Taking a TRAL degree to Patagonia

I'm a second-year student majoring in Tourism, Recreation, and Adventure leadership as well as minoring in Business Administration.

Patagonia has always been a bucket-list destination for me, especially being someone who has a passion for the outdoors. It is world-renowned for its rivers, mountains, flora, fauna, and culture, and I couldn't turn down the opportunity to spend spring break here. I heard about the program through my TRAL classes and knew a couple people who had a great experience on the trip in prior years.

Getting the chance to raft the Bridge to Bridge section of the Futaleufú River, one of the most famous river segments in the world, was by far the most amazing part of the trip. I'll never forget seeing the water crash into our boat with the fog-covered peaks in the distance. It truly was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Getting the chance to hike and see glaciers in Cerro Castillo National Park was also a core experience. I also just really enjoyed getting a feel the unique local culture by eating at restaurants, shopping, taking in the views, and just walking around town. The trip is so packed with experiences and there surely is something for everyone on the trip.

This trip directly covers one of the courses, Parks and Protected Areas Management, required for my TRAL major. It was a no-brainer to take the course in Patagonia once I heard that was an option. We learned about how Chile manages their protected areas through several conversations with local National Park and National Reserve park guards, along with firsthand experiences exploring the landscapes we were studying.

Being able to see how policies and management strategies are applied in real time made the material much more meaningful and easier to understand. It connected classroom concepts to real-world practice and gave me a broader, global perspective on conservation and recreation management.

This program has been the highlight of my college experience so far, and you really can't go wrong with any of the amazing programs available. I would say to take the chance and go for it, even if it feels a little intimidating at first. A faculty-led program gives you the opportunity to learn in a completely different environment, build closer relationships with professors and other students, and experience things you simply can’t get in a traditional classroom. It pushes you outside of your comfort zone in the best way and helps you grow both academically and personally.

Studying abroad no matter the program or place on paper can seem pricey, but there's a lot of amazing scholarships out there that are available to students pursuing education abroad. My biggest recommendation is to just apply. Often you'll find the cost is more attainable than you might think once scholarships are involved.