Komodo Islands sunrise hike
What inspired you to go abroad?
I’ve always loved traveling, especially anywhere connected to the ocean. Throughout college, I worked during the school year so I could spend my breaks exploring new places.
Studying abroad gave me the opportunity to continue traveling while earning college credits and making progress toward my degree.
Why did you choose Seamester Study Abroad at Sea?
I was looking for a program that combined sailing, diving, marine science, and college credit. I had never sailed before, so I was excited by the challenge, and I wanted to continue developing my diving skills in some of the world’s best waters. Seamester offered all of those opportunities in one program, which made it stand out to me.
What was your favorite part about the experience?
My favorite part of the experience was the variety of unforgettable moments aboard Vela. Swimming with whale sharks at sunrise, snorkeling alongside reef sharks, and exploring remote places were incredible experiences. What made them even better was coming back to the boat afterward and sharing those moments with everyone else.
Coffee during a 4am watch!
What made your experience abroad extraordinary?
Living aboard a sailboat made this experience unlike any traditional study abroad program. We could spend the afternoon learning oceanography or nautical science and then go on a night dive that same day. Living, learning, and working together in such a unique environment made the experience feel very different from studying abroad on land.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff supported us in different ways depending on their roles. We had a medic for any health-related concerns, and every staff member was available if we needed help or had questions. Because we lived and worked together every day, it didn’t take long to feel comfortable reaching out when we needed support.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently during your time abroad?
This program wasn’t easy, and living on a sailboat meant the small things could sometimes feel overwhelming. Looking back, I wish I had stressed less about those moments. I’d remind myself that spilled coffee, seasickness, or falling out of my bunk were all small parts of an experience that was much bigger than those temporary frustrations.
Won’t ever get over these views!
What did you enjoy doing during your free time abroad?
Free time was limited, especially while we were sailing. Most of it was spent finishing homework, sleeping, or occasionally baking cookies or brownies for the crew. Sometimes we’d stay up to watch a movie together, even if it meant sacrificing some sleep.
When we were at anchor, we’d usually call friends and family if we had service, relax on the boat, or swim and freedive if the captain approved. When we were docked in places like Mauritius or Cape Town, we had opportunities to explore within the program’s time and safety guidelines. We enjoyed trying local restaurants, shopping, and exploring whenever possible.
What type of accommodation did you have? What did you like best about it?
We lived in shared cabins with three bunks and limited storage for our belongings. The space was small and there wasn’t much privacy, but everyone adjusted fairly quickly. One of my favorite parts was my cabin and my roommates. They became like sisters, and our small cabin became our safe space. Living so closely together created a strong sense of teamwork and made the boat feel like home over time.
Safari in South Africa!
Describe what a typical day in your life abroad looked like.
If we were underway, our schedule revolved around our watch shifts. After waking up, we’d have lunch followed by classes like marine biology, oceanography, nautical science, or leadership. Evenings were usually spent eating dinner, finishing homework, and getting as much sleep as possible before our next watch.
When we were anchored or docked, every day looked different. We might wake up early for a sunrise hike in the Gili Islands, spend the day surfing in Bali, go on safari in South Africa, or dive, depending on where we were. Classes were scheduled around these activities, so no two weeks looked exactly the same.
Throughout the program, our days were very structured. We rotated daily responsibilities and other boat jobs, so there wasn’t much unplanned free time. Most of our downtime was spent resting or catching up on schoolwork.
What is one thing every future participant should know about your program before their program begins?
Be prepared for your lifestyle to change completely. This program will push you outside your comfort zone, and you’ll probably experience homesickness, seasickness, sunburn, and sleep deprivation at some point. It’s challenging, but if you’re willing to embrace those challenges, you’ll leave with experiences and friendships that are hard to find anywhere else.
We all take turns on the helm!
Would you recommend your program to others? Why?
Yes. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys adventure and is willing to step outside their comfort zone. It isn’t the right fit for everyone, but if you’re curious, adaptable, and excited by new experiences, it’s a unique way to study abroad. The combination of sailing, diving, academics, and travel creates an experience that’s difficult to find anywhere else.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of traveling abroad is?
The biggest benefit of traveling abroad is gaining perspective. Experiencing different cultures, meeting new people, and navigating unfamiliar situations help you grow in ways that are difficult to experience at home. It builds confidence and often teaches you just as much about yourself as it does about the places you visit.
Now that you're home, how has your time abroad impacted your life?
Coming home was an adjustment after spending months living aboard a sailboat. The experience gave me a greater appreciation for everyday comforts while also teaching me practical skills in sailing and diving. More than anything, it gave me confidence to take on new challenges and continue seeking experiences outside my comfort zone.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
To me, meaningful travel isn’t about checking famous places off a list; it’s about understanding how people live and experiencing places beyond the typical tourist perspective. Some of the most memorable moments come from simple conversations with locals or figuring things out on your own.
Traveling with the same group of students also made the experience more meaningful because we all noticed different things and learned from one another. I’ve found that the most rewarding experiences often come from the moments that challenge you the most.
