Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Most eye-opening and rewarding experience I've had thus far! Past Review

By (Science of Natural and Environmental Systems, Cornell University) - abroad from 05/20/2012 to 07/15/2012 with

Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea - Summer Session

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to sail a 135 foot sailing vessel, nautical science, celestial navigation, maritime studies (history of human interaction with the sea), marine biology, field data collection, leadership skills, time management skills, team-building skills, and how to produce a scientific paper.

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.

An excellent program that fosters leadership, group work, academic interest and long term friendships. Intense study but also amazingly fun, interactive and exciting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Administration and professors always willing to help, encourage, and explain.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very clean, nice and home-like.

* Food:

We prepared our own food as groups which fostered team building before going on the boat. On the boat the food was amazing - almost too good!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The local culture here being those familiar with sailing, living at sea, etc...They were very understanding in the beginning, when we were getting used to the different lifestyle, and made sure that we were prepared ahead of time. I felt very comfortable with all of the people I interacted with throughout the trip.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The prevention of injuries was constantly stressed, and those with sea-sickness were taken well care of.

* Safety:

Safety was always the number one priority. Emergency procedures were practiced regularly, safety equipment was always used, and sunblock was always available.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Food was included in program expenses.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local 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?
  • Sailing
  • Marine Biology/ Marine Biological Research
  • The students I worked with.
* What could be improved?
  • Reduced cost of program.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew just how amazing the program was - I might have chosen a longer version.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!