Seamester: Caribbean to Tahiti Voyage via The Galapagos - 90 Days

This program is beyond words. It's hard to believe how much we fit into just 90 days. I felt like we had plenty of time to explore each port, and fully take advantage of our time on land. What I really enjoyed most was growing as a team and as a family on board and getting accustomed to being part of the crew. You'll find that you'll learn just as much from your fellow shipmates as you would in the classes on board. It's one thing to learn from a lecture, but with these hands on exercises and field trips it makes the experience incredibly immersive and rewarding. I can't recommend this program enough if you enjoy the ocean, sailing, traveling, and making lasting relationships with your shipmates. 90 days seems like a long time, but by the end of our voyage I didn't want it to end. As a result of this voyage I am continuing my education in the maritime industry and am pursuing a career working on the ocean.

About two years ago I embarked on S/Y Argo for this voyage and still think about think about my three months aboard daily. Specifically I go back to about the unique way you are able to explore some of the most incredible places, and the tight-knit, family-like community you have while aboard. When I chose Seamester I had a feeling I would experience something totally new and unique, and I figured I would get to explore some incredible places. Those two expectations were met and exceeded, however I couldn't have guessed that I would gain 30 lifelong friendships or that I would learn so much, not only about the ocean, the earth and navigation. But also cooking, leadership, myself, and what it means to truly be happy. If you make the decision to take part in a Seamester program not only will it be the best adventure you could imagine, but it will also leave a lifelong impact.

Live out your dreams of becoming a pirate. Experience the open waters like you never have before. Enjoy a breathtaking and new view every single day. Try to keep track of all the shooting stars you'll see on night watch. Learn all about our oceans and how they work. Seamester is a fantastic program that I wish I knew about sooner. I struggled a bit in the beginning of my voyage due to not being able to scuba dive but I absolutely have no regret doing seamester and still to this day wish it didn't have to end. The people I met and the memories I made will stay with me forever. Time really flies aboard Argo so be sure to try and enjoy every second of it. Take photos and videos to share with friends and family but don't forgot to live in the moment. Who knows when you'll be able to visit some of these beautiful remote places again.

I am writing this review almost three years after I sailed from the Caribbean to Tahiti on S/Y Argo and I can still say that it was one of the best decisions I made during my undergraduate career. Although I was a pre-med undergrad student, I chose Seamester because it was such a unique experience that allowed me to explore while being an active member of the team. I loved that the students really did become active crew members during the trip and took on important responsibilities. The required courses were great and set a solid foundation for sailing, marine biology, and oceanography. However, I learned so much beyond the courses; I was able to learn about myself and how to work well in groups during stressful situations. Living with 25 people on a 112-foot boat really allows for a strong group bond to form.

I came to the program with no expectations because I didn't want to be disappointed. But soon, I realized that even if I had expectations, they would be exceeded with the awesome experiences this study abroad trip as created for me. You will be in rigorous Marine Bio and Oceanography courses; however, they are digestible for non-STEM students like me. You will learn so much about scuba diving and seamanship no matter what level you come in with. You will travel to the most remote places in the world and withness the ways of life that might be so different from yours, but yet feel the strong passion and enthusiasm the locals have for the visitors who come from far places. If you are going on a Sea|mester trip, make sure you bring a couple more long sleeves than you think you might need. Sun protection is important.

During Sea|mester I was able to find out new passions that have, discover amazing friendships, visit places most people don't even know exist. I felt free like I never did before and I felt good. I laughed so much my jaw hurt six days out of seven of the week. Sea|Mester is challenging, and is not for everyone but if you think you are ready for it and want to do the most amazing experience of your life then go! You'll see the most incredible sunsets and moon rise, you'll see water, water, water and water again. It is almost hard to describe how much I loved what Sea|mester gave me. I would recommend to go without anyone you know. Go alone and you will find friends on the boat that will eventually become like family. Sea|mester is amazing enough not to make you feel the urge to look at your phone for even up to 20 days, trust me! ;)

Sea-mester was the most impactful three months of my life so far. Not only was it super fun, but the amount of growth and learning is something I will have forever.
When I first boarded Argo, I had no sailing or boating experience at all. I thought this would be an issue but it wasn’t at all. They taught us everything we needed to know and were there to answer any and every question.
One of my favorite parts of being on Argo was the community you build with your crew mates. You may arrive knowing no one, but you leave with 20+ friends and family for life. You get to meet people you may never thought to talk to and learn how much everyone around the world has in common.
I can’t think of another program that offers college course, traveling, scuba certifications and sailing experience. This program allowed me to try and see new places I otherwise wouldn’t have an the opportunity too.

SeaMester... where to begin?! I'd highly recommend this to anyone who has the thirst for adventure, but especially for those nautically/marine inclined individuals among us. It is a great opportunity for those who want to learn a lot about marine life, seamanship, and scuba diving, not to mention the various cultures you will visit.
There is something different about traveling to a different country by boat - a certain camaraderie you share not only with other sailors you may come across at a dock or marina, but also with the locals who share the love for the ocean that is a large part of their lives.
Definitely do this program if you want to get out of the norm and learn A LOT. You get out what you put into it, so be open to learning and experiencing new things!