Program Reviews

I was fortunate enough to sail on Argo for 80 days from Tahiti to Australia in the summer of 2017. It was an incredible experience is so many ways. We got to see and explore amazing islands in the pacific, we got SCUBA certified in some of the most beautiful dive spots in the world, and we sailed almost 5,000 nautical miles. There are definitely challenges associated with living in close quarters and just being on a ship, but for anyone looking to push themselves outside their comfort zone, those “challenges” will probably become the things you miss most about the trip. Also the crew were fantastic. Incredibly knowledgeable and helpful despite some occasionally very challenging teaching conditions. If you know you want to go abroad on the water, and are particularly interested in doing as much sailing, and diving as possible, Seamester is the way to go.

Live out your dreams of becoming a pirate. Experience the open waters like you never have before. Enjoy a breathtaking and new view every single day. Try to keep track of all the shooting stars you'll see on night watch. Learn all about our oceans and how they work. Seamester is a fantastic program that I wish I knew about sooner. I struggled a bit in the beginning of my voyage due to not being able to scuba dive but I absolutely have no regret doing seamester and still to this day wish it didn't have to end. The people I met and the memories I made will stay with me forever. Time really flies aboard Argo so be sure to try and enjoy every second of it. Take photos and videos to share with friends and family but don't forgot to live in the moment. Who knows when you'll be able to visit some of these beautiful remote places again.

Of all the things I've done in my life, my time aboard Ocean Star has been by far the most memorable, impactful, and meaningful experience I've ever had. The first time I stepped on the boat I knew absolutely nothing about sailing but by the end of my trip I was a confident shipmate, responsible diver, and totally in love with my life aboard.
The trip itself brought me to incredible islands where I had one-of-a-kind experiences facilitated by Sea|mester's long relationship with the Caribbean. Every island you visit brings a new adventure that's off the beaten path but incredible - you'll do things you never even dreamed of - hiking to a boiling lake, spear-gun hunting invasive lion fish, exploring historic naval fort ruins.
Living onboard was unforgettable. I'd never sailed before but within the first few weeks I felt like a confident, knowledgable sailor and my crew quickly became a cohesive, hardworking team. My peers were all unique and interesting and cut from the same adventure-seeking cloth as me. The staff were amazing - each one became a true mentor and I will cherish the journey for the rest of my life.
Nothing I've done in my life has changed me more positively than my time spent on Sea|mester. There's not a day that goes by that I do not miss the boat and I often find myself flipping back through photos and smiling to myself. You will learn, you will laugh, and you will love this trip.

I am writing this review almost three years after I sailed from the Caribbean to Tahiti on S/Y Argo and I can still say that it was one of the best decisions I made during my undergraduate career. Although I was a pre-med undergrad student, I chose Seamester because it was such a unique experience that allowed me to explore while being an active member of the team. I loved that the students really did become active crew members during the trip and took on important responsibilities. The required courses were great and set a solid foundation for sailing, marine biology, and oceanography. However, I learned so much beyond the courses; I was able to learn about myself and how to work well in groups during stressful situations. Living with 25 people on a 112-foot boat really allows for a strong group bond to form.

I went abroad for my Fall sophomore semester aboard Argo and I have to say, it was one of the best experiences of my life. We started off in France and sailed our way down the southern coast to Italy. Throughout the beginning of the trip our instructors quickly brought all of us closer together with actives as well as a deep level of integration in our new environment. They quickly became our friends and their participation was a key in how enjoyable and educational this experience was for me. 90 days and an ocean later, I have to say I have absolutely no regrets. This experience was truly one of a kind and I believe everyone should engage with it. This trip brought me countless exotic experiences, a far deeper application for the ocean and environment as well as lifelong friends. Thank you!

Do yourself a favor and come aboard this trip. My life aboard S/Y Argo in the Fall 2016 is one I will never forget and treasure to this day. I use the skills I learned from the trip everyday and I skyrocketed as a person. Coming back from the trip, I had a whole new outlook on life. I am not going to lie, it is hard work, but it is SO worth it and there are so many positive and fun aspects to being aboard. I improved vastly as a person on this trip. I also had never sailed prior and was 17 but that is not a problem with Seamester. You all will not regret this as I can assure you it will change your life forever in so many amazing ways. If you want to learn more about it I made three parts about it at my website a while ago: www.carolinewilbur.com

Not only was seamester a trip and experience of a lifetime that left me with wonderful memories and bonded friendships, but it also expanded my perspective on the world. I have felt a deepened desire to health the earth since doing seamester. Not to mention it’s a great time visiting various countries and having adventures only a lucky few are able to have. I got to experience everything from seeing the most beautiful sunsets in the world to seeing whale pods in the middle of the ocean. No day is ever the same and you get to experience all of it with a crew that truly does become ur family. It’s not an experience for the weak of mind, it’s challenging. However it is an experience for anyone wanting an adventure that is unique and beautiful and leaves you feeling accomplished, experienced and just straight up grateful to live in the world we do

I came to the program with no expectations because I didn't want to be disappointed. But soon, I realized that even if I had expectations, they would be exceeded with the awesome experiences this study abroad trip as created for me. You will be in rigorous Marine Bio and Oceanography courses; however, they are digestible for non-STEM students like me. You will learn so much about scuba diving and seamanship no matter what level you come in with. You will travel to the most remote places in the world and withness the ways of life that might be so different from yours, but yet feel the strong passion and enthusiasm the locals have for the visitors who come from far places. If you are going on a Sea|mester trip, make sure you bring a couple more long sleeves than you think you might need. Sun protection is important.

During Sea|mester I was able to find out new passions that have, discover amazing friendships, visit places most people don't even know exist. I felt free like I never did before and I felt good. I laughed so much my jaw hurt six days out of seven of the week. Sea|Mester is challenging, and is not for everyone but if you think you are ready for it and want to do the most amazing experience of your life then go! You'll see the most incredible sunsets and moon rise, you'll see water, water, water and water again. It is almost hard to describe how much I loved what Sea|mester gave me. I would recommend to go without anyone you know. Go alone and you will find friends on the boat that will eventually become like family. Sea|mester is amazing enough not to make you feel the urge to look at your phone for even up to 20 days, trust me! ;)

I had high expectations coming into this program and all were greatly exceeded. It's nearly impossible to find the words to describe just how amazing this experience was. Every moment brought its own adventure. Whether it was learning to dive, slipping and sliding our way through hikes, competing in an international regatta, or spending a day as head chef, each experience was unique and irreplaceable. Aboard S/Y Ocean Star, I met amazing people (including my best friend), discovered confidence in myself I never knew I had, found a sense of direction and somehow fell deeper in love with the ocean and sailing. The staff and classes were amazing, making the experience even better. Coming in as a biology student, I had never been able to be as fully immersed in my studies as I was aboard Ocean Star. Studying abroad with Sea|mester was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.