Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Round River Patagonia: A Place to Grow Past Review

By (Biology, Colby College) - abroad from 09/21/2013 to 12/13/2013 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Academically, I gained skills in field research, critical thinking, and essay writing (we also mostly wrote our essays by hand, which was a challenge). Personally, my confidence grew an incredible amount. I felt respected and supported by my group. I also am incredibly thankful for the friendships we made. These were the three most meaningful months of my life.

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.

I participated in/helped design extended field research, an invaluable experience. I was also challenged to think critically about conservation in ways that I had not considered before this program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We were based in the field throughout the program. We lived in Valle Chacabuco of the Aysen region. The campsite we spent most of our time in had a roofed shelter, access to a bathroom with running water, and plenty of tent sites. We lived in a tent every night of the program, something I loved.

* Food:

We prepared our own meals and traveled into town every two weeks to buy more food. We did not have access to a refrigerator so we mostly bought nonperishable food. I enjoyed cooking for the group and everyone took care to make healthy and creative meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were based remotely, fairly removed from any town. We did interact some with those that lived in Chacabuco Valley, often playing soccer with them. We also went into town and traveled some during our mid-program break. This program is not highly focused on local integration, but we did have some exposure.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My leaders were diligent about keeping us healthy and paying attention to our needs. I never felt at risk. We were in a remote place, making health care access more difficult than in other situations, but Round River had planned for such a living environment.

* Safety:

I felt very safe throughout the program. My safety tip is to take care of personal health and always assess the risks associated with certain activities. Patagonia has extreme weather and rough terrain, but with preparation and caution you can stay very safe.

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)

I didn't spend much money while in Patagonia. Because I was traveling after the program ended I did have to renew my tourist card, which is required for a stay of 90+ days in Chile. Other than that I bought snacks and gifts for my family.

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

Our instructors held Spanish classes and encouraged us to practice with each other and when we hung out with locals.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
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? Take advantage of the opportunities you have to practice with locals. Practicing with friends is also beneficial.

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

  • Other
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?
  • The people! My group was amazing. I predict we will be lifelong friends.
  • Being outside. It was such an experience to spend almost every moment of three months in such an incredible place.
  • The research we participated in was interesting and I learned a lot from it.
* What could be improved?
  • More cultural integration
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the region of Patagonia is not as "wild" as I thought. The area, while amazing, has been degraded by sheep farming to an extent I hadn't realized. This was a disappointment when I first arrived.

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.