Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Wildlife Intensive Hands-on Experience Past Review

By (University of Vermont) - abroad from 02/01/2019 to 04/25/2019 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 many of the issues Botswana and the entire world faces in human-wildlife coexistence. This was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience and I could not be more happy that I was able to participate.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The best education of my life, I have retained so much information from my time in Botswana. It's real world experience, that's applicable to your everyday life. Every aspect of the program was educational.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Camping! It was the best sleep of my life!

* Food:

Great food, out in the bush you have to be creative!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Had many events with villagers and locals, in addition to having local instructors and escort guides for our program. Weren't often in town with the locals, but always had people from Botswana with us!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

Round River Botswana is an amazing program. They support all of your needs and provide the perfect environment for a one of a kind educational and research experience.

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)

I did not need personal spending money really at all. I spent $200 total over the course of the three months away. The program provides everything you need.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $16
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You don't have that many opportunities to spend money, usually out in the bush!

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

There was always encouragement, however our class was very introductory, so you never were forced 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
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Use the local instructors as tutors! They love talking to you and helping you improve. It makes villagers and kids super happy to give them a simple "Dumela" when you pass by.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Community Involvement
  • Hands-On Research Experience
  • Camping
* What could be improved?
  • Less stuff needed than what is on the packing list
  • Less time in the city of Maun-more time in the bush
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You don't need as much as you think you will!

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 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.