Round River Conservation Studies
https://www.roundriver.org/|
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Round River Conservation Studies is a program provider offering 6 abroad programs. Programs offered include Study Abroad and Research abroad programs in 6 countries such as United States, Chile, Belize, and Canada.
Round River Conservation Studies is a non-profit organization that offers students unique, field-based study abroad programs in North America, South America, Asia, and Africa. These programs vary from 6 week summer programs to full semester programs. Round River's courses are accredited through Westminster College, and students can earn up to 15 semester credits on our program.
The following aspects characterize a Round River program:
Small group size (5-10 students)
Field-based (students are camping for much or all of the semester)
Hands-on, interactive learning
Research (students conduct fieldwork and gain valuable research skills)
Cultural exchange (students often work alongside local people, and/or have opportunities to interact with the local community)
Round River is dedicated to conservation strategies that preserve and restore wild places; to that end, we strive to develop and support traditions that sustain wildness. These efforts are anchored in the principles of conservation biology, supported by field research and community planning.We take our name from Aldo Leopold’s essay Round River, along with the idea that ecological study enriches one’s personal land ethic.
Our programs bring students to remote places to conduct real research and contribute to real, local conservation efforts. These experiences enhance a student's sense of place, and allow students to work alongside Round River's conservation staff as well as our local community partners. This often involves a good dose of adventure, cultural exchange, and personal growth.
Study Abroad with Round River Conservation Studies
"I gained resume builders, lessons about life, and cultural knowledge."
August T University of Montana-Missoula
"I was initially signed up to go to Mongolia with Round River and only ended up going to the Sky Islands because of Covid. I won't lie, I was apprehensive at first about living in Arizona in the summer and a little disappointed to be studying "abroad" in the US instead of Mongolia. Luckily, it turned out to be one of the most spe..."
Emma R University of Vermont
"Completely worthwhile! I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Some parts are tough, but you'll learn a lot about yourself and what you're capable of. I've arrived back to the traditional classroom feeling refreshed and with new appreciation for what aspects of learning really matter. I learned how to cook, live in a group, jump..."
Lily S University of Montana-Missoula
"All explained above! It was most certainly worthwhile."
Leah I University of Vermont
"I learned how to see the world in a different way. There's a difference between just visiting a place and knowing most of the plants, animals, culture, and history of the area. The Taku River program taught me how to go to a place and understand it, not just be there."
Christine F University of Vermont
"I learned that field research is a challenging, yet charming endeavor. I gained a deep understanding of local plants and animals. I learned how to put myself outside of my comfort zone when faced with strong communication barriers. I learned how to cooperate with a small group of people for an extended period of time. I gained v..."
Jack G College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University
"We learned how to take data in the field, organize, analyze and present it. "
A student University of Vermont
"I learned about how the border is affecting wildlife, how to do ecological surveys, how to carry out a scientific study and write a paper that will be used by conservationists, and how conservation and cultural issues tie together."
Perrin Milliken Bowdoin College
"Friends, a framework of how to enact conservation globally, an understanding of the importance of community participation in conservation, and how to truly be self sufficient. "
A student College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University
"I learned so many things! From improving my Spanish to understanding the implications behind conservation management decisions, there really is so much to learn with Round River. Most importantly, I learned so much about the world at large and my place within it, as I would definitely consider my time worthwhile,"
Seth Price SUNY - Binghamton
"knowledge and personal growth, definitely worthwhile"
A student Colby College
"It was an immensely worthwhile experience - the academics and field work placed within the cultural context of Patagonia provided a whole new approach and perspective to my biology and environmental studies education that I couldn't have experienced at my home institution. It was also awesome to watch myself grow into a stronger..."
Anna Bosco Oberlin College
"I gained a connection to a place much different from my home, something I had never done before that made it all worthwhile. "
Patrick Heaton University of Vermont
"Field research experience as an undergrad is priceless"
Meg Hall University of Vermont
"I learned about the importance of human inclusion in conservation and how great it can be to feel uncomfortable. It was 100% worthwhile."
A student College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University
"The program was so thoughtful and the hands on experience, people, and location was unbeatable. If you are interested in conservation and care about ethical and responsible international work, this is one of the best programs. Also, the parks there are great to partner with and really made our work and classes successful and mea..."
Joscie University of Vermont
"I learned a lot about ecology obviously, but I also learned a lot about human's place in nature and about my place in nature. I learned about Chile's history and people and relationship to nature as well. My Spanish improved over the months, but I wish I had begun the program with more. I learned about living outside, and living..."
A student University of Vermont
"I learned ways of existing and learning that are fulfilling and outside the high-pressure normal college environment. Also Patagonia is beautiful. "
A student Williams College
"I learned how to be a naturalist, I learned a ton about the nuances of conservation work, I learned how to examine my own culture in comparison to other cultures, and I learned a lot about how I want to live my life and what kind of life I want. I also made such close friends!"
Noah S Williams College
"I grew in my field skills, knowledge of conservation, and overall understanding of my place on the earth. "
Kyle Weber Truman State University
"I learned so much about conservation and many of the issues Botswana and the entire world faces in human-wildlife coexistence. This was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience and I could not be more happy that I was able to participate."
Ryan Doyle University of Vermont
"I learned a lot about the conservation efforts of the Taku River Tlingit (in congruence with Round River). I gained a new perspective on conservation and the importance of protecting wild and untouched places."
A student Carleton College
"We nailed field work, designed full fledged research projects and successfully executed them. We learned about other lenses through which people view and interact with the land and that really changed my perspective. "
Joscie Norris University of Vermont
"I gained experience with wildlife monitoring techniques, the research experience, backpacking, camping, and travelling abroad. The program was definitely worthwhile and I highly recommend it. "
Mikayla SUNY - College of Environmental Science & Forestry
"I would not take back any of the experiences I had during my semester (even the freezing cold nights and not showering for weeks). I could not have asked for a better opportunity for my first time abroad. I learned about field research techniques for various taxonomic groups, challenged myself academically and physically, critic..."
Cameron SUNY - College of Environmental Science & Forestry
