Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Unique experience in an incredible place Past Review

By (Westminster College, UT) - abroad from 01/07/2016 to 04/15/2016 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned an immense amount about scientific fieldwork and cultural history. The experience redefined my notions of environmentalism and cemented my desire to pursue a career in the field. Additionally, it provided me with cultural knowledge to continue traveling in Chile and Bolivia for three months following the program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Round River is an academically and physically rigorous program which provides a unique experience for students in Southern Chile.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Backpacking food was fine and meals cooked at home-base were great!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You'll meet incredible people and prepare you to travel on your own afterwards.

* 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

I was looking for an immersive, challenging experience which gave me the confidence to travel Latin America on my own--Round River was perfect for this.

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 food is included in upfront cost paid at the start of the semester. Personal expenses were minimal and discretionary.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Less than 20 USD.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I'd save as much money as possible beforehand to be able to travel after the program ends.

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

Students were frequently encouraged, however it was mostly up to students if they were really going to engage with and learn from local people.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish II in college.
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? Take a course on campus for basics, then talk to as many people as you can while traveling. Don't be afraid to guess at different words and ask as many questions as possible!

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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Adventure
  • People/Culture
  • Food
* What could be improved?
  • Group dynamics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How important travel is to developing a well-rounded worldview. I was familiar with Latin American culture and environmental history through texts, but actually studying and traveling there allowed me to create a unique relationship with this place and is primary reason why I'm headed to Colombia post-graduation for volunteer work!

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.