Program Reviews

I chose to take a gap year very late in the summer of 2024, and in the midst of confusion and panic about what to do with myself, I found Seguinland Institute. I have been ever grateful to have been offered the opportunity to join in the wonderful, living and breathing community that makes up that small area of Georgetown and reaches out across the world.

Seguinland Institute gave me the pause, reflection and rejuvenation that I desperately needed. I cannot express how free I felt—within myself, with those I spent time with, and in the natural world. The blended aspects of the program: good food, conversation, conservation, good books and community are all so vital, and I found childlike wonder in a new way every single day.

I cannot recommend this program enough. If you are someone who likes to garden, someone who likes to cook, someone who plays instruments or likes to climb trees—truly, whoever you are, you will be welcomed and loved in Maine. I can only hope that many more students exploring on a gap year can experience Seguinland!

In May 2023, I felt grateful to be welcomed into Seguinland's program as a less-traditional college student and at present I continue to feel gratitude for all the positive ripple effects upon my life and career since. I felt thoroughly supported both while preparing for and engaging in the May Term, but also had the freedom and space to process the program's content and experiences on my own. The beautiful campus was a perfect setting for reading and reflection, and during classes big discussions and intense workshops on life's important questions were handled with care, curiosity, and real depth. The responsive and co-created nature of Seguin's programming makes it difficult to describe to a prospective student, since instruction is somewhat adapted to the needs of each cohort - but be assured that it is a safe and worthy space to explore your wonderings, values and goals at any point in your journey.

In May 2023, I felt grateful to be welcomed into Seguinland's program as a less-traditional college student and at present I continue to feel gratitude for all the positive ripple effects upon my life and career since. I felt thoroughly supported both while preparing for and engaging in the May Term, but also had the freedom and space to process the program's content and experiences on my own. The beautiful campus was a perfect setting for reading and reflection, and during classes big discussions and intense workshops on life's important questions were handled with care, curiosity, and real depth. The responsive and co-created nature of Seguin's programming makes it difficult to describe to a prospective student, since instruction is somewhat adapted to the needs of each cohort - but be assured that it is a safe and worthy space to explore your wonderings, values and goals at any point in your journey.

May Term 2024 thoughtfully packs all of the best of Maine in the Spring and Seguinland magic into 3 weeks full of art, swimming, creativity, cooking, and friendship. Projects and assignments were mostly in groups and open-ended, focusing on the process not just the final result, which was so refreshing coming from my first year of traditional college courses. Creativity was emphasized instead of feeling burned out or limited by a rubric, for example, through a storytelling event with the local community. We took impactful and amazing day trips to visit local artist events in and around cozy Bath, Maine.

As I now have completed 2 programs (May 2024/Fall 2022) I could not recommend Seguinland enough! I truly left with forever friendships a deeper understanding of myself and a connection to my creative side.

At Sequinland I was able to participate in such a wide variety of new experiences and explore different perspectives. I had the space to reflect on what I was experiencing and learning. At the end of the day there is always our amazing community to lean back on. I found such a support system from my fellow students and the staff are so kind and genuine with me. Seguinland is a well rounded experience meant for personal growth and building a community. When I was there I felt like I found my people and learned so much about myself along the way.

I would recommend this program to anyone who is in a transition period between high school and college, especially those who are struggling to find their place. Seguinland helped me find out more about myself, its structured in a way to help people avoid distractions and push themselves to do something extraordinary. It also gives time to focus on self improvement by having weekly times of solitude which was a nice change of pace from the overstimulation lots of us are used to in our daily lives.

I really enjoyed my time at Seguinland! I learned a lot from the program and the people. The three courses were very informative and engaging. I wasn’t sure about morning yoga before I attended, but it became a wonderful highlight of each day. The teacher is a gem. The area is beautiful and the food is delicious. Cooking together was a super fun activity. It is a meaningful experience that I highly recommend. The staff are very helpful and if you have any questions about the program they are available to answer them.

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.