Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SEA Semester is a very challenging but amazing program! Past Review

By (Maritime Archaeology, Juniata College) - abroad from 09/06/2012 to 01/02/2013 with

Sea Education Association: Colonization to Conservation in the Caribbean

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about my studying techniques and that if I push myself I can accomplish great things. It was a life-changing experience in that the way I view the world has completely changed and I now understand the importance of context. It was definitely worthwhile.

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.

A very challenging program that definitely helped me to grow as an individual.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Incredible!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program is great about getting you outside of the "touristy" areas of the countries we visited.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had a problem with seasickness during this program and, although the medical officer on the ship did give me medicine, I was not eating enough and I lost a lot of weight very quickly. They did not ensure that I was eating enough and I definitely feel as if this is a health and safety concern.

* Safety:

I felt very safe!

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 5-10 dollars

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Intermediate
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Advanced

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Classes
  • Sailing
  • Visiting the Islands
* What could be improved?
  • Health Procedures
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I get really seasick!

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.