The greatest experience of my life! Past Review
By Nick P (Communication and Media Studies., Western Washington University) for
Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus
Semester at sea challenged my worldview by exposing me, first hand, to the realities of the world. It changed my future by givening me an interest in international affairs and making me consider a minor in international studies. It changed my perspective to be more aware of my personal impact on the planet and to be more conscious that my actions have global reactions.
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The class schedule is very different than home but it's easy to adapt to and the faculty is very forgiving. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Semester at sea is overall a very strong program. While adjusting to ship life and cultures that are very different from my own were challenging at times I honestly leaned the most from those challenges. If you have an open mind the. The program doesn't really hav any weaknesses. |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Your living arrangements can range from staying on th ship to host families in the port. How you spend your time is really up to you. |
* Food: |
The food was good on the ship but it got old after awhile. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Thanks to this program I got to see the taj mahal, table mountain, Ha Long Bay, and the Great Wall of China all within one semester. Every in port experience I had helped to change my life in some way. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
The Program takes safety very seriously. They have excellent medical facilities as well as top notch security on the ship. I never felt unsafe while with the program. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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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? | The title sounds a little cliche but it's just so true. Semester at sea challenged me to remove myself from my comfort zone and learn to truly experience the world. I met some amazing friends, experienced 14 ports ranging from Ghana to Japan, and learned more about myself, my future, and the people around me in those 111 days than I have in the rest of my college experience. This program is worth the money and all the time it takes to prepare. |