Go Out On A Boat and See The World In A New Light Past Review

By (French Language and Literature, Rutgers University - New Brunswick/Piscataway) - abroad from 04/09/2012 to 06/09/2012 with

Sea Education Association: The Global Ocean

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Words can't explain. The academics are a small fraction of the over-all learning experience. Be prepared for enlightenment.

Review Photos

SEA Semester: The Global Ocean Photo SEA Semester: The Global Ocean Photo SEA Semester: The Global Ocean Photo SEA Semester: The Global Ocean Photo SEA Semester: The Global Ocean Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

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?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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? $25
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Food is provided on shore and at sea. Beer is not. Bring Beer money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

You've gotta learn the nautical lingo and curse like a sailor god damn it.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? Beginner
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Intermediate
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Personal Exposure to the Language of Mother Ocean.
How many hours per day did you use the language? 10+
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Buy a surfboard, swim fins, goggles, a spear and a cheap plane ticket to an exotic island location. Then spend 12+ hours on or in the ocean.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
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?
  • Boats
  • Boobies
  • Barnacles
* What could be improved?
  • Programs with many port stops can break up the monotony of shipboard life.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I have a soul?

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 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.