The Best Thing I've Ever Done! Past Review
By Zach U (Health/Medical Preparatory Programs., Clemson University) - abroad from 08/24/2013 to 12/16/2013 with
Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus
Saying that Semester at Sea was worthwhile is a understatement. It was the most important, inspirational and incredible adventure I've ever been on. I learned so much about the world and about myself. Its hard to put this kind of experience into words because of how truly amazing every aspect of my voyage was.
Personal Information
| 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. |
Semester at Sea uses the global comparative approach to learning. We traveled from country to country comparing new cultures, this proved to be an extremely educational experience. We would take classes on the boat as we sailed to new destinations. Before each port we would have a lectures and learned material related to our classes and that particular country. After each port we would reflect upon our new experiences |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Considering we were hundreds of miles from land they did a great job! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
My voyage had 575 students and close to 1000 people on a 590 foot boat. The cabins may seem small but they could easily fit everything and you were rarely ever there. Each cabin had a toilet, sink, shower, fridge, beds, mirrors, desks, and plenty of storage space |
| * Food: |
Food wasn't as bad as some people may say it is. Obviously it gets old after a while but they tried to add variety and its up to you to take advantage of what they give you. You could also get some speciality dining for $25 each and thats restaurant quality food. The food on deck 7 was always good if you wanted to mix it up too! Oh yeah and don't forget taco night and the barbecues by the pool! Overall I had no problem with the food. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
One of the most important things about Semester at Sea is that it forces you to make the most of every moment. You only had so much time in each port so you did everything you could in that time. I had friends who traveled abroad in some of the countries that we went to and they were amazed at how much I did. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I had to get a yellow fever vaccine and take malaria pills on my trip but it all depends on where you go and what their laws are. Theres always a doctor on board and before each port he would give us a briefing like, "Don' touch the monkeys!". He was part of the SAS community and he cared and watched out for all of us. |
| * Safety: |
Semester at Sea does it best to keep its students safe. Not only did we meet for at least two hours before each port to discuss security issue but we also we briefed by diplomats upon arrival. SAS is the most tight-knit community out there so we all looked out for each other. My voyage didn't have any safety issue except for some indigestion after a Moroccan Camel Trek. |
| 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) |
If you only have 5 days in a country its worth spending a little extra money. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | It varied by port some days it was under $50 per day and on the high end it was around $100 per day. My main expenses were food, drinks, souvenirs and experiences. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Sleeping on the boat can save you a lot of money. Keep away from the touristy areas, they are always more expensive. Barter if it is culturally acceptable. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I wish I knew how intense the reverse culture shock would be when I got home. The culture on the boat was unlike anything I have ever experienced. |
