Community, challenge, and gratitude at sea Past Review
By A student (Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/27/2020 to 12/16/2020 with
Sea Education Association: Sustainability in Pacific Island Communities and Ecosystems
I learned so much about the ocean from scientific, cultural, historical and maritime lenses. You can learn about anything you want: stars, navigation, medicinal plants, volcanology!
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. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The houses at Woods Hole were basic but very comfortable, and obviously living on the ship was incredible. |
| * Food: |
I had no idea what to expect with this, but food on the ship was so good, our steward was amazingly talented. Very accomodating to dietary restrictions too! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Because of the nature of the program, a 3 day port stop will not make you feel like you are at all integrated into the culture. That being said, engaging with the local organizations and having observers on board from Tonga and Fiji was an amazing opportunity. I would say if you want to really dive deep into one place, pick a different program where you live in one community and can learn the language, build meaningful relationships, etc. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
We had a medical officer aboard who helped with any medical issues large or small. I didn't have any major issues so can't speak to that but I felt very safe aboard. |
| * Safety: |
Safety is a top priority on board. The crew is very clear about all of the dangers of life at sea and you prepare for any possible crisis. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program introduced me to the world of tall ships and I had the opportunity to talk and connect with so many people I would not have been able to meet otherwise. I am so grateful to them, to the boat, and to the places I was able to visit. |
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) |
You could do this program and spend almost no money at all. On the boat you only spend money at port stops, and even then its optional (food/souvenirs/drinks). |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 0-30 USD |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The more time you spend at sea the less you spend! SPICE has a few more port stops than other SEA trips. If you're really concerned just be at sea the whole time. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Pack more socks |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
