An Amazing Adventure Past Review

By (University of Connecticut) - abroad from 07/09/2016 to 08/04/2016 with

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea – Historic Seaports of Western Europe ( Summer )

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Most cultures share a lot of the similar aspects as us, and while we are all different in some way, we all share the same ocean.

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.

Everyone on board is very knowledgeable in both their academic knowledge and experience.

* 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?

You will get a chance to experience a variety of different cultures across Europe.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

While their is a huge emphasis on adventure, safety is one of their top priorities.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

This program offers you an adventure. You learn how to sail and live on a tall-ship while experiencing a verity of different cultures across Europe; all while learning about maritime history and it's modern implications on the world.

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)

Required to pay air fare for travel to and from Europe, but most everything else (food, transportation) is provided by SEA Semester minus what you decide to spend money on in port.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? On average, $80-90
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Defiantly prepare to spend a lot on food and souvenirs. Try to keep track of how much money you spend each day and always make sure you have a back-up stash of money for emergency.

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? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 2 years of High School foreign language
How many hours per day did you use the language?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Practice the language with someone who is fluent in that language.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people that you meet (students and crew)
  • The adventure of sailing
  • The ability to visit 4 different countries in a month
* What could be improved?
  • The restrictions placed on those who are on watch could be less restrictive (i.e. be allowed to sit down when on watch)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? The different terms used when sailing. Also, how to tie basic knots used for sailing.

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.