Past Review
By Kendra W (Actuarial Science, Drake University) for
Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus
Yes. I learned that it doesn't really matter where I go, or what I do because it's all about the people you meet and helping to build a more sustainable future for our world.
Personal Information
| If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: | Drake University |
| 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. |
I found some classes to have a much lighter work load, and others had a heavier work load. It really just depends on the teacher (which is really no different than any other school) |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Administration was very helpful about any questions I had. They were fairly knowledgable about each country we visited, and even had suggestions for independent travel. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The student cabins were like regular staterooms on a cruise ship. They are small, but they have everything you need. I had one roommate. <br /><br /> Living arrangements - Ship cabins. There were American Students as well as International Students. I didn't choose my roommate (as most students did not). Most cabins were doubles, but there were a few triples and quads. |
| * Food: |
The food wasn't the best, but I didn't expect it to be. The ship was very limited on resources because we were at sea for the most part. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
There were plenty of clubs and activities taking place on the ship. A few mentionable events include Sea Olympics, Neptune Day, and the Alumni Ball/Dinner. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
The doctor on board was excellent in discussing the safety issues and health issues that we might encounter. There were a few vaccinations that were recommended, and it was required to get a yellow fever shot. There were some ports that we visited where I felt more or less safe than in others, but I think that as long as you are smart, you won't have many problems. |
| 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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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Set aside money for public transportation! |
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? | This program is not the best program to choose if you want to emerse yourself in a different culture because you are only in each port for 2-5 days. However, if you like to travel, and you enjoy getting a taste of a lot of different cultures and points of view, this is a great program. |
