Great and once in a lifetime experience with a few hiccups Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We attended class most nights and gained hands on experience during the day. Our teacher expected very much out of us and inspired us to ask many questions! We had homework, quizzes, final exams, and two projects. Although the course load was heavy most students enjoyed all of the information!

On-site administration of your program

They were concerned with our well being for the most part. When we would go on hikes, they would sometimes fail to take a form a communication. One time a girl hurt herself and students had to carry her back to the beach that we were dropped off at and attempt to wave down the crew that stayed on the boat because no one brought a VHF or any source of communication.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

It is a boat so it is slightly cramped, which isn't bad! The heat and lack of airflow/ or AC throughout the cabin at night are what made the living arrangements a little on the uncomfortable side. Most students were up at various times of the night, if not most of the night, drenched in sweat and unable to sleep. For a while, the electrical connection that ran the fans in our beds (our only source of moving air) was faulty and we would lose power in the middle of the night, depriving us of flowing air and causing at least a few students to wake up overheated. The crew was woken up on these occasions and they did their best to fix the reoccurring problem. AC sometimes ran during the day, but this was when most students were out doing various activities.

The fridge/ freezer would sometimes be turned off (if the generator was not running) or break. Food was susceptible to temperatures ranging form 20 degrees Fahrenheit to 75 degrees Fahrenheit and then back down to 20 again. Most food was still kept even if this occurred. Some students had intestinal issues due to this.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

On one or two of the islands we took guided tours around. On Dominica we were taken on a fruit tour through the various villages.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

If someone had a health issue, their emergency money was given to them and they were granted to go by themselves to the local clinic. One girl cut her foot open by jumping onto a rock and they wrapped her foot in a rubber glove. It did not heal, so a few days later students convinced her to go to a clinic.

At times, we were not informed of the length of the hikes we did. Although they were very fun, students were often unprepared for what was to come. Some times we were told we could wear sandals only to find out it was not just a walk but a hike and many students feet were penetrated by thorns.

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

Sometimes we were allowed to eat on land. Many students spent most of their money on food because of the refrigerator problem on board most would get sick.

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• Other

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• Local Students

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• Local Students

• The places we traveled
• The overall experience of being a on boat
• The knowledge we gained

• Crew evaluation
• Upkeep of boat
• Structure of the trip

The Avid Adventurer