Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Everyone should be a tall ship mariner. Everyone. Past Review

By (Environmental Science., University of Chicago) - abroad from 06/16/2014 to 08/12/2014 with

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea – Protecting the Phoenix Islands ( Summer )

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was life-changing, and I do not use the term lightly. I cannot wait until I get back out to sea.

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:

Nina Murray was an INCREDIBLY fantastic steward aboard the ship. The food was phenomenal. And the food my shipmates and I made during the shore component was also lovely.

* 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

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)

Excellent budget training during shore component. Very reasonable.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? apx. $250 for a house of 8 per week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? This advice should be self apparent, but cook meals by buying ingredients--it tastes better and is easier on the wallet than buying pre-made or pre-packaged food.

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
  • International Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The crew aboard the ship
  • Learning about tall ships
  • Exploring incredible, remote places
* What could be improved?
  • I'm
  • not
  • sure
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save time at the end to stay on for yard for an extra month! Leaving Pago Pago after only a day was a mistake, and I wish I stayed to work more on the ship.

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.