The greatest experience of my life! Past Review

By (Communication and Media Studies., Western Washington University) for

Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Semester at sea challenged my worldview by exposing me, first hand, to the realities of the world. It changed my future by givening me an interest in international affairs and making me consider a minor in international studies. It changed my perspective to be more aware of my personal impact on the planet and to be more conscious that my actions have global reactions.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The class schedule is very different than home but it's easy to adapt to and the faculty is very forgiving.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Semester at sea is overall a very strong program. While adjusting to ship life and cultures that are very different from my own were challenging at times I honestly leaned the most from those challenges. If you have an open mind the. The program doesn't really hav any weaknesses.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Your living arrangements can range from staying on th ship to host families in the port. How you spend your time is really up to you.

* Food:

The food was good on the ship but it got old after awhile.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Thanks to this program I got to see the taj mahal, table mountain, Ha Long Bay, and the Great Wall of China all within one semester. Every in port experience I had helped to change my life in some way.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The Program takes safety very seriously. They have excellent medical facilities as well as top notch security on the ship. I never felt unsafe while with the program.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hostel
  • Hotel
  • Dorm
  • Host Family
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • International Students
  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being able to travel to 14 countries in one semester.
  • Some of the faculty seemed slightly unprepared for the challenges of teaching on a ship.
* What could be improved?
  • The food on the ship got a little monotonous.
  • Living on a ship with 450 other students that are all willing to adventure.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The title sounds a little cliche but it's just so true. Semester at sea challenged me to remove myself from my comfort zone and learn to truly experience the world. I met some amazing friends, experienced 14 ports ranging from Ghana to Japan, and learned more about myself, my future, and the people around me in those 111 days than I have in the rest of my college experience. This program is worth the money and all the time it takes to prepare.