Marine Studies Program in Mystic Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The field seminars were a great way to meet the professors on a very personal level, and although not graded where one of the best part of the experience.

On-site administration of your program

The office staff were the most wonderful people. They were in charge of everything from mail, to snacks, to making sure the lunch orders got in on time. I cannot express how helpful they were in working with my college's financial aide, and with making us feel welcome and loved.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in the old Mallory House. After this semester Mallory House will be moved to the building that used to be called Labaree (and the building that used to be Labaree will be moved to Dickerman). Our house was falling apart (which will no longer be a problem) but was well equiped with cooking equipment ecetera. <br /><br /> All of the houses are close together which is great for parties, and for getting to class. The houses were all well equipped, including free laundry. There were even spices in the kitchen from previous semesters. Living with other students in a cooperative environment can be challenging, but as long as the students have a defined cleaning, and eating schedule, everything will work out fine.

Eat house gets $50 per person per week. Shopping was a challenge, as people have different taste in food, and some houses did not have enough money. I would choose to stick with A&P because it is cheaper. My house was also challenged in that some of the students did not know how, or did not enjoy cooking where as other students were enthusiastic. Some houses chose to each fend for themselves. Another problem that arose was that 2/4 houses had vegetarian/non-red meat eaters, complicating matters further. This is different every semester, some semesters have vegetarian households. Barbeques with other houses are great ways to get meals, ect. If students are going to eat out, the Mystic Soup Co. is a great great place to get a warm meal...mmmm. Drawbridge icecream is also great.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The culture is no different from a traditional college. Mystic is a great town for running, and the student run parties were great. Inviting other houses or the faculty/staff for dinner is a great opportunity to get to know them on a more personal dinner. The drinking songs night with Don Cinetti and Mike was pretty cool as was sleeping on the Charles W. Morgan. The german club offers dancing if anyone is into contra dancing. I tended not to go to Conn College as there was plenty to do in Mystic.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Mystic is extremely safe, none of the other hosues ever locked their doors. When one student injured her knee (playing frisbee) a staff member and I took her to the hospital. It was an average American hospital and Jim (the program Director) and the other professors were very understanding and helpful regarding the injury and follow ups.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

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• Other

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• Americans