Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Introduction to Caribbean adventures through sailing. Past Review

By (University of Idaho) - abroad from 06/19/2012 to 07/08/2012 with

Sea|mester: S/Y Ocean Star - Caribbean Basin Voyages

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned tons more about sailing and the basic knowledge needed for being on a big boat.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I think the program was very educational but it did not take full advantage of the short time we spent abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

I would have preferred a healthier selection and less emphasis on needing to eat at every scheduled meal.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They were very accomadating for other students who needed healthcare throguhout the trip.

* Safety:

The program was very safe, I never felt I was in a dangerous situation.

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)

The meals and everything that was essential was included so it was minimal cost, although I did bring quite a bit of spending money for souveniers and eating out.

* Was housing included in your program cost? Yes
* Was food included in your program cost? Yes
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent about $75-100 each week on eating out, showering, and souveniers.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Hold back on buying expensive meals and cold drinks, also be sure to bring all the lotions and sunscreens you need because they are more expensive locally.

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

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Knowledge of the instructors.
  • Number of countries we were able to visit.
  • Hiking and scuba diving we did.
* What could be improved?
  • I think more could be fit in to some days.
  • The food could be healthier and geared more towards an adults diet.
  • Making official plans with outside programs in advance, so that every stop actually happens.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about how days were run when on passage, and that the pace of each day would be more relaxed and slower.