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SFS Tropical Island Biodiversity & Conservation Studies

An overhead view of a tree-lined beach, with a boardwalk leading to a building in the water.
A red dart frog posed on a stick next to a single green leaf.
Water extending to a cloud-filled horizon, with a beach close and on the right.

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Panama, Bocas del Toro

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past, we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review and admission of applicants occurs on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Offered through the School for Field Studies (SFS), the Panama semester and summer programs are approved UW affiliate programs.

SFS programs in Panama take place in the diverse environments of the Bocas del Toro archipelago – coral reefs, mangrove islands, inland rainforests, and sandy palm beaches. Courses and fieldwork focus on key environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, tourism impacts, and ecosystem health. Climate change and increased tourism on the islands have led to ecosystem and natural resource degradation while also threatening islanders’ traditional livelihoods. SFS research on the environmental impacts of tourism and development on the natural ecosystems in Bocas provides the community with data necessary to support more sustainable policies and protect the beautiful islands so many call home.

You will be working closely with both IAP and SFS on this program. You can access the programs' main information page through the SFS website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and location.

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • For this program, students should expect to spend a lot of academic time in the water. To participate successfully, students must be able to swim and be comfortable snorkeling in open water.

  • 2.8 cumulative GPA for semester programs; 2.6 cumulative GPA for summer programs

  • Previous college-level ecology, biology, earth science, or environmental studies course required for semester programs.

  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Anthropology, Biology, Botany, Environmental Studies, Forest and Wildlife Ecology, Zoology

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Field Research Station

Program Duration

Fall: Early September - Mid-December
Spring: Late January - Mid-May
Summer I: Early June - Early July

*See SFS' website for exact dates

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 - [Session I: Tropical Island Ecosystems: The Human Impact] 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 9/18/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2027 - [Session I: Tropical Island Ecosystems: The Human Impact] 2/5/2027 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 2/19/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

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For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the program, visit the SFS program pages:

Panama Semester: Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies
Panama Summer 1: Tropical Island Ecosystems - The Human Impact

SFS research at this center focuses on the following themes:

  • Climate change impacts
  • Rainforest and marine ecology
  • Indigenous tourism and sustainability
  • Marine protected areas
  • Conservation and natural resource management
  • Tourism impacts on ecosystems and human populations
  • Ecosystem health assessments

View SFS' list of recent directed research projects per program site.

Below you will find the course equivalents listing for the program.

Affiliate Institution(s)

School for Field Studies

Program Web Pages

SFS Panama Programs

Foreign Courses

SFS Panama Summer 1 Course SFS Panama Semester Courses

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents