In Depth Conservation Experience in Patagonia Past Review

By (Environmental Science, Colby College) - abroad from 01/21/2015 to 04/15/2015 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The Round River Patagonia program gave me an in depth understanding of on the ground conservation work. Doing hands on field research for 2 different local conservation programs and interacting with the local people affected by the conservation efforts gave me a deep understanding of the pros and cons of conservation. Round River challenged many of my previous views of conservation and gave me the chance to grow as both a scientist and a conversationalist. The instructors were engaging, knowledgeable, passionate and the group size was perfect - enough people that there was diversity, but not so many people that you couldn't connect with each person. Finally, Round River also gave me the experience to explore and form a really in depth relationship with the stunning landscape of Patagonia.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Although I learned a lot from Round River in the class room setting I learned the most from our hands on experience with conservation. Round River gave me a deeper appreciation of what it means to conserve a place and the challenges that will ensue. I deeply grateful for this for its knowledge you can't gain from a book or lecture.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Tents are the best form of housing! What a view...

* Food:

The food is as good as it can be given the remoteness of the location

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

No much cultural integration, but only because much of the semester is spent in the field.

* 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

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)

All expenses were paid for.

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
  • Host Family
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Conservation Work
  • Exploration
  • Community
* What could be improved?
  • -
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? -