Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Nuanced look at conservation practices and policies in Patagonia. Past Review

By (Natural Resources and Conservation, Marlboro College) - 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?
Man. I learned about how conservation gets done, how to debate my viewpoint, how to be a guest, how to make friends across language borders.

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?

Bring a durable tent -- it's literally your home

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

It was awesome. Made me decide to work to become fluent in Spanish.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Bought alcohol once a week. All food provided.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't drink wine unless you actually dig it.

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
* 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?
  • Working with CONAF
  • backpacking
  • class discussions
* What could be improved?
  • Spanish prior to coming
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That the backpacking is not that tough if you've backpacked before.

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.