Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Discovering untouched wilderness amongst local adventurers Past Review

By (University of Vermont) - abroad from 01/21/2016 to 04/15/2016 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Learned a lot about myself, gained confidence in being independent and self sufficient. Realized bonds and keeping in touch are some of the most important parts of life. Very worthwhile.

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.

Being immersed in the field, the wilderness was my greatest teacher.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Sleeping in a tent for three months was a great lesson in self-sufficiency and minimalist living. When the weather turned for the worse, we had our quincho for shelter, and even the CONAF refugio.

* Food:

Camp food isn't the best, and is pretty repetitive, but eating in restaurants and having ausados, I experienced some of the tastiest food I've ever had! Definitely bring some of your favorite snacks from the US.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everywhere we went we were immersed in the local culture. We always were guided by a local, and often times accompanied by many others. We took many methods of public transportation, ate in restaurants and played outside on the green in Cochrane.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had a health issue on this course or anyone else on the course, but I did have to get a couple of vaccinations beforehand (Hepatitis, Rabies..)

* Safety:

I never felt unsafe, in town or in the wild. I know what kind of dangers backpacking can employ, but our instructors always kept safety on the forefront.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I've always dreamed of going to Patagonia but never thought much about it until I heard of studying abroad. It's still the coolest place I've ever heard of.

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 think I spent a total of 50$ over three months. Everything is very affordable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably 10$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You really don't need a lot, I only spent money on coffee on days I went to use my computer in the cafes and on goodies for buds back home.

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

We were encouraged to use our previous language skills whenever we wanted to and could. Speaking spanish wasn't required to go on the course, however many local people we met only speak spanish.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Intermediate collegiate spanish
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? Download an app and learn how to conjugate verbs!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Wilderness
  • Small groups
  • Two instructors the whole time
* What could be improved?
  • Meet more community members
  • Meet more local kids
  • Listening to previous people on the program beforehand
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I missed home friends and family more than I thought! Bring letters, photos, or anything that reminds you of the ones you love

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.