Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The most challenging experience of my life, as well as the most rewarding. Past Review

By (University of Maine - Orono) - abroad from 06/12/2017 to 08/11/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to sail, to plan scientific research, to undergo scientific research, to handle expensive sampling equipment, to be able to work with different personalities, and to be confident in myself and my abilities.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

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?

On-shore housing was a house you shared with 10 other people. Three people per room. Co-ed house; not co-ed rooms. On the boat you lived and slept in bunks.

* Food:

On shore, each house was given a weekly gift-card to the local grocery store. Houses had to meal-plan together. On the boat, the steward and shifting assistants made meals. Meals accommodated dietary restrictions.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We had little interaction with islanders, but had a potluck-style dinner with them where they performed traditional song and dance.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

There was little they could do aboard the boat, and they only had one not-very experienced medial personal on-board. Sea-sickness was a big issue for some students and could have been dealt with better,

* Safety:

During the shore component, Woods Hole/Falmouth, MA was a very safe environment. Life on the sea comes with many risks but the program did well at risk management, prevention, and education.

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

It was a physically, mentally, and emotionally very challenging program, but it also gave me life-changing experiences and a lot of personal growth, as well as lasting friendships.

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? $15

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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Being on the ocean
  • Making friends
  • Snorkeling coral reefs
* What could be improved?
  • Social dynamics
  • Preparing students for the voyage
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? (1) That I get seasick, (2) If you have a problem with how someone talks to/treats you and you have to work with this person everyday, vocalize it to them sooner rather than later; don't let things fester.

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.