Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

No study abroad program compares Past Review

By (University of Akron) - abroad from 09/10/2016 to 12/21/2016 with

Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself. I discovered some of my implicit biases and my comfort zone. My perspective on global issues and even issues within the US really changed. I feel like I am more open-minded, more compassionate, and more understanding now. Absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Courses were not very challenging

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

A lot of people complained about the food, I didn't mind it. A lot of potatoes and pasta though.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We were very welcome everywhere we went, but to me, it felt like we were invading all these countries we went to and taking over for a week.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

The only drawback to Semester at Sea, in my opinion, is how little time we spend in each country. If I were to do another study abroad program, I would stay in one country or region, rather than travel to 12 different countries.

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)

The only out-of-pocket expenses were those that we chose for spending money in the ports. However, it is very evident that, for the most part, SAS is a rich kid's program. Tuition and room and board is very expensive, as is field programs, and of course, transportation in-country, money for food (although meals are available on the ship while in-country), and spending money.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Approximately $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget beforehand, wash your own clothes, bring your own snacks

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I met in the program and in each country
  • Getting to experience so many cultures
  • The community on the ship was so close knit
* What could be improved?
  • More diversity/ representation in the shipboard community; more low income students, students of color, etc.
  • Program is subtly liberal
  • SAS is VERY expensive
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that I would meet the most amazing people that I wish I could still see everyday.

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!