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Patagonia Conservation Program
Spend a semester living and conducting research with Round River in Chilean Patagonia, where we work with local organizations to monitor wildlife and vegetation while exploring the diverse terrain, from rugged mountains to fjords, glaciers, forests, and expansive plains. Students operate out of our base near the remote village of Cochrane and following projects between Aysén Region's protected...
Spend a semester living and conducting research with Round River in Chilean Patagonia, where we work with local organizations to monitor wildlife and vegetation while exploring the diverse terrain, from rugged mountains to fjords, glaciers, forests, and expansive plains. Students operate out of our base near the remote village of Cochrane and following projects between Aysén Region's protected areas, namely Patagonia National Park. Students become familiar with wildlife monitoring, camera trapping, vegetation sampling, and more as they engage in conservation efforts alongside our local partners. All lectures and field activities are in English. Spanish language skills are not required, but some prior knowledge is recommended. Students should be physically fit and prepared for hiki...
Program Highlights
Explore and live outdoors in Chile for three months.
Enjoy hiking and backpacking in the mountains and valleys of Patagonia.
Undertake wildlife research and vegetation monitoring.
Mingle with local people and bring home great memories.
Meet staff and volunteers of the local organization Conservacion Patagonica and the Chilean ministry of forests.
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Quick Details
- Rural Areas, Chile
- Fall
- Spring
- Biology
- Conservation & Preservation
- Ecology
- Environmental Studies
- Natural Sciences
- See more
- American
- Canadian
- All Nationalities
Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Everything I was Looking For!
by: Noah Milsky - United StatesProgram: Patagonia Conservation ProgramThere are not many programs out there that can offer such a unique and immersive environmentally-focused study abroad experience. I got the opportunity to spend three months in Patagonia, Chile with an amazing group of like-minded, passionate students. I have never been with a more supportive and engaging community in my life. It was very easy to feel grounded when surrounded by beautiful landscapes and curious friends. Not only did I learn about the natural history and culture of Patagonia, but I also learned a lot about the importance of organization, community and scientific communication, and preparation for longer remote field work excursions. There are plenty of challenges and tough moments that come with living in a tent for three months, but those quickly become learning experiences and moments for personal growth. Identifying bryophytes with views of a glacier, learning from my host family about the challenges of sheep farming, and cooking/eating delicious group meals together were some of my highlights during my time with Round River Conservation Studies!
So worth it!
by: Lily Simko - United StatesProgram: Patagonia Conservation ProgramIf you’re interested in spending time outside, gaining field experience, or needing a break from lecture halls, you’re looking in the right direction. I learned so much during my time in Patagonia. Not often will you find the opportunity to live with a group of awesome people in a stunning landscape. The environment and living conditions create a sense of community hard to replicate in any other setting. It’s something I hope for everyone to experience and wish we had more of in our everyday lives. Academically, I gained experience doing field work and spent my days living what I was learning. Dinners and car rides became an extension of school and I relearned how to be curious about my surroundings. Our instructors were amazing! Super knowledgeable, experienced, and fun individuals who brought a variety of expertise and interests. There are plenty of tough moments, but that's what makes it worthwhile. You’ll swim in the clearest water in the world and spend some nights wishing for a bed. You’ll be sick of oatmeal, but return home to find yourself making it anyway. You’ll stay with a family you can hardly communicate with, and build a friendship anyway. I would spend a second semester with Round River in an instant. If you are thinking about it, but a little nervous... do it anyway. You'll grow so much and think back to this time as one of your favorite college experiences.



Great time in Patagonia!
by: McQuillen Martinez - United StatesProgram: Patagonia Conservation ProgramIf you're looking for an out of the ordinary abroad experience camping in the Patagonia outdoors for 3 months then this is exactly what you're looking for! My group of seven other students and I got to hike along trails with the most incredible views that I have ever seen, all while learning about the species and life around us. Our instructors were all incredibly knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects and very personable as well, helping me to feel supported throughout my time in Chile. This program taught me so much, not only through academics but also through experiences with locals and such a dynamic natural environment. Some of the highlights of the semester included teaching middle school students about the Chilean natural environment in Spanish, my week long home-stay on a strawberry farm, and our longest backpacking trip along La Ruta de Los Pioneros. I would highly recommend this program to anyone with a love for the outdoors!
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Rural Areas, Chile
Types and Subjects
- Subjects & Courses
- Biology
- Conservation & Preservation
- Ecology
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
Age Requirement
Age Requirement Varies
Guidelines
- American
- Canadian
- All Nationalities
- This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Cost per week
Program Cost Includes
- Tuition & Fees
- Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
- All Program Activity Costs
- Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Other
Qualifications & Experience
- High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
- Some college credit, no degree
Application Procedures
- Transcript
- Online Application
- Letters of Reference
- Phone/Video Interview
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