I have always wanted to study abroad and travel the world during college, but I could never settle on just one place to go visit. I remember watching Suite Life on Deck on Disney Channel when I was a kid and I always wanted to attend school on a cruise ship like the main characters did, but I didn’t think a program like that actually existed… until I saw an ad on Facebook about Semester at Sea.
( Semester at Sea )
At first, I couldn’t believe my eyes. And then I got super excited as I started doing more research about the program. I applied within a day of finding the program and was connected with an Admissions Advisor within 24 hours of submitting my application. I was absolutely thrilled with my finding of this opportunity and it just kept getting better and better with each step of my admissions process proceeding.
Semester at Sea is a study abroad program that is partnered with Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. The university operates on an Academic Ship called the MV World Odyssey, that is home to over 1000 students, staff and crew members every fall and spring semesters. It sails around the world and makes 13 stops in different countries along the way to enrich students’ lives with numerous field study projects, seminars, special guest speakers and traditional coursework over the time span of four months.
I was finally accepted into the Semester at Sea program and then came all the Admissions paperwork. At first, I was very overwhelmed and I was hesitant in finalizing my spot in the Fall 2018 semester as deadlines were approaching quickly. I continued my research into my required paperwork for admissions and the paperwork required through my home university for while I was studying abroad. And I found that the advisors and counselors from both my home university and Semester at Sea were lifesavers when it came to all the questions I had regarding deadlines, paperwork and general knowledge of the program. I didn’t feel as overwhelmed anymore. I also was added to my Fall 2018 Voyage Facebook group where the other students were asking questions, posting tips about visa and housing processes and getting to know each other. Being apart of that Facebook group and getting to talk to some other students helped to ease my mind with all the items I still needed to complete on my Admissions Checklist prior to embarkation.
I am still working on my paperwork and applying for my necessary visas but I am getting more and more excited about my future adventures this fall!!
I have created a GoFundMe to help me with program and personal costs. I have attached the link to this post if you, my readers, feel led or moved to donate to help me out with school this next semester.
I appreciate all of the support and encouragement from my family and friends throughout this process. Thank you.
I will be posting on my blog, Journeys with Jaiden, occasional vlogs on my YouTube channel, as well as periodic posts on my Facebook and Instagram (all of which are linked on the homepage), so everyone can keep up with my world travels as I complete this next semester abroad!!
I cannot wait for you guys to see the world with me!
-Jaiden Lynn 🙂
“I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
Journeys with Jaiden 