Immersive research in an unbeatable setting April 29, 2022

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Round River's Patagonia program is perfect for any student interested in a career in conservation. An array of meaningful research projects forms the foundation of the program. The research projects we conducted contribute to continued conservation efforts in the region. One of the projects, for example, formed a baseline study of a Huemul deer population dynamics (an endangered and emblematic species) in a new sector of Patagonia National Park. Traditional classwork (readings, papers, assignments) makes up a comparatively small portion of the academic experience, as our energy is directed at doing research. If you are looking for an opportunity to gain research skills in a unique setting, this is the perfect program. If you are looking to be buried in books all day, learning the intricacies of evolutionary theory, this is the wrong program.

On-site administration of your program

The program instructors were amazing. Plenty of roadblocks to research presented themselves, due to the remote setting of the work, difficult weather, and working with local partners. The instructors navigated these problems with ease.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Be aware that you will be living in tents almost exclusively for 3 months. We slept in hostel beds for 5 nights in total.

Despite living remotely, we ate quite well! At basecamp there is access to a town and markets. For the most part, we decided and cooked the meals we ate. Be prepared for a lot of bread, cheese, root vegetables, and eggs. We also ate a healthy share of goat and lamb.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Cultural integration was inconsistent, but overall a strong aspect of the program. Of course, cultural integration is weak when we are on a 7 day backpacking trip. However, one of the highlights of the trip was a week-long homestay with a family that lived on a rural ranch. It was an immersive experience of communicating across a strong language barrer (they spoke only Spanish) and being actively incorporated into a unique culture.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not personally have any health issues. Some friends did have some issues and I know they were addressed well.

The instructors were trained in wilderness first aid and made it clear that safety was a priority. The town we were based out of was small (3,000 people) and I never felt threatened. There were steep slopes, cliffs, and instances of poor weather while we were backpacking. There is some inherent danger in this, but as long as you use common sense, you'll be fine.

The program was built for students interested in conservation biology. It was a great combination of meaningful research, academic inspiration, cultural immersion, and personal growth.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

All food and expenses are paid for by the program. I spent $250 in total over the 3 months, mostly on snacks, alcohol, and souvenirs.

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Foreign language was not a primary component of the program. some classmates had no Spanish experience and still had a great trip. The amount of Spanish you speak is a decision you make for yourself. Despite language not being a required component, there are great opportunities to learn if you make an effort. I learned more in my week-long homestay than in a semester of class.

Select all that apply

• Other
• Hostel

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• Americans
• Host Family

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• Americans

• Being immersed in the landscape through research
• Academics oriented around local issues
• Cultural interactions

• Pre-trip communication
• Vehicle maintenance
• More encouragement to use Spanish