Sailing French Polynesia Studying Climate & Society: A SEA Semester July 16, 2023

By A student (Environmental Studies, Earth & Climate Sciences, Middlebury College) - abroad from 01/05/2023 to 03/23/2023 with

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea - Climate & Society

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

I gained immense knowledge in a multitude of fields- from nautical studies to culture, geology, biology, etc. I gained so much perspective about myself and about my place in the world.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program?	1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program?	Yes Life-changing experience in every aspect.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component?	Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language? 0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program?	None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program?	Beginner
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live? Select all that apply	Other Hotel Hostel
* Who did you live with? Select all that apply	Americans International Students Other
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?	Living on a research tall ship sailing vessel Visiting numerous remote islands; learning from its inhabitants Creating incredible relationships and friendships with crew members and fellow students
* What could be improved?	n/a
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program?	That is was without-a-doubt worth it!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.	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.