Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Rewarding and Amazing Semester! Past Review

By (Environmental Studies, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/25/2017 to 12/21/2017 with

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea - Oceans and Climate

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained so much from my experience doing SEA Semester and it was very worthwhile! I was really pushed out of my comfort zone and gained a lot of confidence through this experience. I knew very little about oceans and nothing about sailing before SEA Semester and I gained a real interest and appreciation of the sea and sailing. I would highly recommend SEA Semester for any student who is interested in a challenging and fulfilling semester learning about the ocean and themselves.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

There was a lot of work at times, but none was too difficult, particularly on board. The academic load on board allowed for me to really appreciate being on board a tall ship. I got really great feedback from my professors which was very valuable.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

On shore we lived in small houses on the SEA campus which was great. Living on the boat was incredible.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

SEA does a good job having students learn about local culture and allowed us to explore on our own along with the field trips on port stops, but this isn't really the focus of SEA Semester.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I didn't have any health problems, but the boat was very well stocked and sea sickness in particular was very well taken care of

* Safety:

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? $10

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
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Learning to sail
  • Science deployments
  • The amazing sense of community
* What could be improved?
  • Organization
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You really don't need to pack a lot! I was very happy that I didn't bring a lot of clothing and items. Also, there isn't internet access on the boat, so make sure that you have somebody to register for your classes for you and that your housing is taken care of.