Location
  • United States of America
Length
4 - 12 weeks
Program Tags
Arts College Credit Conservation Hands-On Learning Post-High School Wilderness Yoga Retreats
Need-based funding, 529 Plan eligibility, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Activities
Boating Canoeing Cross-Country Skiing Farming Hiking Kayaking Snowshoeing Swimming Yoga
Timeframe
Fall Spring
Housing
Guesthouse
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
17
Age Max
22

Pricing

Starting Price
11700
Price Details
Fall Semester Total Program Cost: $14,300 | Spring Semester Total Program Cost $11,700

Cost includes everything: tuition for 8-10 credits, room & board, all fees, outdoor gear, books, journals, unlimited tea and marshmallows.

Scholarships available (need-based & equity-based). Please inquire.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Equipment Meals Park Fees Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Travel Insurance
Jan 26, 2023
Dec 31, 2023
17 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Three-Time Winner of Award for Best Overall Gap Year Provider by GoOverseas (2020, 2022, 2023)! Apply now for Fall 2024 or Spring 2025 semester programs.

Step away from the confusions of everyday life and make yourself at home on a 60-acre homestead peninsula in the coastal woodlands of Maine. This immersive, experiential program allows you to live in intentional community with a cohort of 20 fellow students who like you are setting aside a season to explore the good life. The program engages the whole person: body, mind and soul. You’ll partake of experiences in nature, learn to forage & garden & cook, read inspired texts (one at a time), live into the big questions, practice mindfulness, connect to creativity and cultivate friendships based on the deeper things. Along the way you’ll complete 3 college courses (one at a time) for 8-10 credits with award-winning professors who embody the spirit of experiential learning.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

At Seguinland Institute, we are intentional about creating positive and respectful educational opportunities within a growth-oriented environment. As a student, you can expect an inclusive learning environment that is free from discrimination or favoritism. You are entitled to freedom from physical or verbal harassment of any shape or form. We agree with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's idea of "the danger of the single story." We thus create a multi-perspective, multi-narrative approach to all discussions.

LGBTQIA+ Support

At Seguinland Institute, we are intentional about creating positive and respectful educational opportunities within a growth-oriented environment. As a student, you can expect an inclusive learning environment that is free from discrimination or favoritism. You are entitled to freedom from physical or verbal harassment of any shape or form. We agree with Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's idea of "the danger of the single story." We thus create a multi-perspective, multi-narrative approach to all discussions.

Program Highlights

  • Inhabit the Coast of Maine: Live in riverside cottages, canoe the river, hike the preserves, beach comb by the open ocean, boat trip to islands, lighthouses, bald eagles & seals, multi-day trip to Acadia Nat'l Park, sunrise from Cadillac Mt.
  • Rediscover the joy of learning. Explore ideas to live by. Connect to Creativity | 3 College Courses: “THE GOOD LIFE COURSE” (Philosophy), Philip Francis PhD, “GOOD LIFE FOR ALL" (English), Seguinland Faculty, "THE CREATIVE LIFE" (ART), Marsha Dunn, MSW
  • Cultivate Mindfulness: Built-in daily practices for calming and focusing the mind and knitting together your attention span. Also, “Tree Dwellers Retreat”: stay a night in a luxury treehouse w/ wood-fired cedar hot tub. Also: Scandinavian-style sauna!
  • Good Life/Food Life: Eat good food here. Volunteer at an organic farm that gives its produce to people facing food insecurity. Work w/ expert local foragers to identify, harvest and cook a foraged feast. Feel nourished.
  • Create Intentional Community & build friendships based on deeper things. In a time of social fracture and crises of meaning and belonging, community building is crucial. Envision game nights, dance parties, bonfires, communal meals, star-gazing!

Program Reviews

4.98 Rating
based on 65 reviews
  • 5 rating 98.46%
  • 4 rating 1.54%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 4.8
  • Support 5
  • Fun 4.95
  • Value 5
  • Safety 4.95
Showing 1 - 8 of 65 reviews
Default avatar
Justin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An Experience Like No Other

To say the Seguinland institute is a special place is an understatement. This place is truly one an unparalleled experience that cannot be replicated. At Seguinland, the forces of creativity, friendship, exploration, and nature meet to create an unforgettable experience. All thanks to the incredible staff who are truly dedicated to making the best possible experience for every student. The staff are uniquely passionate about what they do and facilitate a genuine and strong community. The experimental academics were thought provoking, engaging, had lots of amazing guest speakers, and real world learning experiences. I am so thankful that I chose to come to seguinland as it was an incredible experience I won’t be forgetting.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Lychen chips and cat tails.
46 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Charlie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience

Over a year after my program at Seguinland ended, it’s still rare for a day to pass that I don’t think about it. It was, undoubtedly, the best choice I could’ve made for where to spend my gap year.

Starting with the housing, I fell in love with my cottage. Despite being one of the smaller ones it felt like there was always enough space to have guests or to find a place to be alone for a bit.

The activities were always engaging, even as somebody with pretty bad ADHD. We covered plenty of ground in my program, both figuratively and literally. There’s a great blend of physical activity, meditation, and literary studies, as well as plenty of opportunities for creative expression.

The most important and profound aspect of it all, however, was the community, and I cannot praise the staff enough for their part in shaping that community. If I had met my entire cohort through a high school class I don’t know for sure if I would be friends with any of them, but thanks to the ways a community is built and encouraged at Seguinland, I consider myself friends with everyone in our group of 20. To this day, we still have monthly zoom calls and many of us talk to each other even more often, with even a couple relationships that started during our program still going strong.

If you are considering going to Seguinland even slightly, I cannot recommend it enough.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Embrace stepping out of your comfort zone. Considering everything you’ll be doing, there will probably be at least one thing that you’ll think won’t be for you, but every experience is at the very least worth trying.
Pros
  • Great food
  • Surrounded by nature
  • Something for everyone
Cons
  • Could use more optional activities on weekends
  • Internet access is restricted. This is a pro in some cases but can also be very frustrating in cases like calling family
43 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Charlie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Good Life

Everyone’s mere participation in the program at Seguinland demonstrated their buy-in. With this foundation set, I felt free to dive as deep into the programming as I wished. The three courses felt accessible but fulfilling, and the more I put in, the more I got out.

As much as I enjoyed the programming itself, I especially appreciated the ample free time we were given to enjoy a slower pace of life in a beautiful place with people whose perspectives ranged widely but whose values were shared. Every argument was for the sake of heaven; many moments feel still too precious to share.

The greatest gift Seguinland gave me — to paraphrase a passage from Philip’s course — was allowing me the time and space to dwell in my own mystery and in the mystery of others.

Regarding the quotidian:
- The food was delicious (when we followed Katie’s instructions)
- I don’t think I got any “better” at yoga, but it was a treat to start each day with an hour of mindfulness under Ida’s expert instruction
- The cottages are cozy. It took some time, but eventually we figured out how to care for our cottage together, and we achieved a peaceful coexistence
- The frequent day trips helped break up the weeks, and the weekly sauna plunges satisfyingly marked their closes

In the end, I felt like I’d lived through one vision of the Good Life. Though it is up to the participant what they choose to take from the program, if you feel called to it, you probably instinctively understand its potential impact – and you also know that there is no substitute for experience!

43 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The Good Life Gap Semester- Fall 2022

My time at Seguinland Institute was truly an inspiring, colorful, mind opening, wonder encouraging experience packed to the brim with love and laughter. My gap semester spent here was so vital to my journey of figuring out who I am, where my passions lie, and who I want to be. We did so many wonderful things like hikes, camping, day trips to close by towns, visiting beaches, had insightful conversations, nights in the cookhouse, and so much more. I made the best friends in the world and never felt more at home. If I could go back and relive this experience I would in a heartbeat.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Live in the moment, keep an open mind, and take it all in. The views, the lessons and deep thinking, the people, the food, the adventures, all of it. It goes by so fast and it’s really the best time ever.
35 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Mailin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Seguinland Good Life Gap

I am so happy that I chose Seguinland for the start of my gap year. I think the most important thing was what I learned from the fantastic group of students that I became friends with, but I am so grateful for so much else. The academic/ class side of the program was such a great switch from how high school felt to me and I feel that the discussions we had were really valuable. I thought about new and interesting things, really had to write poems and gained more confidence with pursuing my creative passions. I learned so much and I feel like it has helped me to feel better about moving forward with what I might do in the near future. It is so beautiful, you spend so much time in nature. I loved every walk to and from class or dinner and my house each each day. It is a good next step to becoming an independent adult, but still not any kind of leap.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice now that I've done this program is just to do it! It's not all as corny as it looks (it is still a little corny, but it is genuine. You will be in good company and have so much fun!) I was worried it would be too weird, it wasn't. It is such a good break from all the mess of the world, but it isn't a break from growth. It is such a valuable use of your time. It is a place to be vulnerable, be yourself and commit.
Pros
  • The people, I loved my roommates so much, and will remember everyone I got to know.
  • The nature is so beautiful!
  • The food is so good.
41 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best decision I’ve ever made

Seguinland was unlike anything I have ever experienced before, in all of the best ways. The people are absolutely wonderful— some of the most genuine, caring, and kind people I’ve come across. They gave me so much hope and excitement for life. It is clear the staff put immense thought and intention into every aspect of the program. Every day is different, from trips to the beach to cooking together to stargazing and so much more. It's impossible to not feel truly alive while you're there. I could not recommend it more.

40 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Abby
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great program for the thoughtful kind who want to explore who they are.

Seguinland is truly a unique, once in a lifetime experience. The people here are so generous and they truly make you feel like family. I feel that I have made friends to last a very long time. Seguinland is set on a large and beautiful plot of coastal Maine. There is no better time for reflection while being supported by the team and getting college credits. You live in the cutest cottages and go to discussions in the treehouse most days (starting with yoga 3 times per week) with a lot of free time in the afternoon. You might even get to use the sauna(my personal favorite)! Otherwise this down time is used for class readings, journaling, or hanging out with people in cottages. The two hiking trips are so beautiful and the camping trip quite exhausting as it is rewarding as you sing and row up the river.
This program was a good experience for my first gap semester. However, it was slightly different from what I was personally looking for in my year. It did feel a little too inactive at times, left with too much down time. I would recommend bringing your favorite game. It is also has a significant academic focus, so know that the credits offered are worth taking.
What really makes this program so special is the people. Philip and the crew are so welcoming and nice and the students that come here are just as friendly and fun.

What was your funniest moment?
One of the more hilarious and fun moments for me was when, at low tide, we all jumped in the mud and started throwing it at each other and sliding in the muck. This was a very memorable and freeing moment.
Pros
  • The beautiful property
  • The kind and supportive Seguinland team
Cons
  • Not as much gardening/hands on work as I had imagined.
  • Quite sedentary if you are an active person.
  • Not for a traveller or explorer.
42 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Silas
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Silas

This was an amazing experience I was given the ability to meet new people and grow as an individual. The way the classes and living is set allows for you to connect with everyone there on a deeply personal level. The staff is incredibly supportive and were always going above and beyond to provide each student with the best experience they could. I highly recommend this program to anyone who has a love for the out doors or has a desire to learn in a way that differs from traditional forms of schooling.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Try to explore new things you’ve never tried before. This is a place that gives you the flexibility to do things you wouldn’t have the opportunity to do at home or at college so take advantage of that.
Pros
  • Staff
  • Allows you to meet new people
  • Classes
41 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers