Adventure of a Lifetime Past Review
By Sylvia K (Forestry, University of Vermont) - abroad from 09/22/2015 to 12/15/2014 with
Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
My time in Chile was incredible. Not only did I learn a lot about the science and practice of conservation, but I learned a lot about myself and what is most important to me. I met a lot of amazing people and started life-long friendships through this program.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A lot of field based learning complimented by overviews of conservation biology, restoration ecology, and natural history |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
There were little to no outside expenses, pretty much everything was covered by the program tuition |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $10 |
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 |
I had no Spanish experience arriving in Chile. Living in a partial immersion environment was challenging at times, but really fun and rewarding; I learned a ton while I was there. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | high school |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to practice with the locals! |
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? | You need way fewer things than you think you do. Also, traveling before or after the program is a great idea - there are so many beautiful places to go! |
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. |
