Program Reviews

Seguinland Institute is a magical place. A strong, tight-knit community comes to life and thrives. There is a level of vulnerability, unlike any I have witnessed, and there is no shying away from deep conversations. The faculty is engaged and truly shows that they care about every student. The days look drastically different, but there is a strong underlying stability. These are people you can rely on. A vibrant landscape is the backdrop for powerful conversations and the starts invite many warm laughs. Everyone is accepting and inclusive, if you are willing to bring your full self, everyone is welcome, especially as we share a warm and delicious meal. A group motivated by shared values, rather than interests is rare, yet that is exactly what this is. An escape from the distractions of life, where you can learn from others and reveal to yourself what you need to live a good life.

This was an incredible experience for me. The people were so kind, genuine, and fun! The food provided has healthy and SO GOOD! The trips we took were incredibly fun, and everything we did bonded us closer to our cohorts. Nobody was pressured into doing anything that made them uncomfortable, but there was plenty of room for growth and risk taking for those interested. Couldn't recommend this experience more. The Seguinland Family and all the students I met have had such a positive impact on my life. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything, and I am even going back for the Wintering term! If you're like me and want to get out of your comfort zone and meet people, enjoy Maine, and learn from some incredible people, I highly recommend the May Term.

I feel so deeply connected to this place and everyone here. Philip and the staff welcome you into this little island in rural Maine and turn it into a home with their energy, passion for teaching, and genuine love for the program. Through plunges into freezing cold water, discussions about the meaning of life, campfire songs, and cooking together, the faculty are always pushing people closer and showing how much they care. Seguinland cultivates such a level of comfort and togetherness that I hope I can bring even a fraction of to my life outside. There's no way I could have predicted how fast and deeply I'd fall in love with this place.

very fun program in a beautiful town in coastal maine, provided a wonderful supplement to the end of my final year of high school! i really enjoyed the scenic location and the opportunities to become involved in the community during my time there. the housing is very nice, as is the food, students are involved in preparing the food and are encouraged to bring a family recipe to share, leading to a wonderfully diverse menu over the course of the program! tons of amazing people, both in the staff and the students of my cohort, truly an amazing experience!

I love Seguinland! When I came to Maine, I was feeling burnt out, uninspired, and exhausted. Everything about this experience was exactly what I needed. The classes inspired me to start thinking bigger and bolder about how to live, the activities were new and exciting, and the lifestyle was fresh and revitalizing. This isn’t to say it was easy, but every challenge I faced was one that pushed me to grow in ways I haven’t experienced in any other scenario. The staff was the most supportive while still giving me room to grow from challenges. My fellow students were some of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine people I’ve ever met, and they are a big part of what made this experience special. My favorite memories include a 3 am hike, spotting 7 bald eagles on a boat ride, making food with foraged ingredients, candlelit mindfulness, town days, late night chats in the cabins, and lots and lots of bananagrams! I’m so grateful to have found this program that I know will have a lasting impact on my life.

Ahh, Seguinland, my favorite place in the world!! Wintering was the second program I did with them because one trip around Back River Bend just wasn't enough!
The Wintering retreat consists of three weeks of writing, rewriting, community building, laughing, and adventuring. From dog sledding to visiting the Maine Botanical Gardens, inspiration for our prose was around every corner. When we weren't buried in our work, us students were making friendship bracelets, sharing stories from our past, and singing Tom Petty in the cottages. A purposeful choice to keep technology away in group settings helps facilitate amazing memories.
If you are a writer, come to Wintering. If you want to become a writer, come to Wintering. If you want to explore a quiet, slower way of life tucked away on the coast of Maine, come to Wintering. If you want to make memories to last a lifetime, come to Wintering. I promise it'll be the best decision you'll make.

My experience at Seguinland has been nothing short of a dream. While at times it was incredibly difficult, I always felt held and supported by the community here. Everyone conducts themselves with generosity and vulnerability in mind. Everyday was an adventure, a local one like exploring the Dawnland Trail, or my day of solitude, or a big one like hiking Cadillac Mountain to see the sunrise. My favorite part of this semester was the art class with Marsha- everyday we explored a new form of creativity and her emphasis on process over product made it a welcoming, expressive, and fun space for everyone. I will always remember the joy and wonder I found here in people, places, and art.

This was my third time going to a Seguinland program. They do a good job at changing the atmosphere of the program on all levels to match the season. We did vibrant, deep, and joyous activities to celebrate and dive deeper into the season. I completed many creative projects which were enriching and healing. I got to better know the staff and their families as well as do new things despite of being my third time. In many ways, the experience of the third program was just as if not more life changing than the others. It was a very unique program and the connections and memories I’ve made with both students and staff are invaluable.

It has been 10 months since the Wintering 2023 program at Seguinland, and I find myself thinking often about how truly grateful I am for the experience & the ways I grew from it (especially by learning to tap into intuitive awe and wonder). Beyond finding a new sense of grounding in my identity as a writer and poet (thank you, Jenny and Hallie!), the open-hearted, curious, and welcoming community at Seguinland has already become a blueprint for communities I've found in the past 10 months & those I hope to find in the future.

I am endlessly thankful for the ways in which my time "Wintering" in Maine has seeped into my life beyond Seguinland.

Nestled on an island on the coast of Maine, covered in beautiful landscapes of tree, surrounded by marshes. Seguinland's programs introduce a new sense of academics while allowing opportunities to find new ways to be objective about life. As a returning alumni, I was more than excited to come back and participate in this new program. The Wintering program leans into winter while simultaneously allowing you to find your narrative through experiential learning. Throughout the program, I had the time to engage in sourcing my narrative and understanding its importance. In just a short amount of time, I began to grow a strong love for writing and have continued it even after months of the program's exit.

My newfound love of writing was inspired by leaning into the winter but also through the support of the staff. The love and support that comes from Seguinland's staff grows only stronger when I've returned. I have yet to find a community that is more loving and accepting than this one.

What's even better is the friendships I've made over the years and continue to make throughout the programs. From cooking, rooming, and learning with others the friendships I've built can last an entire lifetime.

To Philip, Jenny, Halle, and all the staff who helped create this community, thank you ♡.

Much love,

M