A sponsored GEO program, Wildlands Studies field project programs offer the rare opportunity to study critical environmental and wildlife concerns on six continents and sixteen different countries. Nomadic by design, the field-based courses evolve annually to match the latest ecological research of the region. Academically rigorous, each outdoor study program earns 15 UO credits, features direct contact and instruction with Ph.D. credentialed faculty who are subject matter experts, contributes directly to your cumulative GPA, and UO financial aid will apply. Students come from all over North America to form small teams of 8-16, perfect for sharing energy, responsibilities, and discoveries. The overarching goal is for students to leave our programs with extensive knowledge about a specific region and the broader skills of ecological, geological, and social sciences needed to effectively pursue their future careers.
These projects are in generally remote locations and include strenuous hiking and backpacking. Applicants are urged to read the specific program descriptions thoroughly and to consider their own experience and circumstance. Also, see the Wildlands FAQ.
***GEO does not sponsor the US-based Wildlands Studies locations and programs.
Contact Information:
http://www.wildlandsstudies.com/
831-684-9999
wildlands@wildlandsstudies.com
Term | Year | Deadline | Arrival Date | Departure Date |
Fall | 2024 | 5/1/2024 | Varies | Varies |
Winter | 2025 | 10/1/2024 | Varies | Varies |
Spring | 2025 | 12/1/2024 | Varies | Varies |
Summer | 2025 | 4/1/2025 | Varies | Varies |
All international Wildlands Studies locations are available to UO students. Each program is project-based; sites, types of projects, and levels of community interaction vary. Click here to see individual program descriptions.
Wildland Studies courses and credits can be used to meet ENVS and ESCI major and minor requirements (Area 3A Life Science, Area 4, and Area 3B Social Science) - be sure to double-check with your academic advisor. If you have a different major, contact your advisor to learn how this credit could apply to your major.
Quarter Length Program: 15 UO credits
- ENVS 388: Field Survey. Counts as AREA 3A Life Science
- ENVS 388: Wildlands Studies. Counts as AREA 4
- ENVS 388: Wildlands Environment & Culture. Counts as AREA 3B and Core Education General Education Area of Inquiry: Social Science
Two-week Program: 5 UO credits
- ENVS 388: Wildlands Studies. Counts as AREA 4
Course Equivalencies
UO students: please refer to the UO Course Equivalency Process and the UO Office of the Registrar Course Equivalency Database.
Non-UO students: Actual credit awarded is determined by the relevant department at your university in consultation with the study abroad office. Check with your study abroad advisor for more information.
Must have completed one lower-division science/biology or environmental studies/geography course. Wildlands Studies is flexible with this requirement, please contact them directly about this.
IMPORTANT: A Wildlands Studies application has two steps. The GEO application deadline supersedes the Wildlands deadline. Application fees are required at the time of application and confirmation deposits upon acceptance. Please read the attached (right-hand column) “Budget & Price” document on GEO’s program webpage for Wildlands Studies, and the specific program listing on the Wildlands website http://www.wildlandsstudies.com/
Step 1: GEO Application Login
Fall 2024
- Bulgaria (canceled)
- Nepal
- New Zealand
- New Zealand Session II
Winter 2025
Spring 2025
University of Oregon students complete a study abroad application that confirms their status as enrolled students during the term of the program dates.
Step 2: Wildlands Application
This is a program-specific application and is subject to review and acceptance by Wildlands Studies, and can be filled out here.
These projects are entirely field-based and in most cases students live in tents or very rustic accommodations for the duration of the course. Arrangements vary somewhat by program location; click here to see individual program descriptions.