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SFS Environmental Justice and Mekong Ecologies

Ornate Cambodian building during sunset.

This program is currently suspended. We will continue to evaluate circumstances for future durations.

Cambodia, Siem Reap

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 semester and summer programs in Cambodia are approved UW affiliate programs.

SFS programs in Cambodia take place in the country’s freshwater ecosystems, dense forests, highlands, and temples. Courses and fieldwork focus on key environmental issues such as environmental justice, biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, and climate change. With severe climate change impacts already visible, Cambodia is a case study in resilience. Adaptation and collaborative conservation efforts are necessary for the people of Cambodia to ensure food security and limit biodiversity loss in a time of rapid development. SFS research here examines these efforts on the ground and provides data to support a path toward a more sustainable future for Cambodia.

The primary field station is located near the famed Angkor UNESCO World Heritage Site. Angkor serves as a backdrop for understanding Buddhist cosmology and the deep historical and spiritual connectedness that humans feel with nature.

You will be working closely with both IAP and SFS on these programs. 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

  • 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
  • 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

Environmental Studies, Environmental Ethics, Ecology, Conservation, Sustainable Development, Environmental Sociology, Zoology, Wildlife Ecology

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Guesthouse, Hotels

Program Duration

Fall: Late August - Early December

Spring: Late January - Mid-May

Summer 2: Early July - Early Aug

Application Deadline(s)

Spring 2026-27 - [Suspended] 9/18/2026 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 programs, visit the SFS program page:

SFS Cambodia Semester: Freshwater and Forest Ecosystems

SFS Cambodia Summer 2: Elephants of Southeast Asia

SFS research at this center focuses on the following themes:

  • Climate change impacts
  • Elephant ecology
  • Traditional livelihoods and ecological knowledge
  • Community conservation strategies
  • Indigenous rights and challenges
  • Environmental ethics and justice
  • Protected areas and threatened ecosystems
  • Natural resource governance

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)

The School for Field Studies

Program Web Pages

SFS Cambodia Programs

Foreign Courses

SFS Cambodia Semester Courses SFS Cambodia Summer 2 Course

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