Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Summer up North with Round River conservation studies Past Review

By (Environmental Studies, Yale University) - abroad from 06/19/2015 to 08/03/2015 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Taku River Watershed Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that field research is something that I'm really interested in doing with my future, which is what I went into the program intending to find out. I also found that I'm really interested in First Nations/ Native American culture. Finally I found that learning in a different type of environment (not in a typical classroom setting) worked really well for me. I think it was extremely worthwhile.

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

Atlin is amazing and Round River did a great job of connecting us with the community and really giving us the sense.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It was really neat to be living in close quarters with everyone, cooking together etc., but it was also great to be able to have my own tent most nights to hang out in.

* Food:

It was really fun to all cook together, and there was more fresh food than expected.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I thought one of the most important aspects of the program was our interactions with the Tlingit people (and other Atlin community members), and I really appreciated those opportunities. I wish we could have had more- and maybe more time to meet with people like Uncle Jackie in smaller groups.

* 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

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)

The whole program was pretty expensive, and I was unable to get money from school. That being said, once the payment for the program was made, I spent very little money while actually there (except on souvenirs) - all food was provided.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Think ahead about what souvenirs you want.

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The amount of time spent outdoors
  • The opportunity to interact with locals
  • The walk down to the river
* What could be improved?
  • More time with First Nations
  • Lower stress around assignment (not spending entire days)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how valuable going abroad would be- I would have made plans to also go abroad during the year.

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.