Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An incredible and life changing experience. Past Review

By (Accounting and Related Services., Bentley University) - abroad from 01/09/2013 to 04/25/2013 with

Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I had the fortune of being able to compare the cultures of 12 different countries. 100% worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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:

Similar to any college dining hall, the food on the ship eventually gets repetitive, but the pool bar is reasonably priced and the food in country is amazing if you know where to look.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Difficult to feel completely integrated after only a few days, but you are definitely in most places long enough to get an understanding of the local culture and people.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Semester at Sea does an excellent job of educating students on various safety issues for each country,

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)

You have a lot of control over how much you spend though. Many kids are able to travel for very little.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $275
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget beforehand. Keep track of your expenses. Do research on the different countries before deciding how much you are going to spend there. Remember to budget for some on-ship expenses.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Students from all over the US, not just Bentley
  • Multiple countries
  • You're on a ship
* What could be improved?
  • On ship food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? How much fun it was going to be.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.