Curiosity at Sea Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Your professors are among the most passionate and knowlegable individuals you will ever know. Take advantage of them, because you will learn more than you thought was possible if you are committed and practice curiosity. They want nothing more then for you to succeed.

On-site administration of your program

Really fantastic. They answered all of my questions and reached out to make sure there wasn't a question I didn't ask.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Excellent!

Sabrina is the most incredible steward. You will be well fed regardless of your dietary restrictions. The one thing I found difficult was the heavy use of oil in cooking.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

SEA never claimed to know how to integrate with the Maori culture. We asked ourself that question. We saw Maori films, read Maori books, studied Maori history, and went on Maori cultural tours. SEA was brilliant here, in my opinion, because they were always trying to intentionally navigate cultural immersion. I think it would be very difficult for any Semester program to suggest that their students will be integrated in the local culture. SEA allows you to be respectively critical.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Heath insurance is a bit expensive, but you can look into other insurance! And SEA will accommodate you.

I was always thinking about safety and risk management. The leadership course, readings, and drills will prepare you very well.

SEA is difficult in many ways. You are virtually deprived of your agency because you are living on a ship; have little control over sleep, food, and hygiene; and are drowning in class work and research. HOWEVER, being in the space that I just described promotes a lot of growth. Being able to find autonomy in such a space is an incredible skill that will in turn teach you how to find happiness virtually anywhere (which isn't necessarily hard when you are out at sea). However, this program really taught me to look around. It taught me how to be resourceful of human written sources, and the environment in an academic setting. It taught me how to ask questions and really get stoked about the world. However, in retrospect, I wish I were more present and less stressed about academic work. I wish I learned to love the sea more.

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

You don't have to spend money at all. If there is pressure from your classmates to spend money traveling around the cape, explain to them your financial situation--there are more than enough free things to d.

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

It's English-speaking so technically yes, we were encouraged to use the language. However, we did try to learn Maori.

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• Dorm
• Other

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• Americans
• International Students

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• Americans
• International Students

• Research!!
• Spending time at sea with friends!
• Learning about maori culture and history

• Workload
• Timing of data availability
• Timing of sailing knowledge

The Academic or Linguist