A Patagonian Adventure Past Review
By Kristina B (Westminster College, UT) - abroad from 09/22/2015 to 12/15/2015 with
Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
My experience abroad with Round River will always be one of the greatest experiences of my life. I learned so much about conservation, the regional issues in Patagonia, outdoor experiences, and even about myself as a person.
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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* Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
While we did get the opportunity to interact with many Chileans, there isn't a full cultural immersion as seen if you were living with a host family 24/7 for three months. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
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If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $10--everything is included in the program except any personal extras you may want. |
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 |
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How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Beginner |
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | A college Spanish II course |
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? | With Round River, it is a personal choice how often you use the language. If given the chance to speak Spanish, I would suggest taking it. Since it isn't a full immersion program, you learn as much of the language as the effort you put in individually. |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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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? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish that I had prepared more in regards to my knowledge of the country and region I was in. There were many local issues that I was completely unaware of beforehand. Having a base line knowledge to discuss the issues with the Chilean people we spoke with would have been very helpful. |
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