Exploring the Unknown Past Review
By Demi Arroyo (University of Hartford) - abroad from 01/05/2016 to 04/16/2016 with
Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus
My experience abroad was extremely worthwhile. While many people believe that they will find themselves, you learn that that is not true, however, you definitely notice little changes about yourself and what you find important or what you want to do in life. For example, while in these different countries, I made it a goal to visit as many schools or orphanages as I could. It made me realize how important it is to get an education and how problems vary from country to country. I learned how important working with children is for me, especially with children with special needs.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Semester at Sea is such a unique program in that they takes us to countries that other programs wouldn't think to take us. I was able to visit around 11 countries in the span of a few months and experience things I wouldn't ever be able to if I visited just one country or stayed in the United States. I met so many amazing and wonderful people from teachers to fellow students to locals in the countries we were in. It really opened my eyes up to what goes on in the world, how we differ or are similar, and the affects we have on each-other. |
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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Depending on the place, about $50 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save as much money as you can before going abroad, as you don't need to eat out as much as you think. When you have enough money to buy something in a different country you know you can't get anywhere else, it's definitely nice and it opens up more experiences that you can get - whether it's buying new foods to try, different clothing, going to a new place, trying out new transportation, etc. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 what the typical field program costs and what exactly to expect in terms of work load and the changes your body goes through when going from being in port to jumping back into work. |
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 NetworkerAn 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. |
