A Wordly Curiousity Past Review
By Leah H (Creative Writing., University of Arkansas - Fayetteville) for
Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus
I think I'm more sure of myself. I had to learn how to deal with things on my own and I really did enjoy learning how strong I could be.
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. |
You had classes when you were at sea and not at port. So at first glance, you are excited because you only have about a months worth of class. But somehow in that 30 something days of class, they still make it a challenge for you because you have homework in every class every class day and everything is a set structure. Sometimes I had to have a book half read in between two class days. I enjoyed it though, I felt like I had a tough semester that I deserved the grades I got. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Program was great and I loved it. Yeah there were a bunch of rules but they were needed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
The food was good and healthy. My only complaint is that it gets routine. You don't have as much to choose from like a normal campus type food court. It's pretty set. I recommend bringing along your favorite snacks and enjoying the native food when you get to port. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Every day was memorable, from the friends I made to my birthday in India, to the visits to the orphanages I made. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Trust me, safety on this ship is extremely important to the program. You just follow what they say and you will be fine. |
| 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I really can't put a budget for my trip. The times you ended up in a new port every month is what really gives you your budget. And some countries are more expensive then others. Like India and China vs. Brazil and Dominica. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't be afraid to enjoy yourself a little, this trip isn't something you get the chance to do every year. |
Language
| How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? | None |
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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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Don't expect the whole trip to go perfect, because that will ruin it. Rather, let the imperfections make it perfect. Because when something goes wrong, it usually isn't as big a deal as you think, and when and how you deal with it can teach you something about yourself. Even if your scared, go through with it. This trip can seperate you from others, but in a good way. You end up with a higher bar to reach made up of your own expectations. |
