An incredible combination of fieldwork and engagement with the local community. Past Review
By Hannah Weiss (University of Vermont) - abroad from 01/17/2017 to 04/11/2017 with
Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
I gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of conservation and that other countries struggle with many of the same problems the United States struggles with. I loved the immersive projects in which we learned about and put into play economic, political, social, and environmental factors.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Field research is an invaluable educational source and I am so thankful this program exposed us to the reality of long-term fieldwork. |
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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? |
I love tenting! |
| * Food: |
Being a vegetarian in Chile is a challenge yet the program accommodated as much as possible which was definitely appreciated. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Definitely more than I originally thought I would be - great job! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Very safe! Never felt unsafe. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The area, the people, and the projects we were able to work on made the experience unique and unforgettable. |
Finances
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* 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 applicable~ my program provided food and most days we were in the field instead of in town. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | We were in the field most of the program and food was provided. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
I spoke Spanish as often as I could and was highly encouraged to engage with the local people we worked with. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Advanced |
| 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? | Advanced Spanish conversation |
| 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? | Go for it! Don't be afraid to try speaking with locals - most are incredibly supportive. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Schedules change all the time and Wifi is often spotty at best. |
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. |
