. The downside is that their programs are not accepted for credit by very many schools, perhaps due to the less-structured curriculum.

THE SCHOOL FOR FIELD STUDIES deals primarily with environmental research and conservation. One thing that separates SFS from other field schools is this sustainability emphasis of their studies. All research is driven by community needs and contributes directly to local solutions. Independent study is therefore not as prevalent in their programs due to the fact that research topics are determined by their utility towards furthering program goals. Some of their most recently added programs include a two-country semester in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, and a Swahili language and East African tribal culture course in Kenya.

Perhaps the best-known field school is SCHOOL FOR INTERNATIONAL TRAINING. It is one of the largest field schools available, with sixty programs worldwide and a wide variety of themes that cover just about any major. They boast programs in languages traditionally not offered in your normal study abroad, such as Wolof, Hindi and Quechua. Their newest programs include Sacred Traditions and Visual Culture in Ethiopia, and Ecology in the Mekong Delta.