Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most epic once in a lifetime adventure you'll ever have. Past Review

By (Fairhaven Interdisciplinary Studies, Western Washington University) - abroad from 01/09/2013 to 04/25/2013 with

Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It's impossible to put into words what I learned. I've learned how big the world is, but also how small it is. I've learned that one person can make a difference. I learned that it's important to fight for what you're passionate about and to not take no for an answer. I learned that it's important to keep asking questions and to not be satisfied with answers that you don't find acceptable. Everybody will have an experience of their own, and it's impossible to put any of my experiences into words that people will understand. Just know this: if you choose to do Semester at Sea, you're in for the most worthwhile ride of your life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Ship food gets tiring after awhile, but you have to give credit where credit is due...the amazing staff is making three meals a day for 1,000 people. If it's good enough for Archbishop Desmond Tutu, it's good enough for you. Plus, you'll miss it when you get home, because it was part of your once in a lifetime experience.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

If you keep yourself accountable, it's easy to stay on budget. But if you don't keep track of your finances, it can get a bit difficult. Not only are you spending money in country, but also on the ship for food, snacks, and other items at the bookstore.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget and stick to it at all costs!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

You're only in country for at most a week, but attempting to speak the local language is an important component.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Three years of Spanish in High School.
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Host Family
  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Interdisciplinary
  • Community
  • Global
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To not take any moment for granted.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.