Incredible People, Views, Culture, and Nature! Past Review

By (Bowdoin College) - abroad from 01/17/2017 to 04/11/2017 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Field techniques, group dynamics, as well as cultural experience and travel experience

Review Photos

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program Photo Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program Photo Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* 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

This was one of the most unique experiences I could think of -- including travel to remote and out-of-touch places, as well as some cultural engagement, intense and fun field learning, and contribution to true conservation work.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10 -- alcohol
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Check out prices at different stores in town

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? 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? College intermediate
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? Engage with locals and make an effort!!

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Hiking
  • Views
  • Science
* What could be improved?
  • More new instructor orientation
  • Better communication among new instructor pairs
  • More clarity to students about food budgeting
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That we did real work affecting real lives, and it would be great to have continuity in that.

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.