Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Camp in the bush, listen and watch, and laugh alot! May 22, 2024

By (Economics, Western Washington University) - abroad from 09/20/2024 to 12/14/2024 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Botswana Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The program was not always easy, but that's what made it worthwhile. We were constantly communicating, practicing teamwork, and honing field work skills. Today, my skills in cross-cultural communication and leadership are much sharper then before I left. I also think I am a much better naturalist now.

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.

The time I got to spend in Botswana was incredibly eye-opening. The program is really a community-based conservation organization, and it showed. The education was an interdisciplinary fire hose, addressing local conservation from ecological, cultural, geo-political, and sociology-economic frameworks. I really appreciate everyone who took the time to discuss land use issues with us. The pedagogy encouraged discussion and critical thinking, as we were exposed to the obstacles and constraints conservation faces.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration was very well done. In my semester, there were four administrators who were on the ground doing everything. They were simultaneously exceptional scientists, community engagers, professors, researchers, administrators and conservationists at the same time. I am very impressed at how well they keep the operation going.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved sleeping in a tent in the fringes between the Okavango delta and the Kalahari sand veld. It might by a little stinkier then other programs, but waking up with the sunrise to start field work felt meaningful.

* Food:

Everyone cooks and eats together. If you don't already know how to cook, get ready to learn! Lucky there were several very good cooks my semester, so we all learned a lot from each other.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Dikatholo and Pabalelo, two of the administrators/professors/scientists, were both from Khwai, which is one of the communities Round River is partnering with. Not only were they exceptional teachers and scientists, but they really helped engage the community partners in the research. Additionally, I was honored to interview almost a dozen elders in an effort to support the development of a field guide in languages of SeYei, Tsiiga, and Bugakhwe.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in the bush. When we restock in Maun, students can go explore the city if they would like to. Maun also felt safe.

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

I learned so much more then I was ever expecting. I also got to meet so many incredible people -- I miss them.

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)

It is very easy to not spend any money

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~20$

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We took classes in Setswana, but it was difficult to learn in only a couple of months.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3rd year spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Just keep trying! And be prepared to laugh at yourself alot.

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?
  • Culture
  • Wildlife
  • People
* What could be improved?
  • Cooking pans
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a sun shirt!

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.