Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Go to SEA! Past Review

By (Environmental Science, Barnard College) - abroad from 09/28/2015 to 12/23/2015 with

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea - Oceans and Climate

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I became incredibly confident in my abilities to do shipboard oceanographic research.

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.

Very rigorous - the hardest I have worked academically in my college career. Individual attention from instructors was incredibly high, and thus I was held accountable for my learning far more than in a traditional setting. I developed hugely as a scientist and researcher.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Everyone lives in a house together on campus, then together on the ship. Great bonding experience and so much fun.

* Food:

I loved how we took turns cooking for each other. Again, so much better than the traditional individualistic experience at college.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Boat culture!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Seasickness is real, and was dealt with professionally and thoroughly.

* Safety:

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

I love science! O&C is definitely a program for nerdy folk who want to spend literally every waking moment with sailing and science. If you want to have spare time, pick a different program.

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? About $20 for basic expenses, but most things are covered by the program itself.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Keep in mind that extra traveling before and after the program is a major additional expense.

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
* 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?
  • Sailing and research on the blue blue sea!
  • Individual attention from instructors
  • Bonding with fellow students
* What could be improved?
  • Dealing with social issues aboard the ship
  • Preparation for the 24-hour watch schedule
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Take seasickness medication BEFORE it becomes an issue (even if you think you don't need 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.