Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

SAS gave me a global perspective that will get me far in life! Past Review

By (Managerial Economics, 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 have the best globabl perspective a 21 year old could ask for. Who else can compare the political issues, economical struggles, and varying cultures of 12 countries from just one experience!

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:

* 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)

You spend no actual money on the ship. Instead everything is on a swipe system. So what you spend on the ship is hard to gear but manageable for the give you a monthly bill of your expenses. What you spend in port is totally up to you. The only cost you must put forth is for the visas. Otherwise, what you spend is really on you.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Hard to say... maybe $250?
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make a budget and try to keep to it throughout your trip. Keep a log of what you spend (I wish I had!). Start off small and buy only what you need. If you have extra money to kill at the end, you will feel better than if you run out.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • The people
  • The constant excitement
  • The travel
* What could be improved?
  • The food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Taking five classes is not that hard, wish I had taken that fifth class! Get outside as much as you can on the ship! You will make friends, it may just take time to find the good ones. Keep a log of your expenses. Cherish every moment!

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.