Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Round River Patagonia, you wont regret it December 10, 2025

By (Environmental Science, University of Montana-Missoula) - abroad from 01/30/2025 to 04/25/2025 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained academic knowledge, field skills, interpersonal skills, leadership, and grit. It was so worthwhile

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

My experience with Round River - Patagonia, was nothing short of amazing. I loved every second. I learned so many skills both pertinant to research but also life. The unique eqperience of leaning in the field was incredible and did so much from my understand and appreciation about the local environment.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

All Round River staff was extremely organized and I knew what was going on the whole time. When challenges came up, staff worked quickly to solve them while maintaining utmost communication.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

As Round River is a field based study abroad you sleep in a tent the entire time. Knowing this going into the program, I had a wonderful time and was comfortable with my arrangement. Laundry and showers were available and satisfactory.

* Food:

The food was great. As students you cook for eachother and each semester looks a little different. We helped out and created some tasty eats. Round River is very acommodating to dietary restrictions and there is great opportunity to try new things!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had awesome experience partnering with local organizations, free time to explore, and got to experience many local events! In addition, Round River Patagonia has a week-long home stay which was so impactful.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Mental and Physical health were really important to the staff and they regularly checked in to see how we were doing and if we needed any support

* Safety:

Cochrane felt very safe and in the field. We came up with extensive safety measures to minimize risk of injury in the field.

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

This experience was life changing, I loved every second and learned and grew so much.

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)

As you are in the backcountry for a majority of the time, spending was not an issue.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 10
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? I brought $300 USD and felt this was adequate.

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

All instruction is in English. Speaking spanish was encouraged though at your own discretion and comfortabillity. Having some spanish skills would be useful

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? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Four years of highschool curriculum
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? Do not be afraid to try! Everyone I interacted with was very patient and helpful!

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?
  • Field Work
  • Learning outside
* What could be improved?
  • Length, I would have stayed longer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I felt prepared for this experience. Round River does a fantastic job getting you ready.

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.