SEA Semester: 100% Worth It Past Review
By Kirsten S (History, University of South Carolina - Columbia) for
Sea Education Association: Programs at Sea - Summer Session
It was absolutely worth it. Four weeks on the open ocean, sailing a tall ship...If you're looking at this review, you're already interested in this program. Go for it.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Although my SEA Semester experience on land took place completely in the US, SEA deliberately surrounds students with maritime and oceanographic culture from the moment they walk in. In that sense, it very much feels like studying in a foreign environment. The workload reflects this. It is intense, but because the teachers are also your officers on board the ship, there is plenty of individual attention and help. Even for non-science people, like myself, the workload never became overwhelming or impossible, simply because since everyone is struggling with the same work, plus the teachers are so willing to help, there is very much a helpful community atmosphere. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The administration is onsite with the on shore component, so it is easy to talk to them to sort problems out. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Living together at Woods Hole on the shore component helped with the workload there, as there was quite a lot to learn in four weeks. Having massive study parties, or just knowing that everyone you were living with had to do the same work, was a comfort. On the ship, of course, is a whole other experience, one that barely seems to relate to an idea as mundane as 'housing'. Just clothes and a sleeping bag was needed to settle into your bunk, and then most of your time was spent on deck or in the lab. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safety was absolutely the top priority of ship board living. Drills and procedures were enacted from day 1 to make sure that all students understood what they needed to do and what the plan would be in any kind of emergency. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
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Language
| If applicable, to what degree did your living situation aid your language acquisition? |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Be prepared for some sleepless nights/days. The watch system on board the ship will mess with your sense of time. An interest in the ocean is most important, and an ability to live in close proximity with around 30 other people for 4-6 weeks is next. With a sense of humor and a desire to involve yourself, this program has a lot to teach. |
