Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
Round River Conservation Studies
140 reviews
for
8 programs
Most Popular Program:
Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
Request Info
(For American Students)
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
All Reviews
I gained a lot of knowledge about the environment and its problems from the classes and grew as a person in strength and confidence through the type of program. It really is unlike a lot of programs and it is all hands on learning and in the best places. A student - Northland College View Entire Review
Learned how to relax and enjoy a beautiful natural setting. Learned about rural land use practices and issues. Learned about the difficulties of conservation in locations that people have cultural and economic ties to the environment being preserved. Very worthwhile experience. Bolton H - Macalester College View Entire Review
My goals were to learn more about and become a competent field researcher, learn about the ecology of Patagonia, become a more flexible person and better at group living, relish in living in the outdoors for a semester, be outside always, and question what I thought I already knew about management and conservation. Round River n... A student - Colby College View Entire Review
Academically, I gained skills in field research, critical thinking, and essay writing (we also mostly wrote our essays by hand, which was a challenge). Personally, my confidence grew an incredible amount. I felt respected and supported by my group. I also am incredibly thankful for the friendships we made. These were the... Alice H - Colby College View Entire Review
The place and the people made it worthwhile. I learned about Patagonia, gaucho lifestyle, global eco-politics, natural history of the area, flexibility, and a bit of Spanish. Nicp;e G - University of Oregon View Entire Review
It was one to the most incredible experiences I have every had, and I would definitely do it all over again. Becky F - Colby College 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
Take me there!Statistics
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.
Videos
Featured Programs
Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program: Abroad101 Study Abroad Rankings Winner
