What inspired you to work for Round River?
I love that Round River is primarily a conservation organization, aiming to create positive change for the natural world, and that the student programs fit neatly into that goal. The student program exists to help conservation, rather than being an end in itself.
Round River students enjoy a trip to the famous Torres del Paine National Park, gaining a better understanding of the tourism industry in Patagonia.
Describe a typical day as a Conservation Scientist.
I lead and coordinate the student program, and help leverage our research into conservation action on the ground. A typical day includes logistics planning (for example, packing 30 days of food and research gear for 15 people for a trip to a remote fjord), teaching and designing classes on conservation biology, and swimming in the beautiful Patagonian river at our base camp.
How long have you lived in Patagonia? What is your favorite part of living there?
I've lived in Patagonia for four years now, long enough to understand intimately the changes in the seasons, to appreciate the intricacies of Patagón culture, and to have even seen individual wildlife grow up from babies to adults in some of our research sites. I love the land here and how free I feel within its vastness: When we go on hikes, we rarely have a trail, let alone see other humans; the water is so pure that we never have to filter it before drinking; the wildlife is so curious and friendly because they often haven't even seen humans before.
When we're not in the backcountry, we are living within tiny towns, where we know everyone and where walking through the main plaza we receive many invites to drink maté at an old friend's home. The Patagón culture is that of a frontier, homestead culture, where people are friendly, generous, welcoming, hard-working, and resilient.
Round River students take spatial data for a biodiversity inventory in a newly protected area near the southern Patagonia icefield.
What is your favorite part of your job?
I love being able to empower, inspire, and train the next generation of environmental stewards and leaders. I enjoy being able to introduce students to Chilean culture, and the local people for which I feel so much respect and gratitude.
What are some current projects you are working on?
I enjoy coordinating with local rural families for our homestay programs and biodiversity expeditions; I also am closely involved in our conservation projects for the Darwin's rhea in the Patagonian steppe, and for the wild Pascua River watershed.
Why should someone choose Round River over competitors?
As a field scientist, I can say that Round River provides students with excellent training in applied conservation and research projects, preparing them for any field job out there. Students work on projects that are actually applied to on-the-ground conservation action, and their input actually makes a difference for Patagonia.
How should students prepare for a trip to Patagonia?
Students who practice and improve their Spanish language skills beforehand will thank themselves. These skills, even if basic, open up doors into experiencing Patagón culture, and having a deeper cultural exchange that can truly be life-changing.
Round River students examine Glacier Pio XI, during an environmental education outing with local students from the small fishing village, Puerto Eden.
What is Round River’s mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
Round River aims to create positive change for the natural world at a landscape scale, and to improve the connection between people and nature. Our Patagonia program provides deep inspiration for students to act for the land, and protect the natural places we love.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope students leave our programs feeling inspired and empowered to follow their passions, and help in the conservation of our natural world. I hope they leave with a deep respect and gratitude for the environment, and for the people and culture of Patagonia.
How do you help support participants?
I enjoy supporting our students after the program by writing recommendations, offering continued advice, and supporting them in their academic and post-college endeavors. I especially love being able to help students get field jobs in wild places!
Round River Instructor Shalynn Pack explores an ice cave in southern Patagonia
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning Spanish has opened doors in my life I never could have imagined. It brings you to new cultures, new understandings of the world, new environments that have so dramatically shaped my life. I could say that learning another language is like doubling your life!
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel gives back to the places you care about. It is travel that helps, rather than hurts, local communities and the environment. It is travel that opens people's minds to being more empathetic, caring, and action-oriented in their lives.
Do you have any advice for first-time study abroad students?
Be humble. Practice your listening skills. Be flexible with your time and plans, and understand that life outside the US (especially outside the university setting) generally doesn't operate on such a strict schedule. Be kind to others and be eager to learn.
What hopes do you have for the future of international education?
I hope that more students of all income backgrounds are able to experience new cultures and places. I hope to set a paradigm that travel is a reciprocal interaction—when you take from a place, you also give back to it in a positive way, whether it's through your good deeds, your wallet, your volunteerism, or your conversations there or back home.
