F&M Stories
Off-Campus Study: Tyler Schechter '16
My name is Tyler Schechter and I'm an Environmental Studies major and International Studies minor. Last fall, I was fortunate enough to be able to do research with the School for Field Studies (SFS) in the tropical rainforests and coral reefs of Bocas del Toro, Panama. This abroad experience has helped me discover not only what my career interests are but also who I am as a person.
In Panama, I was able to live in the tropical rainforest with 25 students from around the United States. Whether it was studying the coral reefs, participating in night walks through the rainforest, or doing community service, we were always busy learning new things. One of the highlights of my abroad experience was interviewing local businesses and conducting a strength, weakness, opportunity and threat analysis (S.W.O.T). I was even able to do my own month-long independent study on the diversity of trees in the tropical rainforest. To be able to do research in a tropical rainforest and to be integrated into a different culture was an opportunity of a lifetime.
My abroad experience also helped me discover who I am and what I'm passionate about. The research we conducted made me realize how interested I am in the environmental topics of sustainability and natural resource management. This has guided me in what I want to pursue as career interests. Also, learning and being integrated into another culture has given me a new perspective. Being integrated into a culture that I'm unfamiliar with was one of the best experiences I've ever had. I now look at the world in a different way. I think this new humbling experience is something that I will carry with me throughout my life. Studying abroad was one of the best decisions of my life as it gave me life long experiences and memories.
OCS Profile
Tyler Schechter '16
OCS Profile
Tyler Schechter '16
School for Field Studies - Tropical Island Biodiversity Studies
Bocas de Toro, Panama
Term Abroad: Fall 2014
Brooks College House
Major: Environmental Studies
Minor: International Studies
Campus Affiliations: Off-Campus Study Ambassador, Phi Kappa Tau fraternity
Related Articles
May 1, 2025
‘Buttons in a Jar’: The Writing World of Sandra Cisneros
For Commencement speaker Sandra Cisneros, writing is more than a craft. It’s a higher calling. “It’s part of my spirit walk,” says the acclaimed author of “The House on Mango Street.”
April 29, 2025
Academics, Athletics & Adventure: Koa Kaliebe’s F&M Trifecta
At F&M, Koa Kaliebe '25 wasn't just a student-athlete; he was an explorer. While he competed on the Men's Varsity Soccer team, Kaliebe also dove into intramural volleyball and basketball, a custom major in business and environmental studies, and the culinary scene of Lancaster.
April 28, 2025
Kramer Returns to F&M as Provost
Sunita Gupta Kramer, dean of the School of Science at The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), has been named provost and dean of the faculty at Franklin & Marshall College. Kramer, who earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from F&M in 1992, begins her F&M responsibilities July 1.