Program Reviews

Sailing around the Caribbean Sea while getting to see some of the most amazing islands it had to offer was truly wonderful. The adventures we went on made me grow stronger, find out more about myself, and be proud of who I am more than I could ever imagine. It also gave me a new family that is there for me when I need help no matter what, even through difficult situations, as well as memories and new skills that I will cherish and take forward as I go on with my life. I couldn't have been happier than to have spent those months on Ocean Star, my home in the sea, with the people I most love and am most thankful for.

This experience completely altered the course of my life. I have learned so much from my fellow students and staff and therefore can without a doubt say that this was the best decision I have ever made for myself. My new perspectives and outlook on life are indescribable, and I hardly recognize my old self. My favorite memories are the little moments: a private laugh across the cockpit, staying up with another watch team an extra 30 minutes, skipping through clouds on top of a mountain, a giant stride, a smile, a hug, a squeeze. Throw yourself fully into this experience because it is only what you make it. It's crazy what happens when you let go and surrender yourself to everything and everyone around you, and what better place than the ocean!

Oh my goodness it was the time of my life, the adventure of my life, the most fun of my life. I met so many friends that I have met and will keep strong bonds with for the rest of our lives, I saw and experienced things people can only imagine to see once in their lifetime, and i saw it all in 90 days. I would do anything to do it again, literally the time of my life. The worst part of this trip was getting off the boat, i had never cried so much in my life and it hasn’t stopped either, the friends you make with everyone, including the staff will last forever.

Seamester has provided me with the best 3 weeks of my life! From the moment I stepped aboard I knew I had gained a new family. Together we sailed, dove, explored, sang, danced, and learned. This experience is unlike any other and is sure to leave you desperate for more. The places you go are incredible, but the people you meet and the things you learn are the most spectacular parts of the program. I promise you won't regret it! The most important thing I learned is that you have to trust yourself and the others around you. If you don't put yourself out there you never know what life could amount to. Take the leap of faith!

It was a really great program and I got to have so many new amazing experiences and everyone got along so well. I definitely think you have to be a specific type of person to go on this trip, you have to be very adaptable and open to new sometimes nerve racking experiences. The staff of the ocean star were amazing leaders, super interested in helping us and teaching all the new skills while also joining in on our shenanigans from time to time :) I will miss them all very much!! I think the friendships made were the most valuable aspect, everyone was so supportive and protective of one another and got along so incredibly well, we all loved each other a lot after only 20 days.

This trip was truly the best time of my life. I met some of the friendliest and kindest people among the students and staff. A great community was built and I made lifelong friends that I plan on keeping in touch with. The activities and excursions were also amazing. I came in with an interest in marine biology and diving and these interests plus others were furthered due to the voyage. Even if you are not interested in these things I still recommend going on this trip because you will make great friends and go on a great adventures with new people experiencing things for the first time also.

This is the best experience that I have ever lived!
The staff was so great and always there to listen to our needs and demands and the connection I built with the other students is beyond what words can describe. What made this trip amazing is the diversity of activities we took part in from dynamic and interesting academic classes, numerous dives, sailing activities, on-shore activities like surfing and turtle watch, hikes, free time to bond with the crew, and more. I have learned so much during this trip on oceanography and how to be a good advocate for our oceans, but also on myself and how to become a better leader.

This experience was one of the most amazing things I have ever done. I wish that everyone would have the opportunity to do something like this, because it not only sparked my interest in pursuing a career at sea but it also gave me a sense of being able to face anything coming my way with confidence. The staff on my trip were amazing and made me feel safe and cared for. The friends I made on this trip are now some of my closest. Overall, this experience pushed me out of my comfort zone and I feel so much stronger and well prepared for all that life can throw my way!

If you have the chance to go aboard with Sea|Mester, take it! I promise you won’t regret it. Yes, you may be worried since the whole idea of sailing is new and you won’t know anyone going into it, but I promise it will be the best experience of your life. Hands down, Sea|Mester is probably the best thing I have ever done. Learning to sail was a blast. I saw so many cool things scuba diving. Exploring the beautiful islands was incredible. The staff were amazing. I made friends of a lifetime. Like I said, if you have the chance, take it! You wont regret it. I wish I could do this experience over again. Almost made me want to switch from being a doctor to working as staff on one of the boats. That’s how awesome it was!

Everything was amazing and the friends that I made on this trip I will take with me forever. The staff were there to guide us but also there as friends, I felt like I could turn to any one of them and ask them for help. The most valuable aspect of Seamester was the people you meet on the trip. If any one of the people on Argo for my semester was changed, the whole vibe would be different. Every person brings their own unique experience and views and then they mash together to create one big family.