Hiking Programs in France

Being a student on Sea|Mester was the most incredible experience of my life. I did the South Africa to Antigua voyage on Vela, and it exceeded any and all expectations I could have possibly had. I got to visit places that I never thought I would get to go. I met people that started out as strangers, but quickly became family to me. Prior to Sea|Mester, I had very little sailing experience and no diving experience and I think that that is a common turn off for people that come across this program, but you have no need to be worried if you're in that boat (haha). The staff does an exceptional job teaching you the ropes, making you feel safe, and making you feel like the boat is your home. If you're a hands on learning that thrives on getting outside of your comfort zone, adventure, and travel then this program is for you. I can not effusive enough how much Sea|Mester and my crew changed my life. If you're presented with the privilege to be a student on Sea|Mester... do it. If Sea|Mester taught me anything, it's to say yes even when you're scared. The greatest adventure of your life could be waiting for you.

My son went on the OnTour European Experience trip last summer. This has been the most incredible experience he has had the privilege and opportunity to participate in. The culture he gained was incredible and Westcoast was amazing to deal with. The trip was incredibly well organized, professional and compassionate. This was truly the experience of a lifetime and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is considering this for their teen.

I did the trip from Palau to Thailand in 21 and it was so much fun. I learnt so much, made so many great friends and got to see and experience some of the coolest stuff I’ve seen to date. The staff are all very cool, approachable and great teachers. I got 12 credits and it didn’t even feel like a semester because it was so fun. If you like adventure, travel and the ocean I couldn’t recommend this program more.

I am a traveler! Ever since I was a little girl, I have always loved learning about different cultures! The Putney student learning trip to France allowed me to try new things and get out of my comfort zone. I enjoyed the seaside town of Trouville, learned about the history of Mont-Saint-Michel, shopped in the chaotic streets of Paris, kayaked around Pont du Gard with my homestay sister, and enjoyed a surf lesson in Cap Ferret. This learning experience really helped improve my conversational French and I recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their French in a quick and fun way.

I was on board Sea|mester's 112 ft schooner Argo for the Spring 2018 voyage from South Africa to Antigua. It was the highlight of my gap year, and certainly one of the best experiences I've ever had. The team of instructors were all knowledgeable and fun to be around throughout the trip and my fellow shipmates became close friends. If you are looking for a challenging, life-changing adventure and love the ocean I would highly recommend Sea|mester.

A very exciting adventure. We faced many things and grew very close as a crew and family. Explored many places and did things that not very many people get to do. From exploring different places, to scuba diving, to sailing across oceans, you can do it all on Seamester.

I cannot recommend this program enough. You get to travel to amazing places on a real sailing vessel, learn interesting subjects taught by fantastic staff, and spend a semester with people that will become your second family. Truly incredible experience!

I stumbled upon Seamester not knowing what to expect as I boarded Argo to sail from Tahiti to Australia. I’m fortunate to have family that signed me up for this trip and pretty much forced me to go. I am not required to write this review but have never had a better experience in my life and therefore feel compelled to. We saw humpback whales swim along our schooner. We dove the Great Barrier Reef. We danced in small island bars across the South Pacific, and best of all we formed a bond as a crew that will never be broken. These memories were etched into our minds to be cherished for a lifetime. These are things I never thought I would do and it brings tears to my eyes to think I almost missed out on these experiences, these people. Don’t hesitate like I did. Sign up now and take the first step towards something you will never regret.

Travelling with Global Works to France was an immensely gratifying and enjoyable experience that introduced me to French culture and helped me to improve my conversational skills. I couldn't have asked for better group leaders; both of them were responsible, very fun to be around, and genuinely cared about our well being. In the beginning of the trip, when nobody knew each other, their activities allowed us to quickly acclimate to each other and the language. When a few of the students unfortunately stepped on sea urchins at the beach, the leaders responded professionally and made sure the injured were well taken care of. The volunteer opportunities, which included the restoration of the ancient canals of Cabrespine during our home stay and working with children in Versailles, were very fruitful experiences. They reminded me that the purpose of the trip was not just a selfish one; that we were helping the community in a way that could not have happened if it weren't for volunteer groups such as ours. Probably the best part of the trip was the home stay. Our family was very caring and considerate of the challenges of an immersion environment; they knew to speak more slowly and clearly so that we could understand and helped us if we were having trouble finding the right word. Our family made an effort to make the stay exciting and comfortable, with many sight-seeing trips to the town, and a memorable soccer match between France and Portugal. Through the homestay, I was able to practice French with real French people and further my comprehension and learn language skills that cannot be learned in a classroom. While I certainly greatly improved my French language and conversational skills during the homestay and volunteer work, I felt that it was not entirely immersion within the group. This was mostly due to the varying ability levels of French within the group, ranging from 1 year to my 9 years of French. I would probably choose a narrower range of language ability so that all of the students can feel comfortable in the target language.

This is a parent review of France: Language and Leadership from July 5-July 20, 2016. My 16 year-old son, who is a native English speaker has been taking French since first grade. We had been to France twice with him but a few days traveling as tourists was not enough to practice his French and to get to know the culture intimately and deeply. Global Works provided him not just the full immersion in the language but it also offered him a glimpse of what life in Carcassonne, a quaint, medieval, picturesque town in Southern France was like. Not only did he immersed himself in the language but Global Works' experienced staff led him and his group to service learning through environmental reclamation and working in a summer camp for French children! Specifically, my husband and I enjoyed reading the travel blogs provided on Global Works' website. The pictures on the blog were also quite precious since it provided us an idea about what the program was really about. Overall, he thoroughly had a great time and we, as parents are quite satisfied with how Global Works provided him with a meaningful, productive and memorable summer!

Going on my Seamester journey is to date one of the best decisions I have made in my life. I made an amazing group of friends, who I am still in contact with. I got to sail across the Atlantic Ocean, which has been a dream of mine ever since I was little. I came onto this voyage, excited but not really knowing what to expect, I came out of it with a better understanding and new sense of the world. The trip was phenomenal and I am 100% glad I did it. The smell of the fresh ocean air mixed with the sight of nothing but ocean for miles in any direction is incredible, but also very hard to describe to people who have not experienced it. We started out in the BVIs with stops along the way to eventually get to our final destination of France. Along the way, we were doing everything on board. We took turns helming, going on watch, cooking our meals, cleaning up and more. You were a full member of the crew, and had the responsibilities as such. On top of that, we were also taking an oceanography class, which you may be able to get college credit for. It sounds like a lot, but it is completely manageable and you will never be bored. This was an experience that I will never forget and I hope you get the opportunity to as experience it as well.

I absolutely loved my Sea|Mester experience for two primary reasons: firstly, it gave me the opportunity to develop my knowledge of the ocean and sailing, as intended; secondly, Sea|Mester helped foster a sense of responsibility and self-confidence I hadn't even known I possessed. I found myself cleaning bathrooms on shore after I returned home. The confined quarters of the ship allowed my to bond further with my fellow students, people the likes of which I most probably never would have encountered elsewhere, than years upon years of traditional schooling. I came back from the sea much more satisfied with myself than when I left. Parts of the voyage are difficult, I'll admit. There are, naturally, quite a few challenges, both mental and physical, of living aboard a moving vessel of limited size. But it's all worth it: the boat allows everyone to shine. I can't recommend Sea|Mester highly enough, and I can't wait to get back out to sea.

I could not have been happier with my Global Works experience! Everything from the first day name games to the good-byes went smoothly. Everyone attending had an excellent attitude towards learning a new language and learning more about themselves. Because of this trip, I am far more confident than I could have ever imagined, and I can't wait to bring my new confidence and knowledge to other parts of my life.