SEA Semester: the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life so far Past Review

By (Biology, Colgate University) for

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea - Summer Session

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to better work with other people, and I learned a great deal about myself. This experience truly shaped me as a person.

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.

I learned a great deal about sailing and the ocean, but what I really took away from the experience was the leadership training and the teamwork elements. The grading and teaching methods were similar to what I have been used to, but were in a much more engaging and exciting environment!

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

This program is incredibly well organized and executed

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

For the first four weeks, I lived in a dorm with 4 other students. It was very nice- we cooked our own food and really had a good community feel. For the second 4 weeks, we lived on board the ship, which was an incredible experience. I loved living in such a close knit community with so many people that had a common goal.

* Food:

The food was incredible for the entire voyage.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We started our voyage in Hawaii so we got to learn a lot about the culture there, as well as ocean culture in general.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The students on any SEA semester are well taken care of in terms of safety. Everyone is well briefed in safety guidelines and many drills are conducted on the vessel so that in the event of an emergency, everyone knows exactly what to do. Even though we were in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, I felt safe for the entire trip.

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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? APPLY. You will not regret it. Anyone can learn from this experience.