The Good Life Gap Semester in Maine

This experience felt like a fresh breath of life for me. I’m so grateful I took this chance. I’ve made lifelong memories and built a greater sense of confidence. This was my first time living without my family (I was straight out of high school). This program helped me feel more affirmed in the hope I have for my future. The staff and faculty were like family. It felt like growing up in the best way as I experienced new things every day. I enjoyed the kindness, openness, and support all the staff gave us. I wouldn't have considered myself a very outdoorsy person before this experience but now I know that I love the outdoors more than ever. Living in a community takes a lot of effort and I’m glad that I got to learn how to put that effort in. I’ll always think back fondly to dance parties in the cookhouse and the warmth of bonfires and friends."

Seguinland is wonderful! The program allowed me to explore every unexpected creative outlet, live in a wonderful, authentic community, try all new perspectives and challenges, and will truly stick with my for life. I grew in so many ways and found new capabilities, friendships and passions. I am more authentic, creative, confident and joyful because of my time in The Good Life Gap Semester. The Seguinland staff gave me such a sense of home away from home and have so much kindness and support in their hearts. What will stick with me the most is the people, everyone in the program was so loving and down to earth and it was so unique to be able to build a community all together. My time at Seguinland is unforgettable.

My biggest takeaway from my time at Seguinland is to embrace the unexpected. In your time here you will practice the art of getting lost and then found again. You will face challenges, physically, mentally, and come out stronger on the other side. Kayak trips, crazy hikes, hours of solitude, and hard conversations are bookended with gorgeous, mindful mornings in the gathering space and cozy nights in the cookhouse surrounded by great food and better friends. You will get muddy, paint-y, tired, hungry, sweaty, giggly, pee-yourself-laugh-y, contemplate-philosophically-y, warmed, fed, hugged, taught, and loved unconditionally by a strong, tight knit community.

I had the most amazing time at Seguinland! It was definitely the perfect program for me. The beautiful campus and the fresh air provides the perfect place to learn and grow. The things that I was nervous about coming into the program vanished once I got there. The first few days were mostly focused on getting to know the program, place, and people, which eased a lot of my anxiety. The staff were also great at accommodating needs (allergies, time for students to have online appointments, etc.). But above all, even though the program itself was nearly flawless, the thing that made it perfect was the other students. I have always been a pretty quiet person and it takes a while for me to open up. I was nervous that I wouldn't make any friends but by the time I left after 10 weeks, I walked away with 19 people that I now consider family. The time we shared together will always stick with me and have a special place in my heart.

My experience at Seguinland Insitute in the good life gap semester program was fantastic in many ways. It feels like you're living in a family, not just because students are surrounded by the real-life families (including kids) of the staff - who are largely part of one family - on a daily basis, but also because of the community-based structure of the entire program: all the meals (except for the rare occasion) are home-cooked and all the dinners are eaten together. The student body is small enough for each and every student to get to know each other during the duration of the program. Instead of the usual apartment style dorms that are common in post-high school education, the students stay in very well-furnished and cozy cottages. Mine had a kitchenette stocked with just about every kitchen item you'd need on a day to day basis. The program is built to build quality relationships with students, Earth, the staff, our inner landscape, and teaches students what the good life is in a very very individualized way - direct experience. The campus is very beautiful and everyone in the program loves music, the outdoors, and new and interesting experiences.

The marsh welcomed me onto it's land. It gave me views I'll always remember, woods to immerse myself in, and a breathtaking amount of stars.
It was truly about the people. Phillip and his family let us become apart of their lives, teaching courses but also giving us space to grow as they supported us in every way. The guests we met were inspiring and provided such rich moments. I was naturally drawn in to close friendships with the other students.
Allow yourself to be open minded and vulnerable and you'll find yourself changed.

My time at Seguinland Institute is indescribable. Surrounded by the serene marsh and river, students are able to connect with not only their selves, but also their fellow students, nature, and literature. Students learn not only from the syllabus but also by the very experience itself. Daily yoga helps to start each day with mindfulness. This program would be best for students interested in nature, hiking, kayaking/canoeing, farming, cooking, reassign and art. The ability to perform basic tasks independently is necessary as students are required to make breakfast at lunch, do their own laundry, keep a clean shared room, share cleaning tasks with housemates, and help with group dinner prep and clean up. the program is everything the website describes and more. The staff at Seguinland make each student a member of their incredible family. I would consider 17-23 to be the most crucial learning time for young people, and Seguinland is the place to do it.

I had no idea what I had gotten myself into before coming to this program but within a few days I was quickly captivated by the culture I found at Seguinland. The program does such an amazing job of combining mindfulness and personal self-reflection with hands-on environmental education and creativity. Everything we did felt so personal and the program coordinators always took time to listen to our suggestions and adjust the program as needed. You will become so close with the small group of students you live and learn alongside of as well as the Francis family, who welcomes you into their life. I can't recommend this program enough!