Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Single Most Rewarding Experience Of My Life Past Review

By (English Lit, Colorado Christian University) for

Sea Education Association: Colonization to Conservation in the Caribbean

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Beyond worthwhile. I would do it 100 more times if I could. It has ruined me for all other academic experiences--SEA Semester will always be the highest bar to which I compare all else.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

It's a very intensive academic program, but all of the material is interesting and highly applicable to everything that is done on and around the boat.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

S.E.A. has been around for 40 years, and it is obvious. They have worked out almost every kink imaginable--extremely smooth program, all around.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

We ate like kings on land! S.E.A. provides a weekly gift card to a local supermarket that is shared between members of the house in which we lived. As long as there is agreement between housemates about what to eat and how to budget, the money can go FAR. During the sea component, the most amazing food was served--and there was so much of it! Three meals AND three snacks a day. Plus, our steward was a brilliant chef--my stomach has never been so happy.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Unforgettable experiences in each country we visited--we were highly immersed in each culture and met wonderful people who shared with us wonderful things.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Our safety was the highest priority to all of the crew members on board the boat.

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)

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people. I loved the community.
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly can't think of anything.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? This is a program that will only be successful if you are easy going, hard working, a team player, and WIDE open to all experiences. The work can get really dirty and the lifestyle is physically, mentally and emotionally exhausting. You need to be optimistic about everything that is happening--even the grossest jobs are rewarding if you stay optimistic. You may get sea sick, but take a look at the sunset in front of which you get to be puking!! Life can be hard on the boat, but it is WAY beyond good.