Semester at Sea: Triumph of Culture Past Review

By Casey K (International Business, Trinity University) for

Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?

My study abroad experience was much different from most due to previous study/work abroad experiences. Semester at Sea provided me with the opportunity to explore and learn about a multitude of different cultures and their interrelatedness. My experience further confirmed my future plans to work internationally upon graduating from Trinity.

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.	Due to the fast paced nature of the Summer session of Semester at Sea, the workload was moderate yet manageable. The grading system was relatively easy, especially in comparison to my home university.
* Host Country Program Administration On-site administration of your program	My experience with the Trinity Study Abroad Office was fantastic. Advisers prepared me through one on one consultations, the application process and pre-departure information sessions. The office was also wonderful and efficient in handling the transfer of study abroad credits.
* Housing: How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?
* Food:	Healthy food options were always available
* Social & Cultural Integration: How integrated did you feel with the local culture?	I was able to make life-long friends during my summer semester on Semester at Sea. By traveling and experiencing different cultures with others provides a unique outlook and enables one to learn from how others perceive a certain culture.
* Health Care: How well were health issues addressed during the program?
* Safety:	The Semester at Sea shipboard community was a very safe environment. When traveling in each country/city, one must be aware of the safety and health dangers that may occur.
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?	It is difficult to budget before planning a Semester at Sea trip due to the many currencies used, the pricing variability in each country/city and the amount of individual travel/purchasing that one plans to do. Attempting to plan ahead is greatly advised.