A wonderful introduction to ecology, field work, and a new culture. Past Review
By Holly B (Latin American Studies., Carleton College) - abroad from 06/27/2011 to 08/12/2011 with
Round River Conservation Studies - Taku River Watershed Program
There is so much that I learned and gained from this experience that isn't quantitative. I cannot tell you, however, just how worthwhile this trip was. My leaders were thoughtful and full of knowledge. They pushed us to better understand the natural world around us as well as the new culture that we were living in. I discovered countless new favorite flowers, I learned to gut a fish, and I made friends that I continue to stay in touch with. There were stories that I was told on that trip that I will never forget and stories that I can now tell because of my experience. I gained knowledge, expertise, and a renewed love of the outdoors by attending RRCS' trip to the Taku.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I really enjoyed the hands-on field work as an alternative to what you typically find in a traditional classroom. I also felt that the academics were fluidly incorporated into our conversations with the Tlingit as well as with our expeditions. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The setting was incredible on every peak, at the lodge, and during our hikes. |
| * Food: |
No one is going to tell you that the food you carry your backpack is delicious, but we shared duties and had a say in each grocery run. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It was such an honor to be able to interact with the locals (humans and animals and plants) in such a way that allowed for us to become intimate with our setting in a variety of ways. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There were no issues. A med kit was always with us. |
| * Safety: |
Other than inquisitive grizzlies we saw nothing remotely dangerous. We were pushed in our hikes and academics but nothing that ever put us in harm's way. Atlin itself is also a gorgeous location with no safety risks. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
|
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) |
You don't spend much hiking. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I purchased a few candy bars and a 6pack of beer now and again, so maybe $10 Canadian dollars every two weeks. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I feel as though I had all the appropriate information. |
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. |
