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
12 Weeks – mid September to mid December
12 Weeks – Late January to late April
Financial Support
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Get an in-depth view of our Patagonia Student Program from current student and alumni experiences.
info@roundriver.org
Phone: 801-359-4250