Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Overall Great Experience - but would not do again as undergrad Past Review

By (University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 06/17/2012 to 08/22/2013 with

Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about culture shock, that's for sure. I met a lot of great people that live all over the US and even in other countries that I'm still talking to, and it -was- worthwhile, but for the program expenses not so much.

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 classes I took were hard, and you -actually- have to work. If you don't like the idea of potentially writing a paper in port (at least in the summer) or reading a book for class, then you'll want to think carefully about the classes you take.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

I personally had a lot of issues with the administrative staff that were on my voyage. No, I never got into trouble in port or anything like that- but they were very poor at addressing issues that were happening in the Shipboard Community.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I got moved halfway through the voyage, and before that it was really crappy, but afterwards it was a lot better. The cabin stewards are very nice! :)

* Food:

It's great at first but remember you'll be at sea sometimes for 6+ days, so you'll be getting lots of pasta!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They provide free sea sickness medication. :)

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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)

It depends- if you want to go out and do stuff, it costs money. Our program was mostly in Europe, and Euro to USD is expensive. You'll want to eat off the ship, get souvenirs, etc. On the other hand it can be very cheap if you want to just go out and walk around, maybe eat at a restaurant or two.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $350/week (also stayed in London for a few days and went to Paris from southern France, etc. Did a lot of traveling)
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy tickets for things ahead of time, get hotels or hostels early. Little 'mistakes' in travel can cost you a lot of money in the end (learned that the hard way!)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Activities to do on the ship
  • Meeting locals
  • Friends that I made!
* What could be improved?
  • Student population
  • Academics
  • Fundraising and such on ship to take more of your money
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Don't get me wrong, Semester at Sea is a wonderful program. I just wish I would've known that it was going to be filled to the brim with 18 year olds looking to get out of their parents houses to get extremely intoxicated all summer long. That was my biggest problem with the program was the reputation that the students got in port because of those who decided to make poor choices. For many, it's the first time they have met Americans and the students go into port, steal, club, and drink until they are puking on a nice restaurant floor- and they wonder why they won't be allowed back at some ports. I WILL say though, I found a nice group of people who I got to travel with in many countries, and I am making plans to see them again soon. Granted, this program is super expensive, and because of that I wouldn't do it again. However, if I knew then the friends I would have now and the experiences in countries that I had, I'd do it in a heartbeat, bad times and all.

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 Networker
An active student leader, it was important for you to network abroad as well. Once overseas, you sought out student clubs, volunteered with local organizations, or attended community events. You encouraged your friends join you, and often considered how you could reflect your international experiences in a resume.

Individual Course Reviews

Course Name/Rating:

Marine Biology
Course Department:
Instructor: Dan Abel
Instruction Language: English
Comments: This was by far the best class that I took on my Semester at Sea. Professor Abel is fantastic with his students and genuinely cares about your progress in the class. Field trip to the ARCHELON Turtle Protection Society was amazing!
Credit Transfer Issues: