Program Reviews

I really enjoyed my time at Seguinland. When I arrived I got placed in the largest cottage with a bunch of amazing and unique people. From the start I felt accepted and an important part of the community we were forming. The ten weeks were filled with fun excursions, events, and projects. Every single staff member was warm and helpful. I felt like I could talk to anyone about anything. I had the unique opportunity to interview with the transfer station director of Georgetown and amazing artist which had a big impact on me and shifted my perspective on several things like the importance of community. There were countless teachings, memories, experiences, and friendships during my time at Seguinland that I will keep for a lifetime. I highly recommend it for anyone that is considering.

Plot: Much of the time at Seguinland is spent on adventures like hiking mountains, sailing seas, or exploring art studios. The program is jam-packed with various activities that are always being changed and added to, by students as much as staff. There are academics, but nothing that could be mistaken for a class period at a traditional school. You have fun and gain wisdom chiefly through experience.

Characters: The staff seeks to educate in a way that extends beyond academics and into mentorship. You can be earnest and vulnerable with them, and they will be there for you. The friendships you develop among students and staff foster an atmosphere of extreme trust and openness; like a breath of fresh air. They will be like your family by the end.

Setting: The small peninsula on the Back River where you live is surrounded by enchanting marshes and waterways. You are often free to wander them and get to know (and fall in love with) the wildlife; including the sweetgrass, the bald eagles, and Sally the seal. You will find yourself gazing at the Milky Way often and maybe even sleeping under the stars.

When my mom found Seguinland on a list of good gap year programs and showed it to me, I was a little apprehensive. 10 weeks in the middle of the woods? With people I don’t know? I was nervous to begin my gap year and I had been feeling some regret about my choice to take the year as I saw my friends having fun when they got to college, but the Good Life program at Seguinland made me so grateful for that choice. The people I met and the experiences I had changed my life, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything else.

My time at Seguinland was life-changing and has helped shape me into the person that I am. In a society of disconnection, it was so special to be given a space to step away from technology, immerse in the beautiful nature of Maine, and experience life wholeheartedly. I felt that the experiences offered were well-rounded and gave access to so many inspiring perspectives that reinvigorated my natural curiosity and creativity.

It was easy to feel at home with the amazingly supportive staff. I greatly appreciated their personalization of the program, remaining flexible and catering to the individuality of the cohort and its members. Above all, the program's emphasis on community was so unique and resulted in the warmth of a chosen family. The connections I made there will be lifelong!

I cannot recommend this program enough!!

My time at Seguinland was perhaps the best 10 weeks of my life, and certainly the most growth-filled.

The thing that made it perfect was the community there. It seems to attract a certain kind of person: kind, deliberate, fun, quirky, thoughtful, adventurous, and caring. I met some of the most incredible, inspiring, and genuine people I ever met. This is true for the staff as well. They were incredibly kind and went beyond all expectations in terms of providing support and individual care.

You will certainly meet some of the nicest people you have ever met here. You will do things you never expected to try, see breathtaking views of natural beauty, and most of all, have so much fun! The courses were thought provoking, fascinating, and gave us new perspectives on how to live more meaningful lives. Our cohort found joy in stargazing on the docks together, playing songs around the campfire, singing songs in the cookhouse, exploring the stunning walking trails along the river, playing board games, and even dancing together!

It's hard to express how much I loved my time there, and as someone who hadn't traveled by themself and got homesick in the past, I can say with confidence that this is a leap you should take!

I did Seguinland May Term at the end of my gap year between high school and college. It was a perfect way to end the year in that it surrounded me with peers (which I mostly hadn’t been throughout the year) before transitioning back to college and being around peers again. Phillip, Marsha, and the other facilitators did a fantastic job of making the group feel like we were united over something meaningful. I think for a group of teenagers that’s really important in establishing a certain kind of environment. I thought deeply, produced meaningful writing and art, and had rewarding personal and creative time. I also helped cooked group dinners, and made one friend I really will stay friends with. The facilitators established enough structure for it to feel deeply purposeful without leaving us feeling infantilized or “bossed around.” If you’re considering this, and want to meet a group of curious people and have an experience that feels truly MARKED and separate (from the rest of your life) do it, do it, do it!

My time at Seguinland was life-changing and has helped shape me into the person that I am. In a society of disconnection, it was so special to be given a space to step away from technology, immerse in the beautiful nature of Maine, and experience life wholeheartedly. I felt that the experiences offered were well-rounded and gave access to so many inspiring perspectives that reinvigorated my natural curiosity and creativity.

It was easy to feel at home with the amazingly supportive staff. I greatly appreciated their personalization of the program, remaining flexible and catering to the individuality of the cohort and its members. It was obvious that the staff cared deeply about the experience of each student. Above all, the program's emphasis on community was so unique and resulted in the close-knit sense of a chosen family. Together, we made the most wonderful of memories that I will carry with me throughout my life. The connections I made will be lifelong!

I highly recommend this program!

My third time being a part of this wondrous community, and I am still as grateful, if not more, for the experiences and connections made. Words cannot encapsulate the feeling of being surrounded by the most grounded community each day. Our day trips to places like Portland and Waterville truly expanded my conception of street art and what it means to be part of a community. Likewise, all of our experiences at local farms introduced me to the world of sustainable agriculture & how food supports its communities. Though these are only a handful of my takeaways, my gratitude is never ending for all the staff who always turn out becoming family at the end of the day.

So appreciative of Philip, Elin, Matt, and Ida, Marsha, and Katie who constructed such a profound and elating experience. During the May term I experienced the utmost love and kindness from the May term alum and staff.

I’ve never valued food, community, and learning more like I did during the program. There were so many opportunities to stretch my thinking about the external world as well as my internal world.

Getting to experience Seguinland not one, not twice, but three times has completely changed me and a thank you will never be enough. Thank you Seguinland staff, the love I have for Seguinland goes beyond these words.

-M

There are so many things that make this place special! Whether it's the vibe crew, the foraged feast, or just the love and support that lies in the air!! Going to Seguinland was honestly a super important step in my life and I grew and learned so much! Thank you for everything! I also made friends for life! I don't think I have ever been this present in my life! I did not even think about my phone. I was just living in the moment enjoying all these amazing experiences we were allowed to experience!