SEA Semester is the most unique abroad program - once in a lifetime opportunity Past Review

By Eric S (Earth Science, Syracuse University) for

Sea Education Association: The Global Ocean

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

It was very worthwhile. I learned lots about the ocean, gained friendships that I don't think you can get with other programs, and had a great time. I now have a greater appreciation for the ocean and memories I'll keep forever.

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	My admissions counselor was very knowledgeable and helpful throughout the admission process. All my materials were in ahead of time, and she always made sure I knew specifically what had to get done not only prior to acceptance, but prior to arriving on campus as well.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?	Housing is done in actual houses. We had 8 students per house, 2 people per room. Houses were nice, furnished, full kitchen to cook, came with appliances, dishes, pots/pans, the works. Definitely a fun and unique experience. On the boat, quarters were tight of course, but it's a decent size for a sailboat.
* Food:	Great food for being on a boat! Cooking is done by students for the most part, so it's up to you to make it great!
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	Got along with everyone, port stop in Dominica was fantastic, a place I would likely not visit if it weren't for SEA. It's a very unique experience to spend a semester at sea.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	There are MANY safety precautions taken aboard the ship. Drills are performed regularly in case of emergencies, but great care is taken to make sure emergencies do not occur. I always felt safe even aboard the ship.
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)

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Other
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	It's tough work at times, but a very rewarding experience.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:	Maritime Studies
Course Department:	HST 200
Instructor:	Liz Fischer
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Learned lots about the history of the Caribbean. Very interesting topics were discussed, not your typical history course. The literature was great, and class discussions were engaging.
Credit Transfer Issues:	No.

Course Name/Rating:	Nautical Science
Course Department:	GEO 200
Instructor:	Chris McGuire
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	A unique course aimed at teaching the skills of navigation for sailing purposes. Very interesting, learned lots about how to sail, and the skills acquired apply to every day life. Great course!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No.

Course Name/Rating:	Oceanography
Course Department:	EAR 200
Instructor:	Amy Siuda
Instruction Language:	English
Comments:	Great course, learned all about ocean systems and the interactions with other earth processes. The instructor was very knowledgeable and easy to get along with, and I learned a lot!
Credit Transfer Issues:	No, all went through with the help of SU Abroad.