Resources for Parents
In fact, some of the richest and most immersive learning experiences happen in the field. Wildlands Studies’ programs are designed with these ideas in mind, meeting high academic requirements while exacting health and risk management standards.
Family matters.
Your student will be in the field. But your support will be an important part of their experience and contribute to their success. They’ll look to you for help and guidance on planning, travel, financial aid and billing, health and risk management.
As young adults, we encourage students to take the lead on all necessary program preparations, contacting us directly with any questions. We provide detailed information to assist with advance planning and preparation, and are here to answer questions. Students who take an active role in their program preparations will better understand what is expected of them in the field and experience greater involvement and learning overall.
As you support your student’s participation, you may have questions of your own. We have provided resources on this page, and welcome your inquiries as well.
We’re always available to help, or to get a message to your student. Contact us at 831 684 9999 or wildlands@wildlandsstudies.com
Please note that issues or emergencies that arise in the field are reported directly to our Wildlands Studies main office. Wildlands Studies will then contact the appropriate parties as necessary.
Academic expertise.
We’re inspired by wildlife and wildlands, and the transformative effect they have on people. Our programs are built on these values, and designed to provide students with exceptional learning experiences.
Academically rigorous, our field study courses are built on 280 hours of direct contact with instructors. They are taught at an upper division university level as an introduction to environmental studies and sciences.
Our programs meet the high academic standards required by our school of record, the College of the Environment at Western Washington University. Students earn 15 quarter credits for academic term length programs and 5 quarter credits for our two week summer courses.
Faculty experts.
Our faculty hold either a PhD or MS, and both author and lead our field programs. The programs they lead are dynamic too, evolving to keep apace of changes in data and relevant science.
Faculty hail from around the world and are subject matter experts in the topics they teach. They share a concern about the impact of development and growth on the natural world.
Our programs are designed to be hands on, immersive learning experiences. Students study and also help conduct research; they study field manuals, environmental impact assessments and planning documents, and also consume published research, case studies and government research.
Their field work may include conferring with public land management officials and staff, attending guest lectures featuring speakers from relevant wildlands and wildlife management agencies, researchers from nearby universities, conservation organizations and a wide variety of interest groups.
Wildlands Studies programs combine university instruction that takes place in the field, not a classroom, with active engagement with wildlands, wildlife, native cultures and indigenous people.
Affordable immersion.
Wildlands Studies field programs are affordable—at a fraction of other field and study abroad programs—and financial aid may apply. Our academic term programs offer just the right balance of intensive academic coursework, and enough time left in the quarter to explore on their own.
Our admissions team is here to help. We will guide your student from the “great idea, tell me more” phase to when their hiking boots hit the ground, helping match their interests to programs and locations. We’re also ready to help with expert information about planning and preparations, equipment, vaccinations and packing.
Health and risk management are our top priority.
We’re very serious about managing and mitigating risk. Our approach to managing risk is built in to each program, not added on. Each Wildlands Studies program has a tailored, structured risk management plan that can adapt to changes in the natural and political environment.
Students are instructed in general risk management protocols and also skills specific to their program and location. We also want students to play an active role in individual and group risk management, learning to identify and manage potential risks before they happen.
This approach has helped us provide great experiences for students while minimizing the chances of injury and sickness.
Our office is standing by to answer your questions or provide you with the information you or your student needs.
Please contact us to schedule a time to talk.
More information for parents.
