Study Abroad

FER Home : International : Study Abroad

As part of the college experience at FER, many students pursue study or work abroad opportunities that put them on the frontline of worldwide forestry and environmental resources management. Internships are often made available through FER’s cooperative and extension programs, or through arrangements with international industry or academic partners.

One of the hallmarks of NC State's internationalization efforts is the number of organized student trips abroad led by faculty members each year. Between the opportunities offered within FER and those offered by other areas at NC States, students can choose from a variety of programs that fit different scheduling and budget needs, including programs that take place during spring break, summers, semesters and even year-long programs.

FER offers scholarships to students to help cover the cost of study abroad. Scholarships are usually in the range of $250 to $750. Students must be in good academic standing, and making progress towards a degree in FER. Their academic adviser in FER must support their proposal to study abroad. The study abroad experience must be integrated into their academic program, providing academic credit or otherwise meeting a requirement of their degree program. In general, priority is given to (a) undergraduates, (b) students who have at least one semester remaining in their degree program after studying abroad, and (c) students participating in a study tour sponsored by FER or in a long-term study abroad program (semester or year-long experience). Students should apply for FER study abroad scholarships through the Study Abroad Office. There are deadlines at the beginning of fall and spring semesters. For information on scholarships and other financial aid that can help defray the costs of studying abroad, please visit our Scholarships & Fellowships section.

The Atlantis Program - Transatlantic Masters Program in Forest Resources

Graduate students have the opportunity to study in Finland and Sweden, receive a master’s degree in Forestry or Natural Resources from NCSU AND a masters degree from one of two European universities. Approximately 4-5 accepted students each year will spend one year in Europe taking classes (in English) and conducting research. Students will also spend one year at NCSU and attend joint conferences and seminars. The project will provide $12,000 to offset the costs of the international travel and living expenses. These funds would be in addition to any graduate assistantship that the student may already have. Only US citizens and green card holders are eligible to apply.

Chile Forest Resources Exchange Program

The Chile Educational Exchange program is for both faculty and graduate students. Goals of this program are to expand faculty research on forest and water resources in Chile, provide opportunities for students to gain international experience and learn about forestry in Chile and to inform the broader university community and the public about lessons, opportunities, and competition from Chile. There are research travel grants available. The Universidad de Concepcion has a new major in Conservation and Natural Resources. Please click here to view an article about the new program.

Brazil Student Exchange Program

The FIPSE/Capse Brazil-US Exchange Program is available for undergraduate and graduate students. The program allows students to spend a semester or a year in Brazil taking courses. This exchange program focuses on Forest Ecosystem Services and students must enroll in the "Forest Ecosystem Services” (NR 491J/WPS 595B) course to participate. Three Brazilian univeristies participate: Universidade Federal do Paraná, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, and Universidade Federal de Tocantins. There is funding available to cover additional costs of study in Brazil.

Upcoming study abroad programs led by FER faculty

Fall Semeter2009 Programs:

New Concepts and Tools for Managing Sustainable Forest Production in Brazil: November 16- 27, 2009 with Jose Stape

Spring Break 2010 Programs:

Chile Forest Conservation Study Tour: March 12- March 21st, 2010 with Dr. Susan Moore
Tropical Wildlife Study Tour in Nicaragua: March 12- March 19, 2010 with Dr. Chris Moorman

Summer 2010 Programs:

Fisheries & Wildlife Sciences Program, Namibia: May 16-June 4, 2010 with Dr. Werner Dorgeloh

In addition to the upcoming trips listed above, you can find more information on trips, scholarships, financial aid and many other study abroad programs by visiting the NCSU Study Abroad Office website or the Office of International Affairs, CNR programs website. FER students are eligible to participate in Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) courses; for deadline and costs, see the OTS website.