Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Eye-opening Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/28/2017 to 11/15/2017 with

Sea Education Association: Sustainability in Pacific Island Communities and Ecosystems

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely worthwhile- opened my eyes to a love for sailing, a deeper understanding of the ocean and the complexity of the ecosystem

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

* 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

Loved the faculty, shipmates and crew, learning to sail, scenery was beautiful, spoke to a lot of South Pacific artists and environmentalists who were passionate and insightful

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? Did not spend money while on the ship; maybe $50 USD on souvenirs/food from port stops
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save money by grocery shopping for soup/sandwiches instead of eating out

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
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Sailing
  • Oceanography research
  • Speaking with tapa artists
* What could be improved?
  • Shore component preparation of scientific equipment and sailing maneuvers prior to boarding the ship
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? It’s ok to be very wrong sometimes

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.