Program Reviews

Seguinland was an incredible and immersive program that challenged me to be my best self. We began our mornings with meditation and yoga, followed by thoughtful discussions about our readings from the previous night. We would spend our time up in the treehouse while getting lost in conversation for hours. Everyone was able to bring their unique perspective and analysis to the circle. I elected to do The Food Life track which took advantage of our beautiful location by doing activities such as lobstering, oystering, foraging, farming, and more. We interacted with the local community and learned about what it means to live a Good Life--- or if it even exists at all. I think about my time up there every day and yearn to have an experience like that again where I can disconnect from the outside world and give 100% of myself to what is important.

Everyone’s mere participation in the program at Seguinland demonstrated their buy-in. With this foundation set, I felt free to dive as deep into the programming as I wished. The three courses felt accessible but fulfilling, and the more I put in, the more I got out.

As much as I enjoyed the programming itself, I especially appreciated the ample free time we were given to enjoy a slower pace of life in a beautiful place with people whose perspectives ranged widely but whose values were shared. Every argument was for the sake of heaven; many moments feel still too precious to share.

The greatest gift Seguinland gave me — to paraphrase a passage from Philip’s course — was allowing me the time and space to dwell in my own mystery and in the mystery of others.

Regarding the quotidian:
- The food was delicious (when we followed Katie’s instructions)
- I don’t think I got any “better” at yoga, but it was a treat to start each day with an hour of mindfulness under Ida’s expert instruction
- The cottages are cozy. It took some time, but eventually we figured out how to care for our cottage together, and we achieved a peaceful coexistence
- The frequent day trips helped break up the weeks, and the weekly sauna plunges satisfyingly marked their closes

In the end, I felt like I’d lived through one vision of the Good Life. Though it is up to the participant what they choose to take from the program, if you feel called to it, you probably instinctively understand its potential impact – and you also know that there is no substitute for experience!

Being at Seguinland has undoubtedly been the most immersive and intense experience of any kind for me. The staff and instructors are truly awe-inspiring, providing unwavering support throughout the journey. I grew so much there looking back, and post-program relationships are the best I have seen anywhere so far. Expect to be consistently challenged, leading to substantial growth in all domains, personally speaking, looking back on it now. If given the opportunity, I would highly recommend taking part in this program. Moreover, there is a highly commendable consideration for financial aid, especially beneficial for individuals hailing from BIPOC low-income backgrounds who might quite frankly not be able to have such an experience underwise.

My time at Seguinland Institute was truly an inspiring, colorful, mind opening, wonder encouraging experience packed to the brim with love and laughter. My gap semester spent here was so vital to my journey of figuring out who I am, where my passions lie, and who I want to be. We did so many wonderful things like hikes, camping, day trips to close by towns, visiting beaches, had insightful conversations, nights in the cookhouse, and so much more. I made the best friends in the world and never felt more at home. If I could go back and relive this experience I would in a heartbeat.

I am so happy that I chose Seguinland for the start of my gap year. I think the most important thing was what I learned from the fantastic group of students that I became friends with, but I am so grateful for so much else. The academic/ class side of the program was such a great switch from how high school felt to me and I feel that the discussions we had were really valuable. I thought about new and interesting things, really had to write poems and gained more confidence with pursuing my creative passions. I learned so much and I feel like it has helped me to feel better about moving forward with what I might do in the near future. It is so beautiful, you spend so much time in nature. I loved every walk to and from class or dinner and my house each each day. It is a good next step to becoming an independent adult, but still not any kind of leap.

Seguinland was unlike anything I have ever experienced before, in all of the best ways. The people are absolutely wonderful— some of the most genuine, caring, and kind people I’ve come across. They gave me so much hope and excitement for life. It is clear the staff put immense thought and intention into every aspect of the program. Every day is different, from trips to the beach to cooking together to stargazing and so much more. It's impossible to not feel truly alive while you're there. I could not recommend it more.

Seguinland is truly a unique, once in a lifetime experience. The people here are so generous and they truly make you feel like family. I feel that I have made friends to last a very long time. Seguinland is set on a large and beautiful plot of coastal Maine. There is no better time for reflection while being supported by the team and getting college credits. You live in the cutest cottages and go to discussions in the treehouse most days (starting with yoga 3 times per week) with a lot of free time in the afternoon. You might even get to use the sauna(my personal favorite)! Otherwise this down time is used for class readings, journaling, or hanging out with people in cottages. The two hiking trips are so beautiful and the camping trip quite exhausting as it is rewarding as you sing and row up the river.
This program was a good experience for my first gap semester. However, it was slightly different from what I was personally looking for in my year. It did feel a little too inactive at times, left with too much down time. I would recommend bringing your favorite game. It is also has a significant academic focus, so know that the credits offered are worth taking.
What really makes this program so special is the people. Philip and the crew are so welcoming and nice and the students that come here are just as friendly and fun.

Throughout my gap year, I took part in multiple programs and can safely say this one is incredible. The staff is some of the kindest, most supportive people I have ever met. They are what make a program like this one flourish. I truly learned so much about myself and what it means to live the good life in the short three weeks I spent in Maine. The community that is created is like no other because everyone on the trip is open-minded and eager to ask questions, learn, and grow. I could not recommend this trip more to anyone.

Seguinland is a place and a way of being I will carry forever. This place and its people and staff allowed me to be seen and supported. I felt a deep sense of gratitude to be connected with this land and to enjoy the conversations I had with like-minded individuals. Those seeking meaning and balance from a hustle culture and technology world. It was a life-changing experience. The program's community and genuine friendship aspect was incredibly beneficial and healing. This program set the groundwork for a new way of experiencing life, learning, and contemplation. I am so grateful that a place like this exists and recommend anyone who needs a reset who needs real community and/or some time to heal in nature to go to Seguinland!!! Be ready to cook together, clean together, walk together, learn together, create together, and experience new things together. One of my favorite experiences throughout the program was cooking together in the cookhouse and trying everyone's different dishes; this place set the groundwork for community. There was nothing like starting the morning with a daily yoga/mindfulness practice, it was a grounding experience that helped everyday start on a great note. The staff are so caring and incredibly great listeners. Our one-on-one check-ins were helpful and a great way to ensure you got everything out of the program. The program's location also makes the program so much stronger, you really get to connect with nature and feel immersed.

This was an amazing experience I was given the ability to meet new people and grow as an individual. The way the classes and living is set allows for you to connect with everyone there on a deeply personal level. The staff is incredibly supportive and were always going above and beyond to provide each student with the best experience they could. I highly recommend this program to anyone who has a love for the out doors or has a desire to learn in a way that differs from traditional forms of schooling.