Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best Summer of My Life Past Review

By (Biology, Wellesley College) - abroad from 05/27/2014 to 06/28/2014 with

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea – Transatlantic Crossing ( Summer )

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about Marine Biology and myself. I grew into a stronger scientist and person. It was absolutely worthwhile.

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:

The steward, Sayzie Koldys, was fantastic in listening to the students' backgrounds and complementing meals to make them feel a little at home.

* 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

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Apply for grants early.

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

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Massive Amounts of Knowledge Gained
  • Steering the Ship
  • Lifelong Friendships
* What could be improved?
  • Giving the students sample ideas for their research instead of giving them a few days to decide on their own
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The North Atlantic is extremely cold.

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.