The Hardest Goodbye Past Review
By A student (University of Vermont) - abroad from 09/21/2015 to 12/14/2015 with
Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
I learned that I can live with a lot less and give a lot more. Everyone was awesome on the program and I have never learned so much about conservation, the world and myself in such little time.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The work isn't hard per-say, but the time you have to work on it is limited, which can make things more difficult. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The instructors I had, Elizabeth Brunner, Shalynn Pack and Adam Spencer, were all amazing and fun to work with. Extremely knowledgable and on top of their game. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Your housing depends on your tent. Don't skimp on your tent. |
* Food: |
We got fed very well, but the same meals get old after awhile. Definitely come with some favorite recipes! |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We were secluded in the field a lot but we worked with a lot of local Chileans and CONAF workers. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Very safe in the towns but some of the mountains had difficult terrain to navigate and relatively dangerous. |
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) |
Everything was provided for us. I didn't need to spend money unless I wanted to on souvenirs. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | maybe $10 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Just know the currency exchange. |
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? | High school spanish |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | Your experience will definitely be enhanced if you learn Spanish. |
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? | Go in with an open mind and know that some of the trips will wear you down, but it will all be worth it. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |