Program Reviews

I came onto this voyage, excited but not really knowing what to expect, I came out of it with a better understanding and new sense of the world. The trip was phenomenal and I am 100% glad I did it.

Ever since I was little, my big dream was to do an Ocean Crossing, and this trip allowed me to follow my dreams. The smell of the fresh ocean air mixed with the sight of nothing but ocean for miles in any direction is incredible, but also very hard to describe to people who have not experienced it.

We started out in the BVIs with stops along the way to eventually get to our final destination of France. Along the way, we were doing everything on board. We took turns helming, going on watch, cooking our meals, cleaning up and more. You were a full member of the crew, and had the responsibilities as such. On top of that, we were also taking an oceanography class, which you may be able to get college credit for. It sounds like a lot, but it is completely manageable and you will never be bored.

This was an experience that I will never forget and I hope you get the opportunity to as experience it as well.

Seamester was the most unique learning experience I've ever had. Not many classrooms, for example, allow you to learn the taxonomy of various marine organisms and then jump in the (warm Caribbean) water and see those organisms with your own eyes. We literally took a deep dive into the material we were learning! The combination of that kind of visual and experiential learning and being detached from reality/ off the grid is a one of a kind opportunity.

Not only do you learn marine biology, oceanography, and develop sailing and scuba diving skills, but you also learn about yourself. You push your limits, you learn what a team is, and you learn what is important and what is necessary. When you are in the middle of the ocean with 25 amazing people and the stars, you suddenly realize your Facebook doesn't matter that much.

And regardless of learning, it's hard to beat waking up on a new island every few days, knowing that you and your team got yourselves there. Its hard to beat a whole semester of ocean baths, salty hair, boom swings, waterfall swims, star gazing, hammock naps, sunsets, windsurfing, coconut drinking, and fun. And It's hard to beat adding 20 new stamps to your passport, logging 25 dives, and making 25 new lifetime friends (we just had a 5 year reunion!). All in 90 days. I will cherish my experience with Seamester always.

Seamester was truly an incredible experience. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a classic Caribbean adventure. Life on Ocean Star is an adventure every day with sailing, hikes, diving, and more. The staff and students on my trip were amazing people; I missed them as soon as I left the boat! On Ocean Star you get to experience life at sea, from raising the sails to helming and navigating. The dive sites are amazing, as are the views from some of the highest mountains in the Lesser Antilles. While the living situation isn't exactly five-star, I got used to living out of a bunk really fast. Besides, who needs a big room when you're busy going on a new adventure every day!

Easily the best days of my life, and that's probably an understatement. Legitimately, if you're thinking about applying and you're hesitating, stop hesitating. Send in your application. If you get in, you won't have a single regret except for that moment when you're flying away and wishing you could spend more time on the ship. I went into the trip with a couple of expectations simply because I knew a girl who had been a shipmate in the past, so I'd heard her stories, but mostly I was open to anything and had few ideas about what was going to happen.
I walked onto the ship and met 19 people, little did I know they'd quickly come to feel like family. I think that's what was so unique about this program, was just how quickly I began to feel like those strangers were my best friends -- even the staff. From them and from each other I learned more on deck than I think I would have in any traditional classroom on a college campus. Coming out of this trip not only did I take four classes, but I am also an Emergency First Responder and Rescue Diver certified. I got my Navigation Master and my VHF Operator Certification. I have an International Crew Certification. Plus, I could tell you all about copepods. If that's not convincing you, then I don't know what will.
All I can say is this: apply. Put your all into your application because if you want to be there, then chances are you'll do great.

Absolutely amazing is the best way to describe it. I decided to go on this trip because I had no idea what to do with my life. I was interested in marine biology and oceanography, along with everything else the program provided. The hands-on aspect of this is untouchable, along with the once in a life experiences. What other program can give you college credit with hands on experience, professors that are available 24/7 and happy to help on any occasion, all while sailing to places throughout the world you never thought you'd be able to travel to. This program tests, and strengthens you both mentally, and physically. But teaches responsibility, teamwork, and overall molds you into an independent, self sufficient individual. Definitely one of the best experiences I've ever had in my entire life. The three months I spent on Ocean Star in the Fall of 2015 was incredible. I made life long friends, and had the time of my life. If you're considering this program, there is one major factor to take into account. On board, you are the crew. you work everyday, you do chores, raise sails, drop anchors, and are ready to jump on the order of the captain. If you don't mind getting your hands dirty and challenging yourself, this is an amazing program that has no equal.

I couldn't believe how much I truly loved Seamester; every tiny experience was important and interesting. I loved what we learned in classes, through exploring islands, scuba diving and snorkeling, and just from talking to everyone. The friends you make feel like a real family, and you become closer than you'd imagine... I had so much fun for my fall semester and would highly recommend to anyone even remotely considering it.

This is honestly one of the best decisions I have ever mad in my life. I'm a junior at NYU (yes they'll take credits), and I had a blast sailing, diving, and studying with this crew. I wouldn't have traded this experience for anything. The academics were exactly what you'd expect of a college course, but the hands on learning environment made them that much easier to understand and integrate into my life. The sailing passages were a definite highlight. Night sailing, especially, was nothing short of magical. I promise, you will not regret doing this, but I can't promise you won't not regret not doing this ;)

Going on this Sea|mester was the best choice I have made so far in life. I came because I didn't know what I wanted to do in life, and I wasn't quite ready to sit down in a college classroom for 4 years. I knew I loved scuba diving, and I obtained my divemaster certification on this trip. I thought sailing might be pretty cool as well. It turned out that sailing became my passion. We worked every day to make sure we were taking good care of Ocean Star so that she would keep us safe as well. It was an absolute blast. Although it was also quite serious and professional when it came to classes. We had two classes every day, either oceanography, marine biology, student leadership development,
or basic seamanship. We spent a most of our time doing class related activities or studying. Pretty much everything we did was related to our classes in some way. Sailing, diving, nature walks, guest speakers from different islands. The staff was also fantastic. They were so involved, helpful, and they were just good people. Overall, it was the most amazing experience in the world. If you are debating on going or not, just go.

SeaMester is the most unique study abroad program out there! I learned more than just academics. I learned hard skills that I still use, I learned a lot about myself, and I learned how to be a leader and a member of a group. We also had amazing experiences in the countries and cultures we were immersed in. Most of all, SeaMester was a great experience and tons of fun, while sailing a yacht across an ocean visiting seven countries along the way.

The review prompt asks me to tell a story about my voyage. The entire trip was a series of stories; I'm not sure how to choose. I steered a schooner off the dock before losing sight of land for over two weeks. I and my shipmates took Argo through a squall (with following seas) on a moonless night. I have dozens of pictures of sunrise over the Iberian Peninsula as we transited the Strait of Gibraltar. In the Mediterranean, we saw a tall ship which looked like an illuminated floating mountain. I ate 5 kinds of ice cream in one day in the Azores. This trip was life-changing and produced many of my favorite memories. A top-notch crew and interesting group of shipmates, along with a beautiful ship, made the experience possible. I cannot recommend this program highly enough.