Round River Conservation Studies

I was originally supposed to study abroad with Round River in Mongolia in the summer of 2020, but the global pandemic changed those plans. After graduating in 2024 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies, I was looking for opportunities to gain field experience in conservation, and I was, in general, contemplating future career and graduate school options (and feeling a bit lost!) I decided to see if Round River would have me back as a recently graduated student - and I am so incredibly lucky that they did. The Mongolia program truly changed my life, enhanced my worldview and sense of purpose/self, and absolutely changed the trajectory of my career. I gained valuable field research skills, and I learned what it truly means to be a Conservation Biologist, to be a Naturalist, and to be in pursuit of practicing science in reciprocity with the land. The emphasis on local leadership from the Darhad Valley, combined with our incredible instructors, created the richest, most immersive, holistic, and transformative education I have ever received. A constant focus on the interweaving of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Western Science was at the heart of all we did, and I learned how to approach conservation through a lens that beautifully synthesizes both of those worlds. I will carry the lessons from the Darhad Valley and the people/beings who call it home with me for the rest of my life, and will always hold my Round River experience close to my heart as a beacon that guides my winding path.

There 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!

I saw, learned, and experianced so much more then I can put in a review. The landsacpe is breathtaking. So many of the people I met were so admirable, and learning from from the community partners, the teachers, and my fellow students felt like drinking from a interdisciplinary firehose! I miss everyone very much. I apreciate how the program is primarily a conservation research organisation; and the actual research is meaningful and empowering. As a student you learn on the job, and take clases during in the afternoons.