Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely the best semester of my life! Past Review

By (International Business, Valparaiso University) - abroad from 01/07/2015 to 04/29/2015 with

Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Instead of focusing on learning from one country, I got to understand the comparison of the countries we visited. The concept of the shipboard community has been one of my favorite part of this program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I got to take classes from professors who are from prestigious universities all over the world.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Perhaps the best housing experiences I've ever had during college time. Cabins are cleaned by stewards once every two days. All facilities are set well.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Because the limited time we got to spend in each country (around 6 days per country), it was also limited to learn the local cultures.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Before departure, administration team had us prepared with all necessary forms to fill out to ensure the health center on the ship is aware our health conditions.

* Safety:

We normally travel in groups with a number of emergency numbers we could call if anything happens.

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)

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Try to arrange your own trips than going through agents

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Other
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Shipboard community
  • More than just one country
  • Alumni networks
* What could be improved?
  • More variety of food
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Always have a open mind to what you're going to experience and respect the differences. Don't let the stereotypes seize who you should be friends with or not.

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.