Seamester: Caribbean to Tahiti Voyage via The Galapagos - 90 Days

I am writing this review almost three years after I sailed from the Caribbean to Tahiti on S/Y Argo and I can still say that it was one of the best decisions I made during my undergraduate career. Although I was a pre-med undergrad student, I chose Seamester because it was such a unique experience that allowed me to explore while being an active member of the team. I loved that the students really did become active crew members during the trip and took on important responsibilities. The required courses were great and set a solid foundation for sailing, marine biology, and oceanography. However, I learned so much beyond the courses; I was able to learn about myself and how to work well in groups during stressful situations. Living with 25 people on a 112-foot boat really allows for a strong group bond to form.

I came to the program with no expectations because I didn't want to be disappointed. But soon, I realized that even if I had expectations, they would be exceeded with the awesome experiences this study abroad trip as created for me. You will be in rigorous Marine Bio and Oceanography courses; however, they are digestible for non-STEM students like me. You will learn so much about scuba diving and seamanship no matter what level you come in with. You will travel to the most remote places in the world and withness the ways of life that might be so different from yours, but yet feel the strong passion and enthusiasm the locals have for the visitors who come from far places. If you are going on a Sea|mester trip, make sure you bring a couple more long sleeves than you think you might need. Sun protection is important.

During Sea|mester I was able to find out new passions that have, discover amazing friendships, visit places most people don't even know exist. I felt free like I never did before and I felt good. I laughed so much my jaw hurt six days out of seven of the week. Sea|Mester is challenging, and is not for everyone but if you think you are ready for it and want to do the most amazing experience of your life then go! You'll see the most incredible sunsets and moon rise, you'll see water, water, water and water again. It is almost hard to describe how much I loved what Sea|mester gave me. I would recommend to go without anyone you know. Go alone and you will find friends on the boat that will eventually become like family. Sea|mester is amazing enough not to make you feel the urge to look at your phone for even up to 20 days, trust me! ;)

Sea-mester was the most impactful three months of my life so far. Not only was it super fun, but the amount of growth and learning is something I will have forever.
When I first boarded Argo, I had no sailing or boating experience at all. I thought this would be an issue but it wasn’t at all. They taught us everything we needed to know and were there to answer any and every question.
One of my favorite parts of being on Argo was the community you build with your crew mates. You may arrive knowing no one, but you leave with 20+ friends and family for life. You get to meet people you may never thought to talk to and learn how much everyone around the world has in common.
I can’t think of another program that offers college course, traveling, scuba certifications and sailing experience. This program allowed me to try and see new places I otherwise wouldn’t have an the opportunity too.

SeaMester... where to begin?! I'd highly recommend this to anyone who has the thirst for adventure, but especially for those nautically/marine inclined individuals among us. It is a great opportunity for those who want to learn a lot about marine life, seamanship, and scuba diving, not to mention the various cultures you will visit.
There is something different about traveling to a different country by boat - a certain camaraderie you share not only with other sailors you may come across at a dock or marina, but also with the locals who share the love for the ocean that is a large part of their lives.
Definitely do this program if you want to get out of the norm and learn A LOT. You get out what you put into it, so be open to learning and experiencing new things!

I had an incredible time on this trip I'm not sure where to start. I chose this program because I actually wanted to sail and not be a tourist motoring around in the Caribbean or Pacific. I was taught how to sail relatively quickly and was able to partake in a lot of the boat handling activities. Being on watch during the night in the middle of the Pacific delivered the best stars I will ever see, there is nowhere with less light pollution than the middle of the ocean. The dives were amazing, I got my padi certifications and saw all the sharks and mantas you could ever wish for. I loved eating different food in every new place we went to and getting to hike and explore each new place, it was wonderful. In the end, the staff made the trip, I learned so much from them and had a blast working with all these knowledgable people that were not just teachers, but friends and work partners. I wish I could do it all again it was one of the best adventures of my life so far.

There really is no word that describes how amazing Seamester is. Take every positive word you can think of and multiply them by infinity. That's how good it was. I wouldn't trade the experience for anything! I highly recommend doing one of the trips. Great staff, great schooner and a great place to be able to call home.
You will go many places, see many incredible things that are breath taking. You will feel like a conquerer. You will feel like a sailor. And if you play your cards right, you will feel like a crew.

This trip was the most amazing experience I have ever had. Having the opportunity to visit so many different places in three months is unbelievable. The program and the staff truly care about making sure you have the best time possible. It is more than leaning just sailing and scuba, it teaches you who you are and how to be a better and more responsible person. I immediately ended up changing my major to Marine Science so I could pursue a career on and around the ocean after the trip. The other students and staff are some people that I will keep in my life forever.