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SFS/Chile: Wild Patagonia: Fire and Ice (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Puerto Natales, Chile
  • Program Terms: Fall, Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: The School for Field Studies (SFS) 
Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Spring 2025 10/15/2024 10/15/2024 TBA TBA
Fall 2025 03/15/2025 03/15/2025 TBA TBA
Spring 2026 10/15/2025 10/15/2025 TBA TBA
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English Click here for a definition of this term Housing: Residence Hall, Various
Click here for a definition of this term Academic Areas Offered: Biology, Environmental Science/Studies, Humanities, Spanish Program Term: Fall, Spring
Program Sponsor: SFS
Program Description:

CHILE SEMESTER: WILD PATAGONIA: FIRE AND ICE


PROGRAM DETAILS

Terms: Fall, Spring
Credits: 18 semester-hour credits
Prerequisites: One semester of college-level ecology, biology, or environmental studies/science; 18 years of age
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions. Early applications encouraged
Financial Aid: All accepted students can apply for need-based scholarships, grants, and loans

OVERVIEW

Spend a semester amid the soaring peaks, massive glaciers, and narrow fjords of Patagonia, where the trails of Torres del Paine National Park become your classroom for research and field work. Embark on expeditions to the southernmost tip of South America and the volcanic lakes region of northern Patagonia to study climate change impacts, diverse ecosystems, and conservation in one of the world’s most iconic regions.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
  • Hike through the dramatic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park, and take an expedition to neighboring Argentina and the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier.
  • Cross the Strait of Magellan to Tierra del Fuego, the southernmost part of South America, where you’ll see penguin colonies and explore glacial fjords.
  • Journey to northern Patagonia’s lakes region, home to the beautiful Valdivian forests, the active Calbuco and Osorno volcanoes, and massive blue whales.

THE FIELD STATION:
SFS students live and study at the Center for Climate Studies, located near the bustling port city of Puerto Natales – the gateway to the famous Torres del Paine National Park. This scenic city, surrounded by the jagged peaks of Cerro Benítez and the deep blue waters of the Señoret Channel, serves as your home base for expeditions throughout the region.


RESEARCH THEMES

  • Climate change resilience
  • Glacial dynamics
  • Ecological succession
  • Penguin behavior
  • Coastal and alpine ecology
  • National park management
 

FIELD SKILLS

  • Species identification
  • Biodiversity assessments
  • Spanish language
  • Research design
  • Data collection
  • Scientific writing and presentation