If the world is your oyster, then this is the pearl. Past Review
By Adam Ziegler (Stonehill College) - abroad from 06/10/2019 to 08/15/2019 with
Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea – Protecting the Phoenix Islands ( Summer )
Obviously SEA taught me how to sail a tall ship, learn sailors knots, navigate using stars, and make repairs to sails. Through the independent research, I was also able to use new scientific instruments and data programs that I had no previous exposure to. I gained a feeling of independence and self accomplishment that I never was able to obtain on land. Everyone says 'My study abroad changed me', and at the risk of sounding cliche this program truly does. You learn so much about yourself and others around you that you have never realized before. You maintain strong friendships and a thrill for new adventures that previously was dormant. It is truly a worthwhile experience that everyone should take part in.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The classes were rigorous given the academic environment. Since you are out at sea doing research while also doing some class assignments, the workload was appropriate and did not detract from other aspects of the program. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The houses on Cape Cod were plenty large enough for everyone. The houses are co-ed with a shared common area and kitchen. The set-up for the house really allows you to get to know all of your future shipmates. The bunks on the boat may be small for some people. If you pack accordingly, and go in understanding this is not a cruise line, you get used to the bunks very quickly. There is plenty of room to store your clothes and shoes in on the boat as well. |
| * Food: |
On land, your house is in charge of preparing your own meals, which depending on everyone's cooking skills can go either way. SEA gives you gift cards to the nearby grocery store to purchase groceries every week. On the boat, the food is amazing and I exceeds all expectations of what "ship-food" will be. The ship is well stocked the entire time so by the end of the trip you are still eating extremely well and not rationed to wilted vegetables. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
For this particular program, you only spend a brief period of time with the people of Kanton. In that brief time, you get a good understanding of their culture and values. You can even learn basic phrases and sentences in their native language. It is still too brief of a time to become fully immersed in their culture. After leaving Kanton, you get a strong understanding of the sailing culture and life at sea |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
There are always medical consultants the ship is in contact with to properly diagnose and treat any ailments. |
| * Safety: |
The ocean has a mind of its own and does not behave in a predictable manner. The ship goes out of its way to be prepared for anything that could happen while at sea, and makes sure all students are properly trained to handle certain events. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Living out at sea and exploring the islands of a marine protected area was an opportunity that I still hold fondly to this day. The serenity of the ocean with no noise or pollution allows you to truly enjoy the simplicity of nature as the stresses of life on land dissolve away. It is truly the most rewarding and fulfilling program I have been apart of and would jump at the opportunity to go back out. |
Finances
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* 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) |
If you can budget yourself and try to make a weekly plan of what to eat each day, rather than go to the grocery store without a plan, the money you receive for groceries can go a long ways. Obviously you can't eat sushi grade tuna every night, but often our house had leftovers from each meal and did not starve. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $250-$300 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Anything pre-made is going to cost extra. Just buy veggies and meats, spices, and rice and you can stretch your dollar. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Sea sickness should not be a worry. It doesn't happen as often or as extreme as people think, and no one is seasick for more than a day. |
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 NetworkerAn active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume. |
