Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Hardest Goodbye Past Review

By (University of Vermont) - abroad from 09/21/2015 to 12/14/2015 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that I can live with a lot less and give a lot more. Everyone was awesome on the program and I have never learned so much about conservation, the world and myself in such little time.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The work isn't hard per-say, but the time you have to work on it is limited, which can make things more difficult.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The instructors I had, Elizabeth Brunner, Shalynn Pack and Adam Spencer, were all amazing and fun to work with. Extremely knowledgable and on top of their game.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Your housing depends on your tent. Don't skimp on your tent.

* Food:

We got fed very well, but the same meals get old after awhile. Definitely come with some favorite recipes!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were secluded in the field a lot but we worked with a lot of local Chileans and CONAF workers.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Very safe in the towns but some of the mountains had difficult terrain to navigate and relatively dangerous.

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)

Everything was provided for us. I didn't need to spend money unless I wanted to on souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? maybe $10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Just know the currency exchange.

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

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 spanish
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? Your experience will definitely be enhanced if you learn Spanish.

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?
  • The places we visited
  • The people we met
  • The family we became
* What could be improved?
  • Time Management
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go in with an open mind and know that some of the trips will wear you down, but it will all be worth it.

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.