Wildlands Studies

Language Requirement: None
Academic Standing by Program Start: Sophomore or above
Location: Americas, Belize, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Asia, Nepal, Thailand, Iceland, Oceania, Australia, New Zealand
GPA: 2.5
Program Overview

Join an information session on Tuesday, February 20th at 4 pm in Columbia 142!

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

Dates and Deadlines
Term Year Deadline Arrival Date Departure Date
Summer 2024 4/1/2024 Varies Varies
Fall 2024 5/1/2024 Varies Varies
Winter 2025 10/1/2023 Varies Varies
Spring 2025 12/1/2023 Varies Varies

Discount for Pell Recipients

To expand access to study abroad, GEO is offering a $400 discount for this program to UO students who currently have the Pell Grant as part of their federal financial aid (FAFSA).

Academic Details

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.

Additional requirements

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.

Application process

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

Summer 2024

Fall 2024

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

Housing Description

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.