Environmental Studies Study Abroad Programs in Canada

Most of our days in the Taku River Watershed involved driving down bumpy roads, climbing up and down mountains, and walking slowly along trails trying to identify every plant we saw. Other days we spent backpacking, riding on a boat, or sitting in the laundromat doing homework. Although we did have some visitors from the community, we spent most of our time with our small group, partly due to COVID concerns. This program allowed me to finally understand how important research is for conservation purposes. I participated in various research projects in my time in British Columbia, and unlike other research projects I’ve participated in, I immediately understood the relevance of the research and who it would be distributed to. Part of this was due to the instructors, who were very helpful, but part of it was due to the information we learned about the Taku River Tlingit and how they manage their traditional territory. This was not an easy program on a physical or academic level, but it was definitely worth it. I learned the names of practically every plant and animal we saw, slept outside in a tent every night, and studied next to a fire pit with a gorgeous view of the mountains and nearby Atlin Lake. I’ve never been able to get to know a place as intimately as I did while on this program, and I hope I get this opportunity again.

The instructors are great and the students were great as well- I made lifelong friends. You learn so many practical skills that will help you get experience in field biology, outdoor living, or domestic stuff like cooking. You learn so much about wilderness and conservation and do it in such an awesome and unique place which adds to the experience. I also grew in my personal sense of self and my place on the earth which was really cool. I found myself being thankful for every day that I was there. If you like the outdoors/nature at all- do yourself a favor and go on a Round River Program.