Semester at Sea: A Summer That Was Not Real Life Past Review

By (Communication, Trinity University) for

Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It opened my eyes to a lot of the possibilities out there in the world, and also how many hardships people and countries are going through. It also made me appreciate the U.S. and my own luxuries more.

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 workload was just different because it was lot to cover in a short amount of time, so I was constantly reading and writing papers on the ship, but nothing was too unrealistic.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program size was small and close-knit so I felt comfortable there. Also, administration was very accessible to students.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Quality of food was good on the boat, and in most countries.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everything about my experience, the people and places, taught me a lot about myself, and I definitely feel like a changed person for having gone through everything I did, the good and the bad.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

We were prepared for any safety issues that might occur in countries, but for the most part nothing was too unsafe.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Tipping the stewards cost about a dollar a day, they suggested. Also, you may not think you'll buy snacks on the ship, but you probably will. Souvenirs can get pricey after buying them in a bunch of countries, but make sure you get at least one from each.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans