Why Donate to SFS
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Our Vision

SFS envisions a world where each of us is a responsible steward of the environment and where society is grounded in the understanding that all life, including humankind, is deeply intertwined. We envision a world where all people have access to clean air, clean water, nutritious food, and the other essential services of a healthy ecosystem – now and for all future generations to come.

Young people are the future. We believe that in order to achieve our vision and solve our world’s biggest challenges, we must train and educate the next generation of leaders to think critically, act compassionately, and work collaboratively – our diversity is our strength. Climate change and other social and environmental threats are daunting, but we will be ready.


Our Mission

SFS creates transformative study abroad experiences through field-based learning and research. Our educational programs explore the social and ecological dimensions of the complex environmental problems faced by our local partners, contributing to sustainable solutions in the places where we live and work. The SFS community is part of a growing network of individuals and institutions committed to environmental stewardship.

Community
Gain a sense of family, connection, and belonging studying abroad in foreign locations and communities.
Directed Research
Learn and apply principles of scientific field research in real world settings with accredited researchers.
Inclusion
Experience the robust assortment of ideologies, lifestyles, cultures, foods and personalities that should be celebrated daily.
Impact
Make a difference in people's lives through science, connection and outreach.

Our History


On a brisk autumn day in October 1980, a small group of people gathered in Boston, Massachusetts to address what they saw as a critical problem in higher education: widespread environmental illiteracy among young people in the United States.
read our story

Our Board of Trustees


As a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational provider, SFS is governed by an external Board of Trustees, who are appointed members responsible for defining and helping carry out the mission and strategy of the organization.
Meet the Board

Alumni Stories

Catherine May

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Mary Cobb

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Courtenay Cabot Venton

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Claudia Polsky

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Anna Menke

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Kate Mansfield

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Jacalyn Beck

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Ben Goldfarb

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Carrie Jenks

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Bronwyn Llewellyn

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Beth Alberts

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Elizabeth (Goulet) Imada

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Hannah Reich

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Kaitlyn Gaynor

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Katherine Fadelli

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Chris Malanuk

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