Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Experience in the Far North! Past Review

By (Weber State University) - abroad from 06/20/2017 to 08/02/2017 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Taku River Watershed Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
From this experience I was able to gain a sense of self, physical conditioning and new friends. This experience was completely worthwhile. I was able to persevere - just when I thought I couldn't go on, I found that I was so near to the top. So I would push through, reach the top of the mountain, and see that all of the hard work and physical effort was worth it.

Review Photos

Round River Conservation Studies - Taku River Watershed Program Photo Round River Conservation Studies - Taku River Watershed Program Photo Round River Conservation Studies - Taku River Watershed Program Photo

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.

This program was everything I dreamed it would be! I loved being out in the field everyday. I learned so much about the Taku River Watershed. I enjoyed learning about this new area from a first hand perspective. My program leaders were great role models and were always available to answer questions and give their guidance. I feel like being "out in the bush" for six weeks was the best way to learn about the boreal ecosystem, the First Nations People who live there, and the plants and animals who depend on the landscape.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Each night we slept in our individual tents and we would use a cabin as our house in which we would conduct lessons, make food and study. I felt like the accommodations were quite gracious.

* Food:

For our group, we would each take turns in pairs to prepare our dinners. It was fun trying new recipes, enjoying old favorites and branching out my taste buds.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I loved meeting so many community members from Atlin, BC. We were able to speak with many members of the Taku River Tlingit First Nation, their wisdom and stories have left a lasting impact on me.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any major medical issues while abroad. The worst thing I had to deal with were the blisters from our long backpacking trip, but my program leaders were always there to make sure that I was cared for and not in pain.

* Safety:

I always felt safe while in the field. I trusted my leaders to make the best decisions to ensure our group's safety. Atlin is such a small town that even walking to town with the other students I felt like I was someone living in the city, everyone we met was friendly and the atmosphere was quite welcoming.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I loved every aspect of my program. I learned so much in the six weeks in BC. Even though I was only there for a short time, I would love to return someday, I want to continue learning and working in the area.

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)

Most of my spending money was put towards laundry and personal snacks that I bought at the trading post while in Atlin. I brought about $400 and still had money left over after my six weeks to use while in the airport going home.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About $20 give or take.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save your pennies! I tried to put all money & change into a jar that I was able to put toward my spending money and last minute costs when I was getting ready to leave. It all adds up.

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
  • Other
* 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?
  • Learning about a new area in the world
  • Making new friends
  • Being in a wild place
* What could be improved?
  • N/A
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had brought better/different equipment for myself. Round River provided me with a lot of information going into the program, which was all quite helpful.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!