Mongolia Conservation Program

This program has to be one of the most unique and transformative study abroad programs out there. On this program, you will spend several months in a remote valley in Northern Mongolia, a ten hour drive on a dirt track away from the nearest plumbing or pavement. Out there, you will work closely with locals on various conservation research projects within the national parks in the area. This program foregrounds the experiential, and you will spend most of your days in the field. While the academics could be a little more rigorous, we asked fascinating questions like how best to manage land for conservation, how to understand the relationship between people and nature, and what we even mean by "nature." In the field work and academics, Round River stands out for their respect and conscientiousness for how to ethically do science as outsiders. They focus on how to help indigenous communities manage their land and constantly self-examine the sociopolitical implications of their presence. In turn, the science we do is hugely important and meaningful to the locals. My research felt so meaningful and appreciated, and I could see a clear cause my work would contribute to. My favorite component had to be the group dynamic the program allowed me to build. Since you live with 7 other students and 3 instructors in close quarters for the entire program, I had the chance to build incredible, loving bonds that made for endless inside jokes and a hugely supportive environment. This program is nothing like partying in Barcelona or being stuck in a classroom; living in a tent in the cold away from internet for several months may not be for everybody, but I see the world differently now and do it again in a heartbeat. Be prepared for lots of hiking, cold weather, and constantly changing or unknown schedule (unavoidable due to the programs dependence on weather and locals showing up... Mongolians have a much looser sense of time than you might be used to in the US!). I highly, highly, highly recommend this program for naturalists, adventurers, avid readers, lovers of nature, aspiring conservationists, those invested in defending indigenous rights, and anyone interested in a truly life-changing study abroad!

Round River did an excellent job putting together this program. I was looking for a study abroad program that would provide me with the opportunity to gain experience in wildlife field research, while also giving me the chance to be abroad and experience wildlife research in a different culture. I gained technical skills, as well as cultural experiences while abroad with Round River. The academics (though rushed at some times due to the rigorous schedule of the field work) were relevant to conservation and to Mongolia. The instructors were knowledgeable and friendly, and the students were awesome to be around. We were able to be immersed in the Mongolian culture in addition to spending so much time in the field. I would highly recommend this study abroad program to anyone who is looking to learn more about conservation, or wants to experience the back country of Mongolia. Mongolia is a phenomenal program to visit and Round River made the experience one of the best decisions that I ever made in college.

I joined the 2018 Summer program in Mongolia and it was incredible. From the breathtaking views of the jagged, high altitude mountains to the rolling plains, I couldn't have picked a more beautiful place to spend my summer. The conservation curriculum was interesting and informative. After completing the program, I feel confident conducting and presenting research to audiences that can use the work to implement political and environmental change. My favorite part of the program was the way Round River worked closely with the Horidal-Saridag Park Rangers, located near where we were stationed in Ulaan Uul, Mongolia. The relationships I made with the rangers, fellow students, and instructors are lifelong and key to the comprehensive conservation conducted during the summer. I would highly recommend this to the outdoorsy adventurous student who is looking to improve their conservation ideology and skills.