Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
Round River Conservation Studies
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Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
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Round River offers a field-based study abroad program in the Patagonia region of southern Chile. Based out of the small town of Cochrane, students spend most of the semester hiking, bushwhacking, and back-packing while conducting wildlife research... read more
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Field techniques, group dynamics, as well as cultural experience and travel experience A student - Bowdoin College View Entire Review
I gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of conservation and that other countries struggle with many of the same problems the United States struggles with. I loved the immersive projects in which we learned about and put into play economic, political, social, and environmental factors. Hannah Weiss - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I gained many valuable skills but mostly an appreciation for the outdoors and learned how to be more adaptable. Maggie Williams - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I learned a lot about the ecosystem and myself. William Green - Seattle University View Entire Review
it was 100% worthwhile A student - University of Vermont View Entire Review
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. James Maloney - Westminster College, UT View Entire Review
Very formative...Some Spanish, some wildlife skills, a whole new breadth of perspective on the overlap between culture and ecology. Max Carlin - College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself and about my views of conservation. It was so, so worth it! A student - Carleton College View Entire Review
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... Lainey G - Northland College View Entire Review
It's so hard to put it all in words. From the academics, to the conservation projects, to the landscapes, to the people, Patagonia is an amazing and wonderful place that has so much to offer for anyone interested in conservation. I gained a lot of valuable experiences in hands-on conservation and met some really incredible peopl... Ryanq C - University of Vermont View Entire Review
Research and data collection are not as easy to carry out in the field as you may plan in the classroom. Getting out and dealing with this before graduating with a biology degree is incredibly valuable to any student who is interested in the applications of conservation in the landscape. Round River offers a very worthwhile expe... Devan P - SUNY - College of Environmental Science & Forestry View Entire Review
My time in Chile was incredible. Not only did I learn a lot about the science and practice of conservation, but I learned a lot about myself and what is most important to me. I met a lot of amazing people and started life-long friendships through this program. Sylvia K - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I learned a lot about field work and conservation studies. My instructors were knowledge and open to questions. I never thought I would be so into wildlife studies but this program opened my eyes to some really cool research opportunities. izzy l - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I grew out of a lot of anxiety and learned to deal with challenges as they came and adapt to ever-changing plans and conditions. Absolutely worthwhile, brought me to some of the most amazing places I will ever go and crazy experiences I will remember for a lifetime. Allison Summerly - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I gained a remarkable understanding and interest in the natural history of Patagonia. I also learned and experienced the importance and difficulty of conservation planning in rural areas like Patagonia. My study abroad experience was incredibly worthwhile overall. Rebecca Holdhusen - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I gained insights in my field of interest that I otherwise wouldn't have gained any other way. I found program, as a whole, was pretty gratifying/worthwhile but at times sometimes I felt that it wasn't simply because of some of the adverse conditions we happened to face. A student - Westminster College, UT View Entire Review
Absolutely, I'm certain the international, conservation, and field experience I gained there will stay with me for my entire life. Kadin William Woolever - Carleton College View Entire Review
I feel like the program prepared me extremely well for doing future research in conservation biology. Not simply from academic knowledge, but having the experience of what it's like to spend months doing field research, of what it takes to prepare an expedition, of field research methods, etc. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
Learned a lot about myself, gained confidence in being independent and self sufficient. Realized bonds and keeping in touch are some of the most important parts of life. Very worthwhile. A student - University of Vermont View Entire Review
Yes. How to live by myself and realize what's important in life. Sadey Mirabile - University of Vermont View Entire Review
Man. I learned about how conservation gets done, how to debate my viewpoint, how to be a guest, how to make friends across language borders. Matthew M - Marlboro College View Entire Review
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. A student - University of Vermont View Entire Review
My experience abroad with Round River will always be one of the greatest experiences of my life. I learned so much about conservation, the regional issues in Patagonia, outdoor experiences, and even about myself as a person. Kristina B - Westminster College, UT View Entire Review
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 Rive... Emma W - Colby College View Entire Review
I can say will full confidence that I will continue to learn from my time in Patagonia for the rest of my life. The people I met and the ideas I was introduced to completely changed my way of thinking. I met lifelong friends, defied my perceived physical limits, and was constantly having fun. Natalie s - College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University View Entire Review
About
Round River offers a field-based study abroad program in the Patagonia region of southern Chile. Based out of the small town of Cochrane, students spend most of the semester hiking, bushwhacking, and back-packing while conducting wildlife research and assisting our local partners with conservation projects. The semester is spent exploring two national parks: Bernardo O'Higgins to the south and Patagonia National Park to the north. Round River partners with CONAF and Conservacion Patagonica to assist with local conservation and biodiversity monitoring projects in these two protected areas.
Current projects include:
- Huemul deer surveys (recording presence of scat, tracks, and live sightings; the huemul deer is an endemic and endangered species)
- Vizcacha habitat suitability surveys (the vizcacha is a small alpine-dwelling rodent)
- Bird point counts
- Ñandu surveys (the ñandu is vulnerable, flightless bird endemic to Patagonia, whose population is declining)
- Vegetation studies in recently de-glaciated areas
- Ecological restoration in Tamango Reserve (removing invasive tree species)
Courses taught include:
- Applied Conservation Biology
- Introduction to Biological Field Methods
- Natural History of Patagonia
- Applied Restoration Ecology
- Humans and the Environment
Students can earn up to 15 semester credits through Westminster College of Salt Lake City.
Semesters offered:
Semesters offered:
- Spring (Jan-Apr)
- Fall (Sep-Dec)
Financial Aid:
- Round River offers a need-based scholarship, the Edward Abbey Scholarship
- Students may use federal financial aid towards our program tuition
Our unique programs give students the opportunity to contribute to local conservation, while gaining valuable field skills and earning undergraduate course credits. Small group size (8-12 students) ensures you get to know your students and instructors well, and allows the group to access remote wilderness areas with minimal ecological impacts.
Visit our website for more information, and check out our Student Blog for photos and stories from current and past programs. Get in touch with us to learn more, and to contact alumni.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadResearch
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Animal Sciences
- Natural Resources, Conservation
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Latin American Studies
- Zoology, Animal Biology
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
Minimum GPA:
2.5Year Founded:
2012Website
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Round River Conservation Studies Scholarships
Round River offers scholarships to students through our Edward Abbey Scholarship Fund. Edward Abbey was a friend to many and an inspiration to all associated with Round River. Ed’s family has graciously agreed that we may use his name in this manner. We are committed to involving dedicated and qualified students in our conservation projects and we will work with you to facilitate your application and financial needs. Financial assistance to qualified students from Round River is available from the Edward Abbey Scholarship Fund.
$500-$5,000
Deadlines:
Students should submit an application for the Edward Abbey Scholarship within 3 weeks of paying their deposit to be considered.
Guidelines/Requirements:
Scholarship applications will not be considered unless a student has applied for a Round River program and has all application materials in. Special arrangements may be made for extended scholarship application deadlines, only if a student has contacted Round River well in advance of the deadline.
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