Wonderful & Transformative Past Review

By Drew H (Environmental Studies., Carleton College) - abroad from 06/23/2014 to 08/07/2014 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Taku River Watershed Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was ABSOLUTELY worthwhile. I learned so much about conservation biology, it's practical application, working with local and traditional communities, field work, human's relationship with nature- the list goes on. I also learned tons about myself and what I want to do in the future with respect to those topics. Beyond all of that, I had a lot of fun, some some sweet mammals and plants, and met some terrific people!

Review Photos

Round River Conservation Studies - Taku River Watershed Program Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.	My Round River program was just the right amount of academic rigor: enough to keep us engaged and working hard, but not too much as to isolate students who did not have previous environmental backgrounds/education.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	Terrific leaders. Engaged, intelligent, helpful, thoughtful- it made a huge difference in the quality of the program.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Since this was an outdoor oriented program, we were living in tents, which I liked. We also had a house and another space for lectures, both of which were great and very useful.
* Food:	We were definitely well-fed! The best meals were when we visited people in the community, or had fresh fish/vegetables.
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I had no expectations about how involved we would be as students with the Tlingit (Canadian First Nation) in the Taku, and it was amazing meeting them and having Round River/our instructor facilitate those meetings and encounters. Also, I loved living in the town of Atlin, because it meant we really got a feel for what the community was like.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?	Our leaders were always available and willing to help if we had health concerns.
* Safety:	I felt very safe.
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes

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)	There were not many additional costs besides the cost of the program and gear.
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week?	Usually nothing- everything was provided.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants?	Not especially. If you want to buy the occasional food item in Atlin or a souvenir in Whitehorse, bring some money, but otherwise you don't spend much during the actual program.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	No

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?	The other students and RR leaders Field work, spending time outdoors Getting to know Atlin/the Tlingit community
* What could be improved?	The program should be longer!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It's a very physical program: there's lots of hiking, especially mountains. But with that, comes an amazing experience (and some great views). I would say- you have to want those things. Come prepared to do a lot of hiking and potentially getting out of your "comfort zone." Be ready to learn a lot, both academically and through a variety of experiences.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Conservation Biology
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Comments:	I loved how comprehensive and accessible this course was, and really enjoyed our lectures and the scientific papers we read.
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Course Name/Rating:	Natural History of B.C.
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Comments:	This course was awesome in that we were able to learn about the plants and ecosystem of the environment and land we were living within. I wish all learning could occur like the learning in this class: hands-on, in the field.
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Course Name/Rating:	Field Methodology
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Comments:	This course teaches basic but crucial skills needed to do any kind of fieldwork- like how to use a compass, a gps, do a point-count, etc. I found it incredibly helpful and great intro to the world of work in-the-field.
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