Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A WONDERFUL field based biology program in one of the most beautiful places! Past Review

By (Conservation Biology, SUNY - College of Environmental Science & Forestry) - abroad from 01/20/2015 to 04/14/2015 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Research and data collection are not as easy to carry out in the field as you may plan in the classroom. Getting out and dealing with this before graduating with a biology degree is incredibly valuable to any student who is interested in the applications of conservation in the landscape. Round River offers a very worthwhile experience for its students.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living in a tent for 3 months isn't for everyone, but if it sounds like fun this program is definitely for you!

* Food:

Cooking for the group is a fun challenge and participation is expected from everyone!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Doing so much remote fieldwork leaves less time for immersion in the culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Backcountry travel comes with certain risks, but the staff are highly trained, as are many of the students who go on these trips.

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)

Everything is provided once you are in the country so outside spending is limited.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10.00

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
  • Host Family
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Backpacking trips
  • Learning about the Natural History of Patagonia
  • Making great friends
* What could be improved?
  • Group size
  • Efficiency in the field
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had worked on my Spanish more. Even though it is not a requirement it would make the experience more meaningful to be able to communicate better with the local people.

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.