Powerful Places of Patagonia Past Review
By Lainey G (Natural Resources, Biology, Northland College) - abroad from 09/22/2015 to 12/15/2015 with
Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
It was the best semester I've had at college and one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Not only did I see the most beautiful places in the world, I also made connections that will last a lifetime. My outlook on the world and conservation of it was changed for the better and I left with an optimistic view on what I will do with my life to help the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The content and applicability were amazing, but I would have liked more review and focus on retention. |
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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: |
There were many car rides where there were not enough seats, which meant we had to squish four people in the backseat of one of the trucks, leaving one person without a seatbelt. Though a seemingly small concern, it is a dangerous situation that is easily avoidable by only admitting enough students so that all can ride safely in the vehicles. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | >$20 |
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 |
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| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A second level course in high school |
| 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? | Review and take classes before you get here. If you haven't had it in a year or so it may not just "come back to you." |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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| 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? |
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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? | The language barrier is real. Practice before you get here. |
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. |
