An unforgettable experience with incredible sights. Past Review

By (Ecology, Evolution Biology, Colby College) - abroad from 02/18/2015 to 05/13/2015 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Botswana Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about conservation and about my passion for wildlife and nature. It was incredibly worthwhile to spend this time in the bush understanding natural systems and how humans interact and depend on the environment.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program was very academic but in an engaging way that was fun and interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our leaders were fantastic, and we were additionally treated by a visit from the head of RRCS (the Executive Director) and the Director of Student Programs.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in tents was intense! It was awesome.

* Food:

We cooked for ourselves for the most part, which was tasty. Everything tastes good in the bush!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We did not spend a lot of time emerged in the culture, but we studied it and interacted within the culture multiple times.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We did not have many health issues, but the program recommended that we insured ourselves for Global Rescue in the case of an emergency.

* Safety:

Even though we were in the wild, I felt very safe.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

The nature of the program allows you to avoid extra costs. We didn't spend barely any money outside of the program itself.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $1
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Go on this program.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We had to learn some of it, but we did not have to use it.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? None
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The experience (fieldwork, etc.)
  • The academics
  • The people
* What could be improved?
  • Continuity between the different semesters
  • Nothing
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Follow the packing list. It's ok to overpack, but unnecessary.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.