Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Truly rewarding learning experience abroad Past Review

By (Colby College) - abroad from 06/23/2016 to 08/05/2016 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Taku River Watershed Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot from the Tlingit people and local people who work with the TRTFN about their connection to the land and the difficulties they face in the area and as native people in general. In addition, I learned to identify numerous plants, birds, and animals out in the field. This program is worthwhile as you not only learn about basic conservation goals but also explore the nuances of land protection and balancing that with economic development.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

You were living with your instructors so everyone was essentially in the same boat. The everyday schedule was pretty flexible.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved living in my tent but also having the cabin right there to hang out, cook, and shower.

* Food:

Being able to cook for the other students and instructors was awesome.

* 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 such an amazing program to learn about the wildlife, vegetation, and the natural and cultural history of the Atlin area. I especially liked the spontaneous aspect of doing fieldwork because the instructors and us had to quickly adapt and make a decision. It was such a great opportunity to be in such a remote and beautiful place.

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)

All food was paid for. You could buy souvenirs from the town if you wanted.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Everything was covered for

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?
  • Round River instructors
  • local people we met in Atlin
  • the beautiful area
* What could be improved?
  • i wish it could be a longer program
  • going out in the field with the locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that there are washers that are easily accessible, so I didn't have to bring too many clothes.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.