Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A life at sea is the life for me! Past Review

By (Marine Sciences., University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 03/24/2014 to 05/31/2014 with

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea - Marine Biodiversity & Conservation

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained some incredibly useful sailing techniques and science techniques.It was definatley worthwhile.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The SEA administration office is full of incredibly helpful and wonderful people. Many of them are Alumni of the program so they know exactly what you need.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

This program emphasizes integration into ship culture instead of the culture of one specific country.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We had a ship's doctor who was very nice and friendly.

* Safety:

Safety is one of the most important things aboard a vessel. If you are not being safe then your shipmates are not safe.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Almost none, you are given a grocery card and you buy your own groceries.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Plan out what meals you will be cooking that week. It will keep you from buying things that you don't need.

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

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The sailing!
  • My shipmates!
  • The food!
* What could be improved?
  • The policy class was unorganized.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Try to get in shape beforehand. It will make your experience more enjoyable. I was out of shape when I first got on the boat. By the end of the day I was too tired to enjoy my first week. But even if you are out of shape you will enjoy yourself once your body gets use to the routine of ship life. Also if you play an instrument BRING ONE! Nothing beats listening to music as the sun goes down over the ocean.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!