Round River was a great way to gain real world conservation experience. Past Review

By (St. John's University) - abroad from 09/15/2017 to 12/08/2017 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was very worthwhile. I learned so much about the field of conservation doing hands on work, as well as the natural history of the area.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Round River was one of the greatest experiences I have had. I learned so much about conservation and the natural world, while getting work with real world conservation problems hands on.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

The local food was amazing!!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program did a great job integrating us in the local culture. We also were able to work with so many great local people/organizations.

* 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

I really enjoyed getting to spend a semester living out of a tent and having class outside everyday. We were also to gain real world experience working with local people through conservation efforts.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Set certain amounts before you go with how much you will spend per week/month

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 able to learn a lot of Spanish, but it was not required to know any.

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? Advanced
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Spanish 3
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* 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?
  • Staying in a tent for a semester
  • Real world conservation work
  • Being integrated into the culture
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? More spanish to help communicate more with local people.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.