A True Adventure I'll Remember Forever Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Learning about marine biology out in the field is a whole new experience compared to a classroom. While being taught about marine mammals, we were able to apply what we had learned the next day. British Columbia was a playground for marine mammals giving us plenty of visual aids.

On-site administration of your program

I was extremely nervous coming into the program to meet my instructors. I trusted they would be extremely kind and qualified but I just didn't know what to expect. The first week into the program, I couldn't have been thankful enough for my instructors. They made my trip ten times more enjoyable. Their experience really inspired me and taught me not just about marine biology but about life in general. I know I will stay in touch with them and cherish their friendships for a lifetime.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Never having gone camping before, I didn't know what to expect or how much I would enjoy it. This program had the perfect balance between camping and staying at research field stations. Traveling to secluded islands, we camped in the most beautiful and prestigious campgrounds. Camping with the students in my group, just made me so much closer to each of them individually and was a great way to bond. I have grown extremely fond of camping and will cherish the skills I developed. Besides camping, we stayed at two field stations throughout the trip. Staying in beautiful wooden rooms at both stations, it was extremely comfortable and couldn't have felt more like home. Each living arrangement I experienced on this trip; I think about almost every single day. I truly felt like I was living with my family and genuinely miss it.

I was very cautious and nervous about our daily meals going into the trip just because I knew I could be a picky eater sometimes, especially since I am vegetarian. However this program was extremely accommodating to every single students' needs in my group. Every day we cooked meals together and even learned some recipes. I didn't know camping could be so glamorous until we made food at our first camp site. Warm and delicious, healthy foods were made everyday and I still continue to make certain recipes I learned on the trip, in my daily life. The saying: "food tastes better when you're camping", could've never been more true.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyday, we learned more and more about B.C.'s culture and the natives. Learning about their ways of life and respect for marine life was very eye opening. I could easily see how different the local culture was compared to my home town. I was able to take back home a lot of impacting beliefs and learned lifestyles, that I think definitely changed the way I view things in the world today.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I was amazed by the healthcare not only from local clinics on this trip but by my both my instructors' experience as well. I personally had a health issue closer to the end of this trip and I couldn't have been with a better pair of instructors. Them using their knowledge and skills, I was instantly cared for and taken to a clinic near one of our campsites where a doctor helped me and did everything she could. The instructors prioritized keeping in contact with my parents every step of the way. My parents were very appreciative and were able to trust that I was in good hands. As for getting my medical forms prior to this trip, I did not have to get any special vaccines. I was already up to date on all the general vaccines so it was very easy to get my medical forms. Overall, I couldn't have been more thankful for the help I received when I needed it. Never once was there a moment on this trip where I didn't feel safe or cared for.

I found that every city we went to in British Columbia was very welcoming and safe. I never once felt endangered. Everywhere we went, the people were very kinda and respectful and it was a breath of fresh air to meet so many amazing people. I would definitely recommend this trip to anyone looking for a very safe location to travel to. I personally have already made plans to go back to Vancouver and all the amazing places we went.

Originally when looking for a program, I was set on doing a caribbean adventure, however I would do this program all over again. Learning about marine mammals in British Columbia is something I think everyone needs to experience in their lifetime. The diverse ecosystems and marine life in the waters of B.C. were filled with surprises everyday. Seeing several whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions every single day was unreal. Even the smallest organisms found on the beach or in intertidal zones were just so fascinating. Coming back from B.C., it will always hold a special place in my heart. I think this program is like none other. The amazing sights we saw and experienced everyday made me feel like I was watching an episode of Animal Planet. It exceeded all of my expectations.

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

Having saved my money, I only took $200 for my own spending money on this trip. I didn't use any of this money until the last couple days to purchase gifts and personal souvenirs for myself. We were always provided food by the program so I never had to spend money on that.

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• Hotel
• Hostel

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• My amazing instructors and the group of students I traveled with. We all became a family and I still talk to the new friends I made on the program every single day.
• The beautiful location and the way we were immersed into the wilderness.
• The amazing research field stations that welcomed our group with open arms and instantly become an extended family to us.

• It was difficult some days to manage the amount of academic work we had to do with traveling and having free time. Lightening the load of assignments and lessons would've made some days less stressful and more easy going.

The Avid Adventurer