Summer in British Columbia October 23, 2024

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall experience was positive. Group culture was very fun. Instructors were good at communicating material and maintaining a positive learning environment. Discussion was facilitated and encouraged. Academics were rigorous enough to ensure learning without being overwhelming or stressful.

On-site administration of your program

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We camped in tents for the majority of the program, but usually had access to a kitchen and bathroom in a lovely cabin that we were behind. Housing during multi-day fieldwork trips was also our tents, but without access to other accommodations- not a problem, we found great campsites!

Students and instructors were responsible for cooking meals for the entire group; 2-3 people would cook each night and rotate. Food when we were in town was good, and we often went into town to buy treats from the bakery. Food in the field was standard field food which is always good after a long day (instant ramen, mac and cheese, beans and rice, etc.) and there was always enough to keep us from being hungry.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We often went into Atlin to go to the bakery or other stores, so in this way we learned more about the community. Round River also works with local partners including the Taku River Tlingit (TRTFN) in this area, and we were able to meet and do fieldwork with some people who live and do conservation work in Atlin.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any health problems that needed to be addressed, but I felt confident that my instructors would address any situation appropriately.

I had no concerns for my safety in town or in the field. We were often doing fieldwork outdoors or in challenging terrain, which inherently carries some risk, but I felt that risks were managed appropriately.

I had a lot of fun on this program and felt like I learned a lot, particularly about high alpine vegetation and general plant identification. I really enjoyed the other people that I was with, and felt like we were good friends by the end of the program. I also really loved being in Atlin and hiking in the surrounding area.

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

The cost of the program is upfront, and I did not spend much money additionally. If I did, it was a choice to buy extra snacks, etc. and was not a necessary purchase.

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• Other

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• Americans

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• Americans

• Lots of time outside (fieldwork!)
• Many longer term conservation projects in addition to lectures/discussion
• Good group dynamic

• Workload felt overwhelming in the beginning, but ended up being very manageable, and instructors were willing to make deadlines flexible to accommodate. Assignments could be more evenly distributed from the beginning.

The Avid Adventurer