An adventure of a lifetime Past Review

By (Environmental Studies., Middlebury College) - abroad from 02/14/2012 to 05/05/2012 with

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea - Oceans and Climate

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to sail and live in a completely new environment.

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.

It was an amazing experience. It was mentally, emotionally and physically challenging.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the shore component we lived in a house where we were provided with a food budget and were able to cook for ourselves. It helped us become closer together before living on the boat.

* Food:

On shore we cooked for ourselves. We had two stewards on the boat that we also assisted with cooking our meals.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were able to interact with locals at Christmas Island, but we were not there for a long period of time.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They warned us of potential issues and I always felt comfortable approaching the administration with any problems.

* Safety:

I always felt 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)

The food budget was provided by SEA Semester, I hardly spent any money.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? You do not actually need to spend any money.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The community that was formed
  • How much I learned and grew
* What could be improved?
  • Communication while on the boat
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it would be as mentally challenging as it was, but that is what made it worthwhile.