Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A paradigm shift in conservation and the intersection with First Nations. Past Review

By (Northland College) - abroad from 09/26/2016 to 08/05/2016 with

Round River Conservation Studies - Taku River Watershed Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Lots of schemas and tactics for observing the interactions and cycling of an environment. Then applying these observations into systematic and helpful catalogues and introspections.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Round River delivers three courses with great breadth, well paced and critical exploration of the ecosystems,people and attribution to the complexities Taku River. Lectures from varying community members, Elders and instructors help shape a passionate and active narrative that provokes philosophy and pragmatic science. The holistic reading, writing and discussion balances perfectly with hands on experience that translates into nuanced and well thought out work.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

excellent.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

rustic and very functional.

* Food:

Good selection and nutrition for the North, accommodations to diet are possible. The trip's food was highlighted by fresh caught salmon and local moose.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The relationship within the community of Atlin, BC is the best part of the community. The TRT (Taku River Tlingit) and Round River's relationship was very intimate and

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

All was well. Instructors were prepared.

* Safety:

Everything we did was based upon safety, though that never stopped us from partitioning are niche with Wildlife and crossing rivers. There was never a moment where I thought that the instructors were not being responsible and taking unnecessary risk.

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

Atlin and the Taku are the most beautiful places I have ever been

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

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

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? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? NA
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? English is the predominant language in British Columbia, though there are some European tourists from mostly Germany. Uncle Jackie is a tremendous resource of history and culture, make sure to ask about some of the words and names of the landscape in theTlingit Language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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?
  • learning and interacting with the Ecology
  • The time spent with community
  • The academic discussions
* What could be improved?
  • No instructor changes in program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To absolutely bring a compass, and not to be nervous beforehand, because it is a wonderful process of orientation and transition into the area and work.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'