As salt as Neptune himself Past Review

By (Astrophysics & Political Science, Columbia University) for

Sea Education Association: The Global Ocean

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Apart from an extensive knowledge of oceanography and the maritime world which I never before possessed, nor imagined could become so useful, I am perhaps most grateful to SEA for its ability to build character. The grueling schedule and challenging transfer of responsibilities, while daunting and exhausting at first, quickly became one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

SEA provides a one-of-a-kind immersive educational experience, where your teachers in the classroom on shore become your shipmates at sea. The workload is intense, but targeted and fair. All knowledge gained in class is immediately applied to real world situations on the ship. Instructors and students share in each other's passion for the oceanographic projects being accomplished, and the maritime world around them.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

From the captain to the deckhand, everyone on board SEA vessels is knowledgeable, passionate, and accessible. Students get focused, individual attention from their watch officers, who confer more and more responsibility upon the students themselves as the trip progresses.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Students live in shared houses on shore, then on the ship.

* Food:

Students buy and prepare their own food on shore, with grocery money provided by the program. At sea, meals are prepared by the ship's steward, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as morning snack, afternoon snack, and midnight snack. All dietary restrictions are accommodated.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Being on a tall ship at sea!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

All program participants are well-trained in safety issues on board the ship, including how to deal with multiple kinds of fires, medical emergencies, man-overboard incidents, and proper sail handling. A full physical is needed before participation.

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? If you are captivated by the idea of spending a month sailing the high seas, do it. The opportunity may never come again.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Oceanography, 1 and 2

Course Department:
Instructor: Giora Proskurowski
Instruction Language: English
Comments: Taught half on shore by Dr. Proskurowski, and half via student research projects at sea, SEA's oceanography instruction cannot be beat by anything on land.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Maritime Studies

Course Department:
Instructor: Liz Fisher
Instruction Language: English
Comments: A fascinating course covering both maritime history and modern maritime issues, grouped thematically rather than chronologically, and brought to life through the energy and passion of Liz Fisher.
Credit Transfer Issues:
Course Name/Rating:

Nautical Studies

Course Department:
Instructor: Chris McGuire
Instruction Language: English
Comments: A challenging but rewarding overview of the many aspects of nautical science necessary for ship's operation during the sea component, including such topics as sail mechanics, celestial navigation, and meteorology.
Credit Transfer Issues: