Cal Poly Students,

This trip is not for everyone. This trip is for the adventurous, the patient, and the laid-back. Some of the difficult things to deal with are abrupt changes in plans, the tight quarters you share with several people that you many not like very much, the lack of privacy, and mediocre food. Life seems to be suspended and the change from real life to ship life is drastic. You have no bills and no phone calls to return; you just don't have the same responsibilities as you would at home. The only things you need to worry about are

1. Attending class, quarters (a.k.a. roll call at12:30pm), and clean sweep down (general ship cleanup at 4:00 pm),

2. doing homework,

3. keeping your room neat, and

4. making sure you're in the uniform.

Compare this to your average day or week at school. The classes aren't quite as demanding because the resources just aren't there to do a lot of outside research. However, the professors want the students to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from the things happening around us. They want the students to learn about the ports they're visiting, their history, culture, biology, politics, etc. I have learned a tremendous amount not only in my classes, but in the ports as well, learning about the different countries and about myself.

But remember this is an opportunity that not everyone gets to experience. You stop in several ports, which are often very different from each other. I have met some awesome people and made lifelong friends. The complete submersion into the ship lifestyle and foreign cultures forms special bonds as you experience these adventures together.

CMA cruise was an awesome experience and I recommend it; just remember to maintain your sense of humor, patience, and optimistic outlook on every situation. And besides, it's cheaper than any of the other study abroad programs.