Why did you choose this program?
I chose Seguinland Institute's "The Good Life Gap Semester - Fall" program because its purpose aligned with mine, and it was like no other program I found. I did extensive research into many of the gap programs available for students in between high school and college, but found that this program was different. From my very first interaction with the program director, I had a gut feeling it was right for me. He was incredibly friendly and motivated, and I could tell he really cared about each student in the program in a way I found nowhere else. The program's curriculum was also unique and fascinating. Taking philosophy, writing, and art courses in a treehouse classroom, on an island in the woods of Maine, is just such an incredible opportunity like no other. I can’t recommend it enough; it was the best 10 weeks of my life.
What did your program provider (or university) assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?
The program provided incredible assistance while also allowing each student to grow and learn from their independence. We had multiple orientation and meet & greet Zoom calls, where we got to know each other before arriving on campus. We were given an extensive packing list, and the program staff were very available to answer questions about what to bring or general questions about the program. They asked for our flight information, and as soon as we arrived at the airport, they helped us group up and drove us to the campus. Aside from getting there and orientation, the staff assisted us with so much more. This program is very well structured and organized, and has been running for many years. It is all provided to students -- from food, weekly planned schedules, and accommodations, to just being willing to talk with you at any time and answer questions / give you support. We had a lot of independence between scheduled activities, and in the afternoon after classes/outings. The cohort would frequently organize night walks to go stargazing on the dock. We were allowed to explore the stunning woodsy campus with our free time, and I found myself getting groups together frequently to have game nights, cook desserts together, and go on hikes together. The program keeps you busy, but has scheduled independent time for you to recharge and decompress.
What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?
I would tell someone going on this program to really embrace it. You get out of it what you put into it. The staff will quickly become close connections, and are always there to help you with anything - from life advice, to college applications, to mental health. Being with a cohort together for a semester in the woods, and away from distractions like constant tech use and news feeds, is such a gift. The community that will form this on program creates life-long friends, and your shared experiences will be treasured forever. Be yourself, and really soak up the time in this special community.
What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?
The average week looks like a balance of class time in their treehouse classroom, and excursions into the local town and nature. Most of the time on weekdays, we would have yoga every other day, and class from the mid-morning to early afternoon. After class, we would get free time, study time or meal prep time before dinner. After dinner, we had more free time to chill out, hang out with the cohort, bake treats, walk to stargaze on the docks, or just go to bed early. On the weekends, they organized multiple weekend trips for us, and I felt like there was a perfect balance between days where we got to hang out with the cohort and really explore
campus, and explore the surrounding area, and go on adventurous outings. We might go into town on weekends, visit local artists, go apple picking, go camping, hike, go canoeing, and so much more.
campus, and explore the surrounding area, and go on adventurous outings. We might go into town on weekends, visit local artists, go apple picking, go camping, hike, go canoeing, and so much more.
Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?
My biggest fear for this program was being lonely. It was hard to leave home for the first extended period of time and be with people I knew very little about. When I first arrived, I was shy and introverted, and I worried about what might happen if I didn't make friends quickly.
I quickly overcame my fear by embracing that we were all in the same situation. I made friends with my cottemates, and then the whole cohort, and soon it felt like a tight-knit family, and we all knew each other extremely well. Every single student was incredible kind, inclusive, and fun! I realized that one of the things that makes this program like no other is it's focus on building deep close connections.
I quickly overcame my fear by embracing that we were all in the same situation. I made friends with my cottemates, and then the whole cohort, and soon it felt like a tight-knit family, and we all knew each other extremely well. Every single student was incredible kind, inclusive, and fun! I realized that one of the things that makes this program like no other is it's focus on building deep close connections.
What is one example where the staff went above and beyond?
During my fall semester, I was also working on picking colleges and writing college applications, as well as picking a spring program and writing applications for that. The program director, Philip, as well as the campus life directors Matt and Elin, spent so much of their time with me one-on-one to work through my struggles and even help me through application processes. They suggested colleges and programs they felt would fit what I was looking for. They wrote me a letter of recommendation and went above and beyond to help me through my spring gap year decision. They all provided me with so much support, and even checked in on how I am doing after the program ended. They are amazingly supportive and friendly people, and I am so grateful for everything they did for me.