Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program
Round River Conservation Studies
143 reviews
for
8 programs
Most Popular Program:
Round River Conservation Studies: Costa Rica – The Osa Peninsula
Round River Conservation Studies: Costa Rica – The Osa Peninsula
Request Info
(For American Students)
Round River offers a field-based study abroad program in the Patagonia region of southern Chile. Based out of the small town of Cochrane, students spend most of the semester hiking, bushwhacking, and back-packing while conducting wildlife research... read more
All Reviews
Completely worthwhile! I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Some parts are tough, but you'll learn a lot about yourself and what you're capable of. I've arrived back to the traditional classroom feeling refreshed and with new appreciation for what aspects of learning really matter. I learned how to cook, live in a group, jump... Lily S - University of Montana-Missoula View Entire Review
Friends, a framework of how to enact conservation globally, an understanding of the importance of community participation in conservation, and how to truly be self sufficient. A student - College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University View Entire Review
knowledge and personal growth, definitely worthwhile A student - Colby College View Entire Review
Field research experience as an undergrad is priceless Meg Hall - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I learned a lot about ecology obviously, but I also learned a lot about human's place in nature and about my place in nature. I learned about Chile's history and people and relationship to nature as well. My Spanish improved over the months, but I wish I had begun the program with more. I learned about living outside, and living... A student - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I learned a lot of outdoor and backpacking skills as well as good conservation strategies and techniques. Sierra Lammi - College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University View Entire Review
I learned a lot of real-life field research experience Emma Gwyn - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I gained field skills and Spanish communication skills. I learned to be more self-sufficient as well. Hannah - University of Vermont View Entire Review
Cultural immersion, Spanish practice, and community engagement were worthwhile. A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
My experience abroad was completely worthwhile. I gained valuable field research skills and learned about the challenges of conservation work. I also made life long friends and joined the supportive and caring community that is Round River. Emma H - University of Maine - Orono View Entire Review
I learned a lot of field skills, but I also learned how to live and work with a small group of people for long periods of time. I gained a lot of confidence in myself. Studying abroad challenges you, but Round River supports you. Shelby S - Franklin & Marshall College View Entire Review
Language skill, field work experience, and yes it was entirely worthwhile A student - Middlebury College View Entire Review
A deeper understanding of the complexities of conservation and new ways of looking at it as a scientific and social issue. A student - University of Vermont View Entire Review
I learned that field research is a challenging, yet charming endeavor. I gained a deep understanding of local plants and animals. I learned how to put myself outside of my comfort zone when faced with strong communication barriers. I learned how to cooperate with a small group of people for an extended period of time. I gained v... Jack G - College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University View Entire Review
I learned so many things! From improving my Spanish to understanding the implications behind conservation management decisions, there really is so much to learn with Round River. Most importantly, I learned so much about the world at large and my place within it, as I would definitely consider my time worthwhile, Seth Price - SUNY - Binghamton View Entire Review
It was an immensely worthwhile experience - the academics and field work placed within the cultural context of Patagonia provided a whole new approach and perspective to my biology and environmental studies education that I couldn't have experienced at my home institution. It was also awesome to watch myself grow into a stronger... Anna Bosco - Oberlin College View Entire Review
I learned about the importance of human inclusion in conservation and how great it can be to feel uncomfortable. It was 100% worthwhile. A student - College of Saint Benedict and Saint Johns University View Entire Review
I learned ways of existing and learning that are fulfilling and outside the high-pressure normal college environment. Also Patagonia is beautiful. A student - Williams College View Entire Review
I really got a good understanding of what conservation means in the field, and how much of an impact each individual can have on the larger projects that are going on. It didn't feel like I was just a student, I felt like I was a researcher in something much bigger than just a class or an individual project that lasts a few week... Isabel Eaton - The College of William and Mary View Entire Review
I learned more about who I am and how I see my career in conservation moving forward. I gained invaluable research experience and my instructors became mentors who I will look up to for a long time. A student - Carleton College View Entire Review
It was very worthwhile. I learned so much about the field of conservation doing hands on work, as well as the natural history of the area. Zach Fritz - St. John's University View Entire Review
I think my biggest take-away from the program was getting real field experience in conservation biology- the discipline that I'm majoring in. We spent more than a month in the field in remote parts of Patagonia collecting data, which was challenging, fun, and exciting. I'll also take away an appreciation for the local Gaucho cul... Will Greene - Middlebury College View Entire Review
I learned an incredible amount of detail about local species of plants and animals, and also a lot about the complexity and necessity of planning well for large, long-term group expeditions. It was absolutely worthwhile and the skills and knowledge I gained there will serve me for a lifetime. Kadin Woolever - Carleton College View Entire Review
I came away from the program with so many new friendships and a much deeper understanding of what it means to be a conservationist. Also, I learned how to be a more flexible and successful member of a community. Maggie - Oberlin College View Entire Review
Gained immense knowledge on how to traveling and how to let yourself become absorbed in a culture. I met incredible people that I will have in my life forever. Julie Hamilton - University of New Hampshire View Entire Review
About
Round River offers a field-based study abroad program in the Patagonia region of southern Chile. Based out of the small town of Cochrane, students spend most of the semester hiking, bushwhacking, and back-packing while conducting wildlife research and assisting our local partners with conservation projects. The semester is spent exploring two national parks: Bernardo O'Higgins to the south and Patagonia National Park to the north. Round River partners with CONAF and Conservacion Patagonica to assist with local conservation and biodiversity monitoring projects in these two protected areas.
Current projects include:
- Huemul deer surveys (recording presence of scat, tracks, and live sightings; the huemul deer is an endemic and endangered species)
- Vizcacha habitat suitability surveys (the vizcacha is a small alpine-dwelling rodent)
- Bird point counts
- Ñandu surveys (the ñandu is vulnerable, flightless bird endemic to Patagonia, whose population is declining)
- Vegetation studies in recently de-glaciated areas
- Ecological restoration in Tamango Reserve (removing invasive tree species)
Courses taught include:
- Applied Conservation Biology
- Introduction to Biological Field Methods
- Natural History of Patagonia
- Applied Restoration Ecology
- Humans and the Environment
Students can earn up to 15 semester credits through Westminster College of Salt Lake City.
Semesters offered:
Semesters offered:
- Spring (Jan-Apr)
- Fall (Sep-Dec)
Financial Aid:
- Round River offers a need-based scholarship, the Edward Abbey Scholarship
- Students may use federal financial aid towards our program tuition
Our unique programs give students the opportunity to contribute to local conservation, while gaining valuable field skills and earning undergraduate course credits. Small group size (8-12 students) ensures you get to know your students and instructors well, and allows the group to access remote wilderness areas with minimal ecological impacts.
Visit our website for more information, and check out our Student Blog for photos and stories from current and past programs. Get in touch with us to learn more, and to contact alumni.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadResearch
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Animal Sciences
- Natural Resources, Conservation
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Latin American Studies
- Zoology, Animal Biology
- Ecology, Evolution Biology
Minimum GPA:
2.5Year Founded:
2012Website
N/AStatistics
Round River Conservation Studies Scholarships
Round River offers scholarships to students through our Edward Abbey Scholarship Fund. Edward Abbey was a friend to many and an inspiration to all associated with Round River. Ed’s family has graciously agreed that we may use his name in this manner. We are committed to involving dedicated and qualified students in our conservation projects and we will work with you to facilitate your application and financial needs. Financial assistance to qualified students from Round River is available from the Edward Abbey Scholarship Fund.
$500-$5,000
Deadlines:
Students should submit an application for the Edward Abbey Scholarship within 3 weeks of paying their deposit to be considered.
Guidelines/Requirements:
Scholarship applications will not be considered unless a student has applied for a Round River program and has all application materials in. Special arrangements may be made for extended scholarship application deadlines, only if a student has contacted Round River well in advance of the deadline.
Videos
Featured Program Providers
Round River Conservation Studies - Patagonia, Chile Program: Abroad101 Study Abroad Rankings Winner
