SEA Was The Best Thing I Have Ever Done! Past Review
By Chelsea G (Biology, University of Mary Washington) for
Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea - Summer Session
Yes! It was absolutely amazing! The way that I formed bonds with people and the way that together we overcame challenges surpassed my expectations. I thought I would just learn how to sail and collect scientific data, but I learned so much about myself, what I am capable of, and what people are capable of when they support each other. It's been almost a year and I'm still talking about it and dreaming about going back some day.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The workload was challenging, but not impossible. The teachers are all great, they were much more personable then in a normal classroom. You really get to bond with teachers in this program, a result of working closely with them for weeks. There is a huge focus on problem solving and teamwork, but all the work is fun and thought-provoking. Everyone in the program was great! |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The ship was an amazing experience. You learn how to work it, set/strike the sails, keep it clean, learn how to cook and help out with the engine. You learn navigation by sun and stars. It's unlike anything else. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
For a month on land, you live in a house with your classmates. You cook together, eat together, and work together. For the second month, at sea, you live on the ship (you have your own bunk), and work and live closely with the other students, teachers, and crew members. A great experience. |
| * Food: |
The food on the ship was to die for! Some of the best steaks, fresh bread, french toast, and cupcakes (rainbow cupcakes) I've ever had! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You become so close with so many different people from so many different walks of life! The bond you build with your shipmates is amazing, it was difficult to say goodbye. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I had no health issues except for sea sickness, but they had medicine on the ship. The safety was excellent. You spend the first two days on the ship doing firedrills, abandon ship drills, and man overboard drills. Everyone has a role and you know it clearly before you leave the dock. Safety is taken very seriously. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't be afraid to do it. It's so challenging and so rewarding, and so unlike any other experience you will ever have. It will change your life for the better. |
