Study Abroad

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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 State, 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.

For students preparing for their study abroad experience, contact the NCSU Travel Clinic for comprehensive and personalized recommendations, medications and vaccinations for your trip.

ATTENTION: The Study Abroad Fair will be held Thursday, January 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Talley Ballroom. Come by and learn all about trips offered by DFER and NCSU!

Study Abroad Scholarships

In recent years, FER has offered scholarships to FER students through the Study Abroad Office. This year, FER is establishing a new procedure for a separate application process. FER students participating in FER sponsored study tours (note, not all listed programs are FER sponsored) are guaranteed FER scholarships, as long as they submit this application. FER students participating in other study abroad programs are also eligible to apply for scholarships, and historically, FER has awarded scholarships to all FER students participating in study abroad. The FER application form is nearly identical to the SAO scholarship form, so that you can just copy and paste from one to the other. Once you complete the FER form, email to Sarah Wiener (sswiener@ncsu.edu) by January 17, 2012. The international committee will review applications and awards will be announced by February 3. Don't forget to also apply for scholarships through the Study Abroad Office. Deadlines for applications to the Study Abroad Office can be found here.

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). For information on scholarships and other financial aid that can help defray the costs of studying abroad, please visit our Scholarships & Fellowships section.

Recurring Study Abroad Opportunities

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.

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 universities 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.

Tropical Wildlife Study Tour in Nicaragua

This special tropical forest tour provides an opportunity to visit the permanent bird banding station at Finca Esperanza Verde (Green Hope Farm) outside of San Ramon, Nicaragua. The tour also visits several tourist destinations in Nicaragua, including 2 volcanoes, 2 shade-grown coffee plantations, both high elevation tropical forest and dry tropical forest, and 3 different nature reserves. Class discussions will center on human influences on tropical forest ecosystems. Note: This program is offered every two years (next offered 2012).

Organization for Tropical Studies

The Organization for Tropical Studies/Duke University offers both semester and summer programs in Tropical Biology, Savannah Ecology, and Global Health. You can earn course credits and do independent research while getting an enriching experience abroad. Visit the OTS website to learn more about these dynamic courses or to apply now! Have questions? Contact the OTS Enrollment Management team at otsadmissions@duke.edu. APPLICATION DEADLINES: Summer '12 due March 1, Fall '12 due April 1. Apply early as courses often fill before deadlines.

Upcoming Study Abroad Programs of interest to our students

* Denotes FER sponsored study abroad

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.