The best experience ever!!! March 17, 2025
By Alexandra W (Nuclear Medicine Technology, University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse) - abroad from 09/09/2024 to 12/22/2024 with
Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus
I learned so much from this experience, so much that it would take my hours to tell all of it! But, most importantly, my eyes were opened to a world of unique culture, I learned how to communicate despite language barriers, to try new cuisine, to navigate unfamiliar environments, and so much more!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Semester at Sea was the best decision I have ever made! From the moment I stepped aboard the ship, I was greeted with kindness from the crew, faculty, lifelong learners, and students. Each professor was passionate about what they taught, and their energy fueled my motivation to learn more. I also loved the opportunity to be able to experience so many different cultures and apply what I learned in the classroom to real life! Every day was truly the best day ever! |
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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? |
The cabins were small but cozy! I had an outside double and loved waking up to the blue ocean each morning and falling asleep to the sound of waves. My cabin steward made sure my roommate and I always had everything we needed! |
| * Food: |
The food was great on the ship! There were options for everyone (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.) The crew was also super helpful, and if you ever needed something different made for you they were more than willing to help. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Even though you can choose to stay with SAS or go on your own in port, I did a mix of both! I felt both of the ways I chose allowed me to interact with new people, listen to music, eat local cuisine, support handmade crafts, and so much more. I loved being able to experience every moment! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
The ship had a doctor and a nurse during my voyage, and someone was always on call when at sea and when at port. I had a few situations where I needed to call the phone number for medical guidance, and someone was always there to help. I received all of the recommended vaccines, and went through Walgreens and Passport Health! I think it's better to be safe! |
| * Safety: |
Always travel in groups of people, and if you ever feel unsafe, please talk to someone! I was fortunate to have safe experiences in the country, but I always traveled in groups and researched beforehand! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I would do this program again in a heartbeat. I loved every moment of it, and think about it every day! |
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) |
What you spend money on in port is up to you! You can stay on the boat and save money, or you can stay in a hotel! It's really about budgeting and recognizing what you want to spend your money on! |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save every penny! You are not going to want to have to turn down doing something in port because you do not have enough money! I worked four jobs the summer before hand and saved everything for SAS- I still spent a little more than I had anticipated, but it was worth it! |
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? | Plan ahead and do your research about ports beforehand! Your plans will change, but I wish I had more ideas before because Wi-Fi is limited at sea! |
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 Academic or LinguistYou went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you! |
