Bio-luminescent Dolphins Past Review

By (Anthropology, Environmental Studies, Kenyon College) - abroad from 08/24/2014 to 11/08/2014 with

Sea Education Association: The Global Ocean

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Yes, my experience on SEA Semester: The Global Ocean C-255 was worthwhile. I gained leadership experience, confidence, and friends for life. I learned how to coil and hang the deck, the magic of flamenco dance, how to hail super tankers, how to plot a point, and quite a bit more.

Review Photos

SEA Semester: The Global Ocean, Europe Photo SEA Semester: The Global Ocean, Europe 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.

This program was the most dense and productive learning period of my life. Life at shore and at sea was conducive to community learning and project creativity.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our port stops were well connected to organizations on the ground. In Cadiz, Spain, we got tapas with local oceanography students, which gave us instant connections with people from the area and led to a variety of plans with them on our days off. Visiting a focused variety of places on port stops made for first person perspectives on comparative cultural studies.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

In Woods Hole, the houses have comfortable rooms and full service, cozy kitchens. On the boat, the bunks are exactly what you need.

* Food:

In Woods Hole, working together to cook for ourselves fostered the sense of community needed for the boat. On the boat, out steward Bex created mind blowing meals even when we were rocking and rolling, heeled over on a starboard tack!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture of the boat is a country in itself. The learning community of students and professors from all over the country is inspiring.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

No vaccines necessary. One of my shipmates had a health issue that was cared for promptly and thoroughly.

* Safety:

All crew on the boat are incredible knowledgeable about how to stay safe, and are good at communicating it to students.

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)

Everything is covered.

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
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people
  • The boat
  • The places
* What could be improved?
  • A few different port stops.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light, and then pack even lighter.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!