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*Wilderness Medicine in the Alps : Reviews (Chamonix)

The following program review responses have been selected for publication by University of Utah
Program Review for Website
MARISA MERCIER, Summer 2018 Participant
BEST EXPERIENCE EVER! If you love the outdoors, adventure, and culture.. If you want to learn how to take care of yourself, your friends, and strangers in the backcountry.. If you want top tier education from world class doctors and instructors, THIS IS FOR YOU!! I would 110% take again.

 

Summer 2018 Participant
This was an absolutely phenomenal experience. It was humbling, enlightening and rewarding beyond words.

 

MATHEW RUST, Summer 2018 Participant
this was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Though it can be slightly pricey for some I feel it was well worth it and the instructors were amazing and the knowledge and skills you learn can be used practically in everyday life especially for those who enjoy outdoor activities

 

AMBER WOLFF, Summer 2018 Participant
This program was amazing! I highly recommend it to anyone interested in going into the medical field and anyone who loves to hike! This course was such a great experience-- I learned a lot about wilderness medicine, how to work as a team, how to communicate effectively as a team, and how to be a better hiker overall. The professors are amazing! They are great at connecting with the students as well as instructing.

 

Summer 2019 Participant
Overall an amazing experience. I was happy with all the amazing things and sites we were able to see while in the Alps. I think that some of the organization at times was a little on the rough side but I do understand that we were a very large group compared to past years. I was sad that we were unable to do one or two of the expected hikes on the syllabus because of ill planning.

 

Summer 2019 Participant
It was quite fun and I experienced a lot but did not learn much about wilderness medicine.

 

Summer 2019 Participant
Super fun course! Great way to meet others in the medical field and experience France. I learned many things, but more of the information was pretty basic. I would have loved to learn about how to use resources you have outdoors in case of an emergency, as what we learned required equipment that isn't likely to be held on your everyday outdoor activity. Overall, it was an awesome experience that I would definitely do again.

 

LAUREN JOHNSON, Summer 2019 Participant
I loved every second of this study abroad. It's perfect for people who love the outdoors and people who are interested in getting more involved in the outdoors. They did a great job of tailoring the different activities and classes to people who are super experienced and to those who don't have as much medical or outdoors experience. All of the leaders and teachers were so awesome. It was a great way to make new connections with people, see a beautiful new place, and try new things.

 

JOSHUA JONAS, Summer 2019 Participant
I believe this course can benefit anyone who is willing to take it, regardless of trajectory in college. I personally am not pursuing a medically related degree, but this course impacted me in ways I never could have imagined. Seeing some of the most beautiful sights in the world and experiencing the French culture deepened my love for this world and my desire to explore it.

 

EMMA KOSBAB, Summer 2019 Participant
This program was amazing! You get the time to really become at home in Chamonix and the faculty and staff are so wonderful to work with.

 

JEFFERSON SCHMIDT, Summer 2019 Participant
The alps are a dream for anybody who loves the outdoors, I couldn't think of a better place to learn more about wilderness medicine. You will be instructed by highly experienced doctors who have used everything they are teaching in the field. Their insight and experience is priceless!

 

Summer 2019 Participant
This was a really fun way to learn about wilderness medicin as well as explore the alps.

 

Summer 2019 Participant
This was a fun but very physically demanding course. In terms of academics, the course was excellent. Every professor or lecturer did an excellent job of conveying the information in an easily understandable manner. I feel much better prepared for a range of wilderness activities thanks to this course. I would warn future students of three things. First, the class felt very large. Second, a number of activities are extremely demanding physically. Third, there was a lot of free time during the course and students will be on their own for a large portion of the time. If you are someone who is okay with the things I mentioned above then I would one hundred percent recommend this course.

 

Summer 2022 Participant
The best experience of my life. Completely changed me.

 

Summer 2022 Participant
Probably the best thing I have done at the U. Absolutely loved it, would go every year if I could.

 

Summer 2023 Participant
2 critiques. 1, I am unsure why I paid the same amount for housing when I was sharing a bunk room, compared to other students who got their own room. 2, I don't feel like their was much cultural immersion because we were with the group the whole time and did not do anything that had to do with the locals or their culture.

 

Summer 2023 Participant
This program is great for any individual who has any interest in the outdoors or outdoor activities. Do not be afraid to take this course if you haven't participated in all the activities we do before. The instructors are there to help and everyone is so encouraging. On top of the great environment the material the course covers is worth going for.

 

Summer 2023 Participant
This program was the most fun that I have ever had. I met some of the most amazing people while doing activities that left me speechless. Also I was able to learn some very useful knowledge for when I am in wilderness settings in the future. I would highly recommend this program if you are someone who enjoys the outdoors. You will not be disappointed whatsoever.

 

Summer 2023 Participant
Overall, I had an amazing time studying abroad. This was a wonderful trip in which I was able to get to know many wonderful professors and physicians who are incredibly knowledgeable in their field and amazing to spend time with. The area itself is a beautiful environment to hike and adventure, as well as learn and grow as a person. I came out of this trip much more knowledgeable and eager to continue my studies in Medicine!

 

Summer 2023 Participant
Because we travelled to a town that was heavily saturated with tourists, I was not immersed as fully in the culture as I anticipated to be.

 

Summer 2023 Participant
Do not hesitate to go on this trip. If you have ANY interest, sign up and you will not regret it. This is the best learning abroad program if you enjoy the outdoors, are on a pre-health track, or just simply want to learn more about wilderness medicine. The skills learned on this trip are extremely valuable and learning from the beautiful outdoors of Chamonix, France makes the trip truly once in a lifetime.

 

Summer 2023 Participant
A truly great time in an incredible place. The program has assembled an incredibly talented instructional team who created a great curriculum but also allow for free time and independent exploration. 10/10

 

Summer 2023 Participant
This was definitely and experience of a lifetime! I had a great time and learned some valuable things. It is definitely something that will enhance your major if you are going into the medical field.

 

Summer 2023 Participant
This is the best decision you can ever make. Chamonix is a magical place. It is so beautiful and there is so much to do. The views of this place are breathtaking and unlike any other city. The program is filled with so many amazing activities that you would normally never get to do. You get to hike, rock climb, river raft, ride gondolas, go inside glaciers, learn, eat, explore the city, and more! You have a lot of time to see the city and do your own excursions as well. You also get to stay in beautiful chalets that have unmatched views! It is genuinely one of the most fun experiences I have ever had and I made so many amazing friends in the process! If you every get the opportunity to do this trip, you need to!

 

Summer 2023 Participant
Amazing program led by an amazing guy. 10/10 would do again.

 

Summer 2023 Participant
Incredible experience. So glad I went.