Program Reviews

This is class wonderfully integrates the outdoor experience of the coast of Maine with intellectually stimulating academic content. In the course, students learn of the importance of maintaining a relationship with nature, the Self, and other life-long learners. Intermingling with students from Manhattan College (I am from UMF) was a wonderful opportunity to speak with students with different life experiences than the majority of us, finding comfort in our commonalities and new interests in our differences. The course material has a focus on the natural environment that is rooted in Transcendentalist and Taoist philosophy which allows one to take a much-needed break from modern living.

I grew up in Maine so I am pretty used to being outdoors but the sites and adventures I got to experience here were once in a lifetime. The sites that we visited were all amazing. The little islands we went to were amazing. I have always been nervous of deep water but the people there made me feel safe and comfortable. For one of the first times in my life I was alright on the water. The morning yoga was very relaxing and much more enjoyable than I previously expected it to be. Overall I would say that this is an excellent opportunity for anyone.

Before going on this trip I only knew one other person, and I had extreme social anxiety at the time. You could imagine how I felt going into a two week stay in a place I had never been living with people I really did not know. Once I got there my anxieties went away. Professor Francis, the other students on the trip, and his family/friends we worked and learned beside were some of the best people I have ever meet. Through this experience I was able to reflect on my life and open my eyes to change. This two weeks really allowed me to start making plan and executing about how I want to live a “good life.” For me it started by becoming more sustainable and now as I have just graduated moving away to start my good life. I honestly do not know if I would be where I am today if it was not for this class. I’m so grateful Professor Francis and the class he provided!

As a student in the first year this course, I wasn't sure what to expect, but was eager to learn how to live simply a good life and embark on a 2 week journey in Maine. Since taking Professor Francis for another religion course, I only knew the class was going to be great. Everyday was carefully designed and planned out with new adventures, challenges, and experiences. From reading, kyaking, learning new trades, enjoying time with new friends, and studying the works of many authors and philosophers, every moment was enjoyable. I developed and grew as a person throughout this course from the diversity of the group, the teachings, experiences, and being in a new environment. The hospitality of the Francis family is something I will never forget. The family is so creative, welcoming, and admirable. I can't wait for the day I get to enjoy the beauty of Georgetown Maine again.

I like to consider myself an outdoorsy person but since I had started college I felt like I had lost track of that part in myself. Taking this course open my eyes to the side of myself I lost and reconnected me with the beauty and light that nature holds. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming; you will never feel judged or like you don’t belong; truly the best experience in my life that I will never forget. You could barely know the people you were with and by the end they’re family and it will be a memory that you will cherish forever!

Take it!! Wonderful experience enjoyed the outdoors, great literature and engaged is some great thought and discussion. Prof. Francis is an excellent professor, approachable and easy to talk to and offers amazing insight around the subjects taught within the day. As a city kid, I never imagined myself walking through the woods and mud and enjoying it. Made me truly appreciate the outdoors and introduced me to subjects that I never thought of exploring before.

Highly recommend for people who grew up in cities.

This trip in Maine will always hold a special place in my heart. It was an opportunity to take a step back from our daily routines and learn to be more simplistic. Philip Francis and the Seguinland Institute team are truly a phenomenal group of people who share and teach valuable lessons through lectures and hands on activities. Appreciating nature’s beauty, surrounding yourself in a positive atmosphere, and expanding your mind are just a few of the many things that make this experience so special.

The trip as a whole was nothing short of incredible. The course dives deep into the core values of what it means to truly live deliberately and how to get the most out of the one life we have. The staff is made up of some the most soulful people you'll ever meet who gear their time towards helping and teaching those around them. I would reccomend to anyone looking to do something a little different, and to get away from daily distractions, especially if you're coming from a large city background.

I've always had a love for nature and the outdoors. This was my first time visiting Maine and I fell in love with its beauty. The property itself is vast and gorgeous. Philip Francis was an amazing professor and it felt like everything we did was well thought out and tied directly back into what we were learning. I felt like I could really open up and be candid with emotions and what the class brought up for me because my classmates and teachers were all so supportive. It's been 4 years since my trip to Maine and I still talk about this class all the time because I found it so impactful.

As a student who grew up in the hustle and bustle of New York City, it was great to get away and learn in the natural beauty of Maine.

Each day was filled with great readings, hands on experiences, and thoughtful conversations that helped me open my eyes to what it means to live a good life.

I know that all sounds kind of vague, but part of the course is learning to participate instead of anticipate! You are in incredibly good hands with the Francis family and their friends and you will certainly feel very welcomed throughout your stay.

By the end of my time in the course, I definitely learned how to live the good life and how to continue living that good life back in my city home. I also walked away with many life long friends and incredible memories! So if you’re considering taking this course, do it, you won’t regret it.