The world is a book, read every page Past Review
By Wade D (Spanish Language and Literature., University of Scranton) - abroad from 01/09/2011 to 05/14/2011 with
Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus
Stay outside your comfort zone. Learn from your mistakes. Leave nothing behind. Most worthwhile experience I have ever had.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 6 months+ |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Not the most rigorous program but the most learning I have taken away from any educational experience. The diversity in class topics, field work, and educators make any course load a unique and valuable experience. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administrative team was top notch. We had the utmost respect for our dean of curriculum to dean of students. They brought valuable experience, personality, and creativity to the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
If you spend more than whatever time is necessary to be sleeping in your cabin you have wasted this experience. And let me tell you, rocking ship, dark rooms, comfortable beds...its the best sleep you will ever get. |
| * Food: |
On ship food maybe a 4 but you are traveling around the world with the opportunity to eat in a new country every few days. This study abroad is any foodies heaven. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
You are mixing with 12 unique cultures. You become a pro at this and it is the most valuable take-a-way. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
This program will cost you. But SaS offers several scholarships and work studies. Come willing to spend your savings, it is worth every penny. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
Spanish was used in 3 of the 12 ports. |
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | Intermediate |
| How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? | Intermediate |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | Stay away from the FDP's, plan your own adventures. |
