Best experience of my life. Past Review

By (University of Mississippi) - abroad from 07/07/2016 to 07/21/2016 with

Broadreach: Program at Sea - Caribbean Underwater Discoveries Voyage

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned that there is a world outside of highschool walls, which I think a lot of teenagers have trouble realizing. I learned how to scuba dive, and how to overcome any obstacle. I also learned how to create a family out of complete strangers.

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.

This is by far the best experience I've ever had. Class lectures were hands-on and exciting, hikes and dives were gorgeous, and the people were so welcoming. I definitely recommend this program to anyone and everyone.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration of the host-country was flawless. Welcoming, and always available to answer any questions you may have had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living on a catamaran was amazing. Incomparable to any other living situation!

* Food:

Healthy foods were prepped and served by the students. A wonderful bonding experience between housemates, and somewhat challenging when sailing!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I feel as though the locals welcomed us as part of their own family. We were only met with smiles as we participated in community events.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was not required to have any prior immunization, and the staff stressed hygiene, as illnesses can spread very fast on a live-aboard catamaran.

* Safety:

I never felt as though I was in any sort of danger. Always make sure to have multiple ways to fasten and lock any luggage while traveling- even while in the city.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I learned so much from the people I was living with, and would never change that.

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)

Things were very expensive there, but I did not find myself needing to buy much at all.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $100.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep the larger picture in mind. Would you rather have an amazing experience that will last you for the rest of your life, or some smaller insignificant thing?

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Scuba Diving
  • Nature
  • Learning
* What could be improved?
  • More rigorous classes
  • More time
  • More involvement with locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish i knew that not everything was going to go to plan, and that I should just go with the flow.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.