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SFS Biodiversity & Development in the Andes-Amazon

Dense rainforest canopy viewed at a distance.




Peru, Tarapoto

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 Peru semester and summer programs are approved UW affiliate programs.

Have you ever wanted to live in the Amazon, take a riverboat expedition to survey rare wildlife, or visit the ancient cities of the Andean highlands? The SFS program in Peru is based in the rich ecosystems of the Amazon, with excursions to the highlands of the Andes, visits with Indigenous communities, and meetings with diverse shareholders. The forests of the Peruvian Amazon are increasingly under threat from climate change, rapid development, and extractive activities like logging and mining. SFS research here provides important insights into the fate of the Amazon and all the life that depends on it. Courses and fieldwork focus on key environmental issues such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, environmental ethics and justice, and sustainable livelihoods.

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

Biodiversity, environmental studies, sustainable development, tropical ecology

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Guesthouse, Field Research Station

Program Duration

Fall: Late August - Early December
Spring: Mid-February - Late May
Summer 1: Early June - Late June

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 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 Peru Semester: The Living Amazon

SFS Peru Summer: Amazonian Plant Biodiversity and Traditional Medicine

SFS research at this center focuses on the following themes:

  • Forest health and recovery
  • Landscape ecology and habitat fragmentation
  • Biodiversity assessment
  • Climate change and conservation practice
  • Ecosystem services and carbon markets
  • Indigenous knowledge and histories
  • Impacts of development in the Amazon
  • Biogeography
  • Political ecology

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 Peru Program

Foreign Courses

SFS Peru Semester Courses SFS Peru Summer 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