The Good Life Gap Semester in Maine

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!

This program is the best decision I've ever made. I know that the things I learned in each of the good life courses will stay with me forever and it is impossible to describe the impact that each of the faculty has had on me. Georgetown and all its natural beauty is the ideal location to rediscover what it means to live mindfully and find what matters most to you. Everyone comes to this program for a different reason, and students have a variety of experiences and goals going in. This allows for meaningful and memorable discussion because ideas are examined from a variety of perspectives. The community is unlike any other; everyone was so kind and cared deeply about each other as well as learning with an open mind.

This program has changed my life, and has left me with some of the best friends I have ever met. Prior to the Seguinland, I knew it was going to be a fun and adventurous experience. However, it also ended up being insightful and meaningful, and truthfully life changing. I discovered new passions and respect for the world, myself and others. Not a day goes by where something doesn't remind me of my time spent at Seguinland. I'm forever grateful for having been apart of this special program, and making life long relationships with the people I was surrounded with.

I had a fantastic time at the Good Life Gap Term. The curriculum explores philosophy, environmental justice, and creativity, all facets of what "the good life" can look like. I'm so happy I got to reconnect with nature and discover the joy of being a beginner. At Seguin I tried so many new things (new readings, new recipes, new artistic mediums), and I realized how rewarding that can be. I am so grateful for the friends I made, too. We dove into the course material with open minds, cooked and shared meals together, explored Maine, and created memories I will never forget, especially hiking in Acadia at sunrise. Together we built a vibrant and supportive community. The experience I had at the Good Life Gap Term continues to guide me today, reminding me to go outside, appreciate nature's gifts, listen, read, and create.