Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

On land you take Oceanography, Nautical Science and Maritime Studies classes. On the boat, you continue the Nautical Science class while taking two additional Practical Oceanography classes. A big component of the work is the research project that each individual proposes and conducts. The workload on land is a lot, but it is definitely manageable. Not only do you learn academically, but more importantly, you just learn lessons on the boat that I would not have learned in a classroom.

You live in houses of up to 8 students and you cook breakfast, lunch and dinner for yourself. The program gives you a stipend each week for food and while it doesnt seem like a lot it is the right amount. If you do run out of food money, they will give you more.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not really enjoy the land portion of this program. The SEA Semester campus is located right in between Woods Hole and Falmouth, which are both not in walking distance. Therefore, you need a car to get into town to hang out in the afternoons. If not, you just go to class, come back, do your work and stay on campus without getting to take advantage of the cute towns that surround the campus. So my suggestion is that if you have a car, bring it. The sea component of this program is an unbelievable experience with no words to describe it. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I would go on again if I could. The sea component completely made up for my experience in woods hole and I recommend this program to anyone who thinks they will enjoy it!

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Health was seriously monitored throughout our program. Additionally, for the boat, we went through emergency survival exercises for worst case scenarios on the boat, and I felt very prepared and safe.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)