Good Life May Term in Maine

Every staff member has a genuine desire to support each student. They curate a space where every student is included and accepted no matter what. Many qualities of a typical work or school environment either don’t exist here or have been completely reformed to better support the students’ well being. Discipline is replaced with patience and forgiveness. Restrictions are replaced with a platform for self expression. Strictness is replaced with freedom and play. The program is free from phones, allowing everyone to connect with one another and reconnect with the natural world without distractions. In all of the activities, the needs of every single student are considered.

I absolutely loved this program! It is built around the idea of experiential learning. There is nothing like learning about community build from the people who are out there doing it, and the stories we heard will stick with me for a long time. This experience filled me with an overwhelming sense of hope. I learned how to connect with people and build a community, which are skills that have transformed my life both on the program and after. Georgetown, Maine is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been and having the opportunity to disconnect and embrace nature in such a unique environment was so special. All of this being said, my favorite part of Seguinland is the incredible people, staff and other students, who make the stunning marshland feel like home in just 3 short weeks. This program is truly so special and I cannot recommend it enough.

The May Term at Seguinland completely changed how I thought about learning. It wasn't only lectures or assignments—it was also experiential, hands-on, and deeply personal.

What struck me most was how naturally and quickly our cohort became close. I vividly remember laughing so hard my eyes watered during our "primal walk" (a tour around campus)—and this was just three hours after we'd been introduced. In that moment, all my doubts—about choosing a program in a country I'd never visited, with people I'd only met online—simply melted away.

We cooked meals together, explored Reid State Park (beautiful beaches, though admittedly a bit too cold), visited organizations across Maine, welcomed various artists, and spent evenings in deep conversation under the stars on the docks.

One of my favorite experiences was organizing The Mad Farmers Award event. We planned and presented an honor to Maine State Senator Craig Hickman, which showed me what community organizing and food justice truly look like in practice—not just in theory.

Practical notes: If you're Brazilian or international, start your visa process early. And if you feel this experience is calling to you but something is holding you back, definitely reach out to Philip—he has the brightest heart of anyone I've ever met (when you meet him, I'm sure you'll feel similarly. The rest of the staff is awesome as well).

Seguinland was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. It is a place that fosters deep connections and thoughtful conversations. I made some of the closest friendships I’ve ever had at Seguinland, and felt 100% supported and uplifted by the wonderful staff. I highly recommend to anyone thinking of taking a gap year who values nature, mindfulness, and deep connection. I still think about my time there every day. I’ve never felt such a deep sense of belonging in another place/group of people. I grew so much as a person, and I’m so grateful for my time at Seguinland!

The good life program offers a thoughtfully designed curriculum that encourages students to reflect deeply on personal values, purpose, and well-being. Through guided discussions, interdisciplinary readings, and experiential learning(visitong local workshop, preparing feast…), the program creates a supportive environment( campus is so beautiful!) where participants are able to develop greater self-awareness and critical thinking skills. The program creates a supportive and inclusive environment where individuals feel respected and empowered to explore their values and life goals. By integrating theory with real-world application, it helps me slow down, reflect deeply, and make more intentional choices about how i want to live. Overall, it is a meaningful and impactful program with lasting personal value.

I came to Seguinland somewhat disillusioned with my college experience and seeking a change, though I was a bit on-guard when joining the program because it was so different from anything I had done before. But the community I found when I got there was so caring and naturally relatable that I often found myself forgetting I had only just met the people I was living with! The value of the friendship a person experiences here cannot be overstated and that experience will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Another part of the program that truly changed me was the curriculum itself, which explores the idea of community building and the people, ideas and practices that make it possible. To do this, we visited different members of the surrounding community - among them artists, community organizers, and builders - and both observed and participated in work that I'd never been able to experience the true beauty of previously. Interacting with the people behind these communities gave me perspective on my own life and taught me the value of staying grounded.

There are many, many parts of my experience that I am leaving out for the sake of brevity. But if this has made you even a little bit curious, I would urge you to go and experience it for yourself. At best, it will be life-changing. At worst, you will meet some incredible people and spend some time in some very beautiful nature. I truly believe you cannot go wrong.

After finishing my freshman year of college, I felt very stuck. I was questioning my decision about the college I had picked, not doing a gap year, and many other personal things. Deciding to drop the summer classes I had planned on taking and instead doing Seguinland's May Term Program turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. The connections that I made, the self-discovery and self-reflection that I had, and the pure amount of joy in a relatively short program was incredible.

In May 2023, I felt grateful to be welcomed into Seguinland's program as a less-traditional college student and at present I continue to feel gratitude for all the positive ripple effects upon my life and career since. I felt thoroughly supported both while preparing for and engaging in the May Term, but also had the freedom and space to process the program's content and experiences on my own. The beautiful campus was a perfect setting for reading and reflection, and during classes big discussions and intense workshops on life's important questions were handled with care, curiosity, and real depth. The responsive and co-created nature of Seguin's programming makes it difficult to describe to a prospective student, since instruction is somewhat adapted to the needs of each cohort - but be assured that it is a safe and worthy space to explore your wonderings, values and goals at any point in your journey.