Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The best field studies program you can choose as an undergrad. Past Review

By (Chemistry and Biology, Northland College) - abroad from 09/21/2014 to 12/15/2014 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained a lot of knowledge about the environment and its problems from the classes and grew as a person in strength and confidence through the type of program. It really is unlike a lot of programs and it is all hands on learning and in the best places.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We did live in our tents full time but the base camp in Cochran was awesome! Having bathrooms with showers and a full kitchen made breaks between backpacking portion luxurious.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We never had any major problems which was lucky on our case.

* Safety:

There was never a moment I did not feel 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)

Backpacking most of the time we didnt really have to spend any money. If we did it was on coffee or alcohol for ourselves.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Maybe 5 dollars to average it out, probably less than that.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

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?
  • Scenery
  • People
  • Adventures
* What could be improved?
  • Food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That I didnt need as much stuff as I thought and that we werent backpacking the whole semester, but that it was in segments.

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.