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When you’re choosing to study abroad there are so many questions…Where do I want to go? How long do I want to stay? What is it going to be like? What if I hate it? How do I make friends? What is the benefit of this type of educational experience?
Well, I’m here to ease all your fears and answer all your questions. Let’s throw it back to a time of dip dyed hair, Blair Waldorf headbands and high waisted a-line skirts…
I studied abroad on Semester at Sea 11 years ago in 2011, and, aside from saying yes to my husband’s proposal, I think it was the best decision of my life. I mean that with all sincerity and honesty. So today, I wanted to share some of my experiences and why I think you should consider Semester at Sea (SAS) if you’re looking for a study abroad program.
First, a little about how Semester at Sea works. All classes, dorms, meals, library, etc. is on the ship. It is truly a floating campus. Anything you can find on a college campus is on the ship. When you are sailing you are in classes. That means that while the ship was crossing the Atlantic we were in classes for 14 days straight. Then when you’re in port you have free reign of the country you’re in. There are some rules: nothing illegal, you can’t leave the country… but as long as you’re back on the ship when it’s time to leave, your time is yours.
You don’t have to choose location
This is one of the main reasons I chose SAS. I wanted to travel and see the world but wanted to have a home base that made the academic side of things easier. With a traditional study abroad program you move to a new place and live in that country full time. Yes, you can travel close by but it’s on your time and your dime. With SAS the constant travel is built in. It makes my little travel bug heart do a happy dance.
Bottom: Pompeii, Mikonos
Built in friends
It’s very similar to the dorm life. When I moved in to my college dorms my freshmen year, my best friends were those that I lived with. Same rings true with SAS. Now, I was lucky in that my roommate from my sophomore year of college was placed directly across the hall from me on the ship. Small world! Also, I lucked out in the roommate department. My roommate, Simone, is completely different from me. Different races, different backgrounds, totally different places. We actually didn’t travel too much together when in port but it was so nice coming home to someone that I could talk to. I met so many amazing people- some I am still friends with to this day. Shout out to my SAShole crew! (We were in our 20s. Give us a break on the nickname lol.)
Experience many different cultures
On my voyage we went to 8 different countries. EIGHT! Bahamas, Spain, Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Morocco, and the US. That’s 8 languages, 8 landscapes, 8 distinct cultures. I ate it up. I think the biggest learning curve was the fact that we stayed in Marrakesh during Ramadan. Talk about culture shock. Stores were closed. Restaurants were closed. Markets were closed. We were lucky to be staying in a villa with a pool and that is what we did all day. That and make brie and Pringle pit sandwiches (all we could get our hands on at the air bnb lol). And then everything opened and it was a complete turnaround. Tables were brought out into the town square. Food and drink were flowing. It was incredible.
Gain independence
I am not someone who is particularly brave when it comes to new experiences. I fake it till I make it. This experience helped me increase my self-reliance. When you’re in a foreign place you have to rely on your gut in so many scenarios. You learn how to adapt, how to confront the unknown and jump in. I gained the confidence that I can get around in a place where I don’t speak the language or know the area. Priceless.
Experience places you may not have thought about traveling to
One word. Bulgaria. I would have NEVER thought about traveling there. I mean, right? To be honest, the original voyage was supposed to port in Egypt but, if you recall, Egypt wasn’t a safe place in 2011. So we were rerouted to Varna, Bulgaria. And it. was. awesome. First there were so many people that were confused as to why we were there. Like, people would ask us where we were from and when we said America, they would say “What are you doing here?”. But I’ll tell you. This was such a fun place to be. Amazing food, people and beaches. And now I can say I would absolutely go back and explore more of that beautiful country!
Opportunity to learn from educators from around the world
My semester was a summer semester so I only took 4 classes. I took a multi-culture class which everyone onboard had to take, a natural disasters class which was a general education course, and I took 2 theatre classes: Acting 1 and World Theatre. I was a theatre major so I wanted to take classes that connected to what I was studying. And man, oh man, was the faculty incredible. Drew Kahn taught both of my theatre classes and he was exactly the person I needed at that time in my life. More than just theatre education he taught me about myself and I will forever be grateful for him.
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”
-Anonymous
No matter what, I am a firm believer in traveling. For me, it broadens my mind and refuels my soul. I encourage everyone to get out and experience this beautiful world we are lucky enough to live on. Even if all you can do is go see your own backyard, do it.
