Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Semester at Sea: Travelling the World and Having the Time of your Life. Past Review

By (PSYCHOLOGY., University of California - Riverside) for

Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to travel better independently as well as how to better communicate with locals in foreign places. The experience has inspired me to travel more, particularly to non-western places. It has not influenced my academic interests or my future career other than the fact that I now may want to take a few years off of working to travel and backpack.

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.

The workload is fair considering the amount of time on the ship versus time in each port. The grading system is just as it is at any institute of higher education that I have attended. It was, however, different than my home institution for a variety of reasons. The first being that it was a semester system rather than a quarter system. The other being that the class sizes were smaller which emphasized more discussion.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Strengths: Cross cultural comparison of a wide variety of countries. Weaknesses: Very short time in each country.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed in cabins (because we are on a ship). No items were needed to settle in, sheets and towels were provided minus personal items (shampoo, toothpaste, etc.). Cabins were downstairs from classrooms and all necessary facilities (it's a small ship).

* Food:

The food is edible but is mainly pasta and potatoes all day, every day. The meals are not very healthy but they do accommodate dietary restrictions, allergies, etc. Future students should bear in mind that they ship is cooking for around 1,000 people so just bear with it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

There are too many to list. 3 months on a ship really makes you bond with the friends you make. The trips arranged by Semester at Sea are to be AVOIDED at all costs. The best times and most economical trips I've made have been done independently.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Health and safety was a priority. We had pre-port debriefings before each country addressing political, health, and safety issues. I took over half a dozen vaccines prior to travelling along with malaria medication throughout the voyage. Insect repellent was also used.

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 also freely available unless you wanted to get something that actually tasted good (snacks, burgers, fries, shakes, etc.). I did not spend much money while on the ship in order to save money.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you want to save money, do not book trips through Semester at Sea. Unanticipated expenses include a fuel surcharge (SAS charged all of us $500 additional).

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

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  • International Students
  • Local Students
  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The variety of countries.
* What could be improved?
  • Food on board the ship
  • The selection of students (too many undeserving and "party" students)
  • The cost of the program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A student that would benefit the most would be your typical backpacker or a student committed to community service and world/global issues. My best advice is to travel independently, sometimes even by yourself (although they'll tell you not to) is a rewarding experience. Step outside of your comfort and safety zone and travel to tell stories of close encounters and new insights.