A voyage across the ocean that challenged and revealed my character Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/29/2016 to 11/16/2016 with

Sea Education Association: Sustainability in Pacific Island Communities and Ecosystems

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
First of all, this experience was hard work. I was 1/25 responsible for an 8 million dollar ship and all of the souls on-board. It taught me discipline, timeliness, and gave me the tools to problem solve in situations where I would usually be quick to ask for help. This experience was totally worthwhile.

Review Photos

SEA Semester: Programs at Sea - Sustainability in Polynesian Island Cultures & Ecosystems Photo SEA Semester: Programs at Sea - Sustainability in Polynesian Island Cultures & Ecosystems Photo SEA Semester: Programs at Sea - Sustainability in Polynesian Island Cultures & Ecosystems Photo SEA Semester: Programs at Sea - Sustainability in Polynesian Island Cultures & Ecosystems Photo SEA Semester: Programs at Sea - Sustainability in Polynesian Island Cultures & Ecosystems Photo

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I only spent about 3-5 days in each country I visited, so it wasn't enough time to be totally immersed. However, in that short time, we explored and learned a lot about the culture form the people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* 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)

I was on ship where everything was provided to me. Any money I spent was for fun.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $50

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
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
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?
  • Visiting multiple countries via ship
  • The relationship I have with my shipmates
  • The emphasis on interactions with locals
* What could be improved?
  • Academic rigor
  • Preparing students for life at sea
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You do NOT need as many clothes as you think you do.

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 Nearly Native or Trail Blazer
Craving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.'