A huge growing and learning experience with a lot of fun! Past Review
By A student (Colby College) - abroad from 09/19/2017 to 12/12/2017 with
Round River Conservation Studies - Botswana Program
How to work with a tight-knit field research community and the importance of teaching local people conservation practices. Most definitely worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The learning environment with Round River was excellent. We had great instructors who always took advantage of learning opportunities. A lot of our learning happened on the fly since we were in a field research setting but we also gained a lot from reading scientific papers and discussion. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
We were living in canvas tents for the whole semester which was very fun and different for me. It was really awesome to live so closely with the environment we were learning about and the communities we were working in. |
| * Food: |
For cooking out own food in the bush, we had some pretty yummy meals. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since we were living and working so closely with community members, we had many chances to talk to them about their lives and utilize their knowledge of the natural environment. We also had many opportunities to be integrated with the local culture by going to events like soccer games and Botswana Independence Day celebrations. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I did need health care at one point during the program and it was handled very well. We were always able to communicate with Global Rescue for health care advice. I ended up going to a private clinic in Maun, which was 3 hrs from our field site but I was treated quickly, and effectively. The instructors were a good support through this time and aways listened to my concerns. |
| * Safety: |
Our instructors always put our safety as their top priority whether we were in the bush or in Maun. I never felt unsafe during my time in Botswana. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program was exactly what I was looking for. It is conservation science with a heavy field work component that involves local communities. I think that what Round River is doing in these communities is really great and I was so happy to be a part of it. This program also pushed me in ways I had never been pushed before which allowed me to have a lot of personal growth over the semester. |
Finances
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* 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) |
All food and necessary travel expenses were covered. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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 |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | The best way is to use it as much as you can around camp and with local people. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Botswana gets toasty between September and December. |
Reasons For Studying Abroad
| To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you. |
The Avid AdventurerThe 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. |
