Seamester: Antigua to Grenada - 80 Days

I grew up in Colorado... but have always had a passion for the ocean and sailing. So when I found Sea|Mester and learned that I could combine my passions plus leave the cold I was so excited. I attended Sea|Mester as a senior in high school, which is pretty young for there programs. They worked with me with how I was going to attend the program and graduate high school. which was super accommodating. It was also the first experience I had taking college-level classes. the staff where all super supportive and helpful with helping me get up to college-level academics; from how to study properly to writing research papers at the college level. Outside of the classroom, no day was the same the experiences I had I would not trade for anything.

Of all the things I've done in my life, my time aboard Ocean Star has been by far the most memorable, impactful, and meaningful experience I've ever had. The first time I stepped on the boat I knew absolutely nothing about sailing but by the end of my trip I was a confident shipmate, responsible diver, and totally in love with my life aboard.
The trip itself brought me to incredible islands where I had one-of-a-kind experiences facilitated by Sea|mester's long relationship with the Caribbean. Every island you visit brings a new adventure that's off the beaten path but incredible - you'll do things you never even dreamed of - hiking to a boiling lake, spear-gun hunting invasive lion fish, exploring historic naval fort ruins.
Living onboard was unforgettable. I'd never sailed before but within the first few weeks I felt like a confident, knowledgable sailor and my crew quickly became a cohesive, hardworking team. My peers were all unique and interesting and cut from the same adventure-seeking cloth as me. The staff were amazing - each one became a true mentor and I will cherish the journey for the rest of my life.
Nothing I've done in my life has changed me more positively than my time spent on Sea|mester. There's not a day that goes by that I do not miss the boat and I often find myself flipping back through photos and smiling to myself. You will learn, you will laugh, and you will love this trip.

I had high expectations coming into this program and all were greatly exceeded. It's nearly impossible to find the words to describe just how amazing this experience was. Every moment brought its own adventure. Whether it was learning to dive, slipping and sliding our way through hikes, competing in an international regatta, or spending a day as head chef, each experience was unique and irreplaceable. Aboard S/Y Ocean Star, I met amazing people (including my best friend), discovered confidence in myself I never knew I had, found a sense of direction and somehow fell deeper in love with the ocean and sailing. The staff and classes were amazing, making the experience even better. Coming in as a biology student, I had never been able to be as fully immersed in my studies as I was aboard Ocean Star. Studying abroad with Sea|mester was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I would do it all again in a heartbeat.

The 80 days I spent aboard Ocean Star have been some of the most incredible days of my life. Every day is packed full of so many amazing experiences you wonder how the next day could possibly compare to the last. And yet each time it’s just as awesome, if not more so. The people on this adventure with you will start off as strangers, but by the end of the trip they will know you better than some of your friends back home and they’ll feel like a second family. Because you’re reading these reviews, I’m guessing there’s a part of you that already wants to sign up. Stop thinking about it and do it. You won’t be disappointed. In fact, you’ll most likely remember it as one of the best decisions you made.

I can easily say that Sea|mester has been the best experience of my life. I was hesitant about the program at first and was not sure what to expect, but if you are considering going on a trip then stop thinking about it and just do it. Throughout the 80 days that I spent on s/y Ocean Star I have seen some of the most incredible sights met some amazing people and made life long friends. It's an feeling that can only be experienced first hand, I feel that this trip has helped me learn and grow as a person. I wouldn't have traded this experience for anything.

Incredible sights, amazing people, treasured memories. The things I saw, learned, and experienced were priceless. Seamester is a special program that truly cares about its students. Great fun was had and the islands you visit and people you meet will be with you for the rest of your life. Would do it again in a heart beat. Sailing, diving, hiking, adventuring - this program has it all in places you will never forget with people you will call friends for a lifetime.

Seamester was truly an incredible experience. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a classic Caribbean adventure. Life on Ocean Star is an adventure every day with sailing, hikes, diving, and more. The staff and students on my trip were amazing people; I missed them as soon as I left the boat! On Ocean Star you get to experience life at sea, from raising the sails to helming and navigating. The dive sites are amazing, as are the views from some of the highest mountains in the Lesser Antilles. While the living situation isn't exactly five-star, I got used to living out of a bunk really fast. Besides, who needs a big room when you're busy going on a new adventure every day!

Easily the best days of my life, and that's probably an understatement. Legitimately, if you're thinking about applying and you're hesitating, stop hesitating. Send in your application. If you get in, you won't have a single regret except for that moment when you're flying away and wishing you could spend more time on the ship. I went into the trip with a couple of expectations simply because I knew a girl who had been a shipmate in the past, so I'd heard her stories, but mostly I was open to anything and had few ideas about what was going to happen.
I walked onto the ship and met 19 people, little did I know they'd quickly come to feel like family. I think that's what was so unique about this program, was just how quickly I began to feel like those strangers were my best friends -- even the staff. From them and from each other I learned more on deck than I think I would have in any traditional classroom on a college campus. Coming out of this trip not only did I take four classes, but I am also an Emergency First Responder and Rescue Diver certified. I got my Navigation Master and my VHF Operator Certification. I have an International Crew Certification. Plus, I could tell you all about copepods. If that's not convincing you, then I don't know what will.
All I can say is this: apply. Put your all into your application because if you want to be there, then chances are you'll do great.