Round River Conservation Studies works to acheive large scale wildlife conservation around the world. In this episode we focus on their as one of Westminster's study abroad partners. Their student programs give young people from colleges across the US a chance to serve as field assistants in critical wildlife habitat and conservation areas in Mongolia, Patagonia, Botswana, Belize, and Canada.

Round River field-based study abroad programs provide small groups of students opportunities to contribute to and learn from wildlife conservation efforts in big, wild landscapes. While earning college credit, students from diverse backgrounds study and immerse themselves in the ecology and culture of unique wild places.

View this post on Instagram

Count the infinite stars in the night sky after spending your days counting and monitoring wildlife in the remote landscapes of the Okavango Delta in Botswana.⁠ .⁠ Applications for Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 open now - click the link in bio to apply!⁠ .⁠ Photo credit: Fall 2019 Botswana Assistant Instructor, @the_big_szydlowski⁠ .⁠ #roundriver #studyabroaddifferently #studyabroad #explore #travel #conservation #getoutside #naturalhistory #natureseekers #wildness #wildlifephotography #naturelovers #wilderness #adventuretravel #science #conservationscience #nature #mongolia #darhadvalley #darhad #asia

A post shared by Round River Conserv. Studies (@round.river) on Oct 16, 2019 at 10:08am PDT

I spoke with Elizabeth Brunner (a Round River instructor), Kelsey Barber and Rain Keating (2 students recently returned from Round River Programs), and Frank Black (a Westminster Professor who spent part of his sabbatical with Round River in Patagonia) about their experiences with Round River, what they learned in the work they are doing, and advice they have for students considering a Round River experience.

For can follow Round River on instagram @round.river or check out the blog.

Jeff Nichols and Brent Olson co-direct the Institute for Mountain Research and our 2018-2019 Mountain Fellows are Katie Saad and Naomi Shapiro. Our theme song is “Home” by Pixie and the Partygrass Boys.. As Naomi likes to say, “They are awesome and you should check them out.”

Sponsored By:

• Westminster College, Salt Lake City, Utah: The Institute for Mountain Research is housed at Westminster College, at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Salt Lake City, Utah. At Westminster, You are someone who is always looking to get more out of life, who yearns for the freedom to explore. You want your college experience to be someplace where you matter. Where your education isn’t just about landing your first job, it’s about starting a meaningful life.

Links:

• Round River Student Programs — The focus of Round River’s Environmental Study Abroad Program is to encourage and expand the commitments, minds and spirits of future conservationists by cultivating an active, informed and inspired constituency of young scholars, as conservation scientists, artists, activists and advocates by providing innovative conservation education and leadership training.
• Music: Purple Planet Music
• Pixie and the Partygrass Boys — Our theme music is "Home." by Pixie and the Partygrass Boys. You should check them out.