Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SEA - an unforgettably awesome experience, with unbelievably difficult peers Past Review

By (Middlebury College) - abroad from 03/19/2018 to 06/16/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about how to deal with challenging people. While it was difficult, I think I'm a more tolerant and understanding person because of it. Yes, it was worthwhile.

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.

Overall, this program is phenomenal. The resources, faculty and staff, and experience are all valuable and unique. There are 2 reasons why this was not a 5 star experience - my classmates, and the workload. Unfortunately, my classmates were not expected for the rigor, and some of the people I worked with were incorrigible and were frankly a nightmare to work with.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

SEA was great - they're helpful, patient, and excited to have you.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The accommodations were great, but we had to cook for ourselves, which was hugely time consuming. Especially since only a few of us contributed. We also did all the cleaning, same problems.

* Food:

Food on the ship was amazing. On shore, cooking was time consuming, but we generally were given enough money to purchase good food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Hardly ever had time to go to Woods Hole and mingle with the locals, or anywhere else on the Cape for that matter.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No health problems, but they were all knowledgeable. One student had a peanut allergy, for instance, and SEA approached it professionally and with excellence.

* Safety:

Never felt in danger.

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

I would do the program again without a question. Would I do it with the same people? No.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Experience (sailing)
  • Professional Staff
  • New knowledge
* What could be improved?
  • Student selection
  • Work load
  • Coordination between professors
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Focus on the people that you enjoy being around, rather than those who are giving you problems.

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.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Directed Oceanographic Research
Course Department: Biology
Instructor: Kerry Whittaker
Instruction Language: English
Comments: It was immersive, but very challenging. I loved the knowledge we gained, but I hugely disliked how the course revolved completely around a group project. This was a breaker for me, because my group was AWEFUL. It was seriously the worst group project I've ever been in, while covering pretty much the coolest group project material. It was a huge bummer. Still, I learned a lot, and am glad for the experience.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.
Course Name/Rating:

Advanced Topics in Biological Oceanography
Course Department: Biology
Instructor: Kerry Whittaker
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was a challenging, engaging class that was well integrated with the whole SEA experience. We learned a lot of very interesting material, but sometimes it felt crammed, and the workload - especially the readings - were overwhelming. Coming from a challenging school like Middlebury, I handled it well. Other students did not do so well, as nothing in their college had prepared them for the rigor. Even so, Professor Whittaker was patient, fun, and a good teacher, and understood that we were stressed. She also is a very fair grader.
Credit Transfer Issues: No.