Seamester: Mediterranean to Caribbean - 90 Days

This trip definitely taught me a lot about myself- especially my limits. There was one person on my boat who left because he felt extremely homesick, uncomfortable, etc.. and so did I. The only difference between me and him was that I came on this trip to push myself- I definitely payed attention to the reviews and even warnings on the website that stated this trip isn't for the weak of heart. So, I stayed. I really struggled, though. I'm not the type of person to go on these types of things- ever. So, being said, I may have a different opinion about this trip than most students. Most people on the boat really loved it. Personally, I could deal with the work that we had to do, I knew it was necessary. I couldn't deal with the cockroaches. That was bad. I couldn't deal with the way staff handled some issues. That was bad. I wish there was more personal autonomy on this trip- being able to pick what you want to do for the day, even. I also wish there were more breaks. Almost everyone I know reached a point of complete mental exhaustion (which I know was expected). We were not asking at any point for a full day off- but maybe even just a 4 hour break once every 2-3 weeks. Besides that, this trip really was great. It taught me so much about myself and I have so much more confidence in who I am as a person, and what I can achieve. I genuinely feel like the sky is the limit. I met some lifelong friends and had experiences I will talk about until the day I die. Thanks Seamester!

i really enjoyed this trip overall. i've met some of the best people i've ever met in my life, who i will definitely stay in touch for a long time. it was nice to learn about the basics of sailing as well as getting to see so many different places but i wish we got to have more shore time and we didn't have to suffer in the heat because the captain didn't want to turn the gen on. i didn't like how the staff were more emotionally immature than the teens on the boat, i found it particularly unprofessional, how they would constantly project their anger on us and pick on one person for an unnecessary extended amount of time. i also felt like we did not have enough food and no one genuinely enjoyed their job.

The time I spent on this adventure is something I will never forget. I won't forget the amazing people and places we visited. no matter what I know I will hold this experience I won't forget, and there won't be another like it. The Classes were great as well as the sail handling as well. Thank you for the amazing time I and my freinds had

I would 100% recommend this trip to anyone who is interested in adventure, trying new things, and being a part of a team. When I came across Seamester online, it just felt right from the beginning, and I knew it was something I wanted to do. Actually, going on the trip was even better and like coming home. A value of mine is living life to the fullest, enjoying the small things, and I want to live a life where at the end, I know I did everything and felt everything. I have never felt as alive and so at home as I did on Argo. It is hard to describe all the emotions I've felt over the past 90 days. I have never felt so close to people and myself as I did on Argo. I have learned to love people in a deeper way and gained a new appreciation for everything. I am extremely grateful for all the lifelong friendships made. I am proud of myself for taking the jump and who I've become through the experience. If you share any of the same interests and are considering doing a Seamester, I urge you to do it because it will change you in ways you can't even imagine.

Seamester was an amazing experience. It challenged me in so many ways including physically and mentally, and I grew so much as a person in several different ways. I loved seeing the world on a sailboat and it truely was a once in a lifetime opportunity.

This was one of the biggest challenges of my life. I learned skills and made memories that will stick with me for the rest of my life. I made lifelong friends during this shared adventure. This was the best thing I could have done for myself.

My Seamester trip changed my life. I was shocked to discover how much I love to sail, explore new places, and live on the ocean! I was really struggling to find something I’m passionate about, but since leaving Argo, I am actively chasing opportunities to work on a boat and continue living on the ocean. I met some of the best friends I’ll ever have, and I cannot imagine a world in which I never met them. The staff were so helpful, supportive, and incredibly caring. I immediately felt like we were all one large family. I cannot recommend this enough. There are hard parts, that’s for sure. I definitely had moments where I was just so exhausted, homesick, nervous, and stressed out. But the lessons I learned in those situations shaped me into a more confident and adventurous person, and I am so grateful for that. If you’re considering going on a Seamester trip, GO!! I highly recommend the Mediterranean to Caribbean trip, the places we went were remarkable and I wish I could go back in time and do it all over again. Seriously, it is worth every penny. I will always remember my trip and if someone else has even half the experience I had, I know they will absolutely love it.

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This has been the most amazing trip of my life just now finishing up and cannot believe the experience I have gained from traveling. The traveling, sailing, academics all of it as a whole is something I will never forget for the rest of my life. From traveling the streets of Rome to diving the blue waters of Dominica nothing compares to a trip of this caliber. The academics have been great especially seeing the things you learn about in class as we are diving or sailing is amazing. Straight from classroom to using the skills or topics in the real world. 10/10 would do this trip again and wish it would never end.

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This experience completely altered the course of my life. I have learned so much from my fellow students and staff and therefore can without a doubt say that this was the best decision I have ever made for myself. My new perspectives and outlook on life are indescribable, and I hardly recognize my old self. My favorite memories are the little moments: a private laugh across the cockpit, staying up with another watch team an extra 30 minutes, skipping through clouds on top of a mountain, a giant stride, a smile, a hug, a squeeze. Throw yourself fully into this experience because it is only what you make it. It's crazy what happens when you let go and surrender yourself to everything and everyone around you, and what better place than the ocean!

It was the best thing i’ve ever done in my entire life. This trip is a serious blessing, I miss it more than anything in my entire life, I am extremely lucky. The relationships i were able to create, the things i got to see, the things i learned that I love so much. It was great

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I had an amazing time sailing around the Caribbean and getting sailing and scuba diving certifications! I would not have been able to do everything at home or without the encouragement and patience of the amazing staff.

The Sea|Mester program is truly a one of a kind experience. Students sail to a variety of destinations getting to explore each location with some of your new found best friends. From day one, everyone, students and staff alike, are so kind and energized for the voyage ahead. Everyone becomes friends with each other so fast and the relationships only strengthen as you explore, live, sleep and learn with each other for the duration of the semester. Sea|mester could not be more correct when they claim that “there is no room for passengers on our vessels, only crew members.” This is what I loved about the program because each and every student is vital to the success of the crew and plays an active role in operating the vessel. On the first passage students were already trusted with the helm. By day 30 students were completely self dependent and capable of leading a sail raise. The level of trust granted by the staff was more than I could have ever expected. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who might be interested. There is truly no experience required as everything taught onboard starts with the basics so anyone, of any background, can be just as involved as the rest.

I chose Seamester because I was able to visit multiple countries and continents in the same semester! I also wanted to learn how to sail, so the sail training and scuba instruction were huge benefits! Seamester is so interesting because it takes a unique person to want to board a sailboat with a group of strangers and cross an ocean! The staff and students onboard are so amazing! Each person had such a unique story and we all came together to from a cohesive, working family. The team work and communication skills Seamester developed in each of us were enough to make the trip worth it.. let alone the knowledge and experience! We rode camels on the beaches of Morocco, went zip lining in Spain, saw the Coliseum in Rome and hiked mountains and beaches of many islands from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean! Seamester was so much more than a study abroad experience. I met my best friends, changed my career path and now I work everyday in a field that I love. I will never stop exploring and adventuring and I recommend Seamester and studying abroad to everyone I meet!