Best Time of My Life! Past Review

By (Aerospace, Aeronautical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin) - abroad from 06/26/2017 to 07/07/2017 with

Broadreach: Program At Sea - Caribbean Marine Biology Voyage

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Whether it's diving, interacting with strangers, or cleaning a boat, the knowledge I learned on my program is integral to who I am today. It gave me first-hand experience with aspects typically skimmed over in classroom textbooks. It's a rewarding experience that will stay with you forever

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academics taught on the boat is catalyzed by the environment that it is taught in. The Caribbean posed as an excellent classroom and made the learning process incredibly efficient. Even though the programs are relatively short in comparison to other abroad programs, I feel that you really do get more out of a Broadreach trip. You can learn about a certain topic and actually witness it just mere moments after. It makes educational retention a breeze- all while soaking in the crisp, Caribbean sun!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The instructors were fantastic. Each has their own quirks, ideas, and attitudes that all combine to make the trip a blast. They are incredibly easy to talk to and will assist you in anything. The training each one has is tremendous, and I felt secured each step of the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

While the boats are small, they have a vibe that cannot be matched by even a five-star hotel. It's something that you'll just have to experience yourself. Cleanliness is a huge part of a Broadreach trip and the boat is washed down each night. I never felt as if the housing was inadequate or poorly arranged. Waking up to lapping waves and the Caribbean air is better than anything on land; I guarantee it!

* Food:

While on a Broadreach program, you have to keep in mind that you are on a boat. You're mostly eating fruits, canned foods, and snacks. The meals are pre-planned and your peers cook. Don't expect a 5 course meal, but this should be the least of your worries. It's only part of the experience, and in my opinion, it made me feel really grateful for what I have on land.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Although we didn't get to see much culture off the boat, I feel that I really connected to those who we did come in contact with. The people of Saba were incredibly nice and willing to help you in whatever it may be.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Although I didn't have any health issues on my trip, I did witness a few incidents with my peers. One student had some ear issues following a dive. My diving instructor was quick to help the student, and she was healthy again in no time.

* Safety:

This program is all about safety! From the moment I left the Broadreach Pad, program rules were strictly enforced. Life Preservers were imperative while under sail, diving instructors kept a close watch, and student's were held accountable for their actions. I'd recommend bringing a nice headlamp on the trip. I brought the Black Diamond Spot, and it made walking around the boat at night much easier.

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

The program was incredibly rewarding and taught me to look at life in a new way. I would recommend it to anybody and feel confident in saying that I have improved as a result of the program.

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)

N/A

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend your money on gifts during town days

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • N/A
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Scuba Diving
  • Meeting New People
  • Hands-on Learning
* What could be improved?
  • Meals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish somebody would have told me to bring more camera batteries! Electricity is scarce, and you'll want to have enough battery to last a good while. Bring a portable charger.