Study Abroad in South America

Patagonia, Chile

Patagonia’s awe-inspiring landscape features ice fields, fjords, windswept grasslands, and towering glacial peaks emerging from deep river valleys. Join us in contributing to local conservation efforts, collaborating with a diverse range of partners, from individual landowners to Chilean governmental entities.

Based out of a field base near the remote village of Cochrane, you’ll gain hands-on experience with wildlife monitoring techniques, focusing on iconic Chilean mammals like guanaco and the endangered huemul deer, along with a diverse array of bird species such as the lesser rhea and Magellanic woodpecker.

Engaging in community-based conservation, environmental education initiatives, ongoing native plant landscaping projects, reforestation efforts, and sustainable tourism management in the beloved regions of Aysén are also integral parts of the program.

Beyond the conservation work, you’ll immerse yourself in local Patagonian culture, enjoying opportunities to interact with guardaparques (park rangers) and gauchos. Weeklong homestays provide unique and special cultural experiences, enriching your understanding of this remarkable region. Overall, this program offers a holistic experience that combines hands-on conservation efforts with cultural immersion, fostering personal growth and making a meaningful impact abroad.

Round River’s Patagonia program is perfect for any student interested in a career in conservation. An array of meaningful research projects forms the foundation of the program…If you are looking for an opportunity to gain research skills in a unique setting, this is the perfect program.

– Jack, College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University, Patagonia ‘21

Program Details

Program Dates

Fall Semester

12 Weeks – mid September to mid December

Spring Semester

12 Weeks – Late January to late April

Courses Offered (15 Semester Credits)

Introduction to Natural History
Applied Conservation Biology
Biological Field Methods
Humans and the Environment
Applied Ecology

Program Costs

Our study abroad program costs include:

Tuition for 15 credits
Lodging
Field expenses
In-country travel and transportation
Group equipment

Meals
Cultural activities
Medical evacuation services
Travel agent support
Pre Departure and onsite orientation

Financial Support

We believe every student should have the opportunity to join our team, regardless of financial barriers. That’s why we accept federal financial aid and external scholarships, and have need-based scholarships available upon application to make our programs accessible to everyone.

What to Expect

Base Camp

Our primary base camp is conveniently situated near the town of Cochrane, just a brief 15-minute stroll from the center plaza. This base offers a cozy riverside camping experience for tent sleeping, convenient shelters for cooking and communal spaces for academics and meals. Enjoy the convenience of amenities such as running water, hot showers, latrines, gas cooking stoves, electricity, and safe storage space for your belongings. In your down time, swim in the river, walk or run to nearby Patagonia National Park, and hammock in the shade of river-side trees.

Field Camps

Field camps will vary based on research locations, and amenities can range from front-country camping with running water and latrines, to primitive back-country camping where you backpack in everything you may need. While most accommodations are in tents, bunkhouses are available at select field locations.

Research Locations

Throughout the semester, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of captivating field sites, depending on the specific needs of our projects. This may include work in the expansive grasslands of the Chacabuco Valley, the dense mountainous forests of Jeinimeni and Tamango reserves within Patagonia National Park, and the misty, remote fjords of Jorge Montt on the edge of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field.

Physical Demands

Our work necessitates spending long days in the field, involving hiking or backpacking through challenging terrain with fluctuating elevation changes, often in potentially windy, wet, and cold conditions. We recommend you adequately prepare both physically and mentally for these demanding conditions.

Weather and Climate

In Chilean Patagonia’s Aysén region, the weather is characterized by highly variable conditions. Summer days (January – March) typically see temperatures in the 70s or 80s ºF, dropping to the 30s, 40s, or 50s ºF at night, with occasional frosts. Spring and fall (October – December, April – May) bring temperatures ranging from the 50s to 60s ºF during the day, and 20s to 30s ºF at night. Winter (June – September) brings the most precipitation, while January and February are the driest months.Prepare for rapid weather changes, temperature fluctuations, rain or snow, and wind.

Homestays

Spend your midterm break living with a local campesino family for one week, immersing yourself in their culture and lifestyle. Assist with work on the farm, practice Spanish, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime connection with a Patagonian family.

Academics

Our academics complement the field research and are designed to be interactive and hands-on. You can expect to dedicate a few hours each day to working on your field journals, engaging in group discussions on relevant articles, participating in lectures and class activities, and deepening your understanding of natural history. Guest lectures, when possible, will further enrich your knowledge of conservation and land-use planning in the area. Each program culminates with the completion of a final written research paper, focusing on one aspect of the project, accompanied by a presentation.

Read Alumni Reviews

Main Towns

The program starts and ends in Coyhaique, the largest urban center in the Aysen region and the gateway to Patagonia. Here you’ll find an array of gear stores to buy any last-minute equipment, along with currency exchanges and larger supermarkets to prepare for your semester.

The heart of our program is near Cochrane, a remote town just a 15 minute walk from our base camp. There is a central plaza with WiFi surrounded by grocery stores, local cafes and restaurants, small shops, a post office, small bank, and a public library.

Map

Language

All lectures and field activities will be conducted in English. While Spanish language skills are not required, we strongly encourage you to practice before the semester begins. Even a basic understanding of Spanish will significantly enhance your ability to interact more deeply with locals and enrich your experience in the community.

Group Dynamics

You are expected to partake in camp chores and projects, gaining experience in communal living and project management. The group will help with tasks such as cooking, maintaining clean and organized communal spaces, logistic planning, risk assessment for projects, and data entry.

Schedules

Schedules will vary depending on the needs of projects, academics, and group well-being, as well as the specific program location, with days off interspersed for relaxation or exploration. At base camp, each day may include a mix of academics, project planning, downtime, and chores. In the field, days may be filled with hiking, backpacking, and work, with interspersed academic sessions, relaxation time, and general camp upkeep. Evenings are typically spent at camp. Due to the dynamic nature of our programs, schedules may change frequently, so we ask that you be flexible and adaptable. We encourage students to arrive with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn, embracing the opportunity to make the most of their experience.

Pre-Departure

Before each program, you will need to complete several paperwork packets and attend orientation sessions. For detailed information on these requirements, as well as important details such as vaccine recommendations, please refer to the pre departure page.

Packing List

You are responsible for your personal gear while on the program. Here is a short list of necessary, big-ticket items required for a semester in Botswana. A comprehensive packing list tailored to your specific program will be provided post-enrollment. Group gear and equipment is provided on the program.

Travel and Visas

If you’re traveling with a United States passport, you don’t need to apply for a visa before departure. Upon arrival to Chile, you’ll receive a 90-day tourist visa. If you plan to extend your stay before or after the program, you can apply to extend your tourist visa online after arriving in the country. Please note that there may be costs associated with extending your tourist visa.

Research Objectives

Student projects have always been a key part of the Round River Patagonia program, evolving over time to match partner needs. Each student group contributes to the advancement of our conservation efforts, whether by continuing long-term projects or piloting new initiatives.

In Their Own Words

Get an in-depth view of our Patagonia Student Program from current student and alumni experiences.