Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The semester of a lifetime Past Review

By (University of Vermont) - abroad from 03/18/2015 to 05/13/2015 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Botswana Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the wildlife and ecology of Botswana, and about the challenges of conservation in that part of the world. I also loved learning how to live and work in a remote setting. It was an amazing experience, and was definitely worthwhile.

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 time in Botswana with Round River will be remembered as one of the best experiences of my life! The best part of the program was being constantly in the field, surrounded by the beauty of the Okavango. Additionally, I loved the fact we were conducting real research that was to be used to further conservation in the area. We worked with local community members and learn first hand about the system of Community Based Natural Resource Management. This experience is perfect for anyone who is passionate about animals, the outdoors, conservation and adventure!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Things were very flexible, and most could not be avoided. Such as frequent car trouble.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

You will be living in shared two-person tents, but the surround sounds of lions roaring and francolins squawking makes up for lack of a real bed!

* Food:

All of our food was cooked by us in teams. Although we ate a lot of the same things, it was fun to get creative with what little we had.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

At each location you get to live and work alongside escort guides (local community members) which gives you a chance to get to know them and ask about their lives.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe the whole trip.

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)

You spend very little money once there, basically only souvenirs and occasional snacks

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Only take a small amount of cash, you don't really need much.

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 Wildlife
  • The Instructors and other students
* What could be improved?
  • Car problems
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That you will have much less internet access than you think, and that car problems will be a common part of the program.

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.