Dear Future Cadets,

I would like to start off by saying you have chosen the BEST study abroad experience around. With how many other programs do you get great Cal Poly professors, see about seven completely different cultures, and spend just enough time away from our SLO life but not miss it too much. I have learned a lot about myself, my friends, and also about other cultures while aboard the Golden Bear. I will try to list a few different aspects of the trip so you can decide if this is truly the program for you.

The first part of the trip starts out by getting used to life at sea. Dealing with roommates, fixed eating times, same classes six days a week, and meeting new people were all parts of the adjustment process. The weather is amazing to experience in the middle of a huge ocean. I loved sitting on the deck through a warm-water and wind squall (rain storms you pass through on a ship which last for about 5 minutes). You will also meet lots of amazing people on the Golden Bear. The CMA cadets are very open and receptive to Cal Poly students, making your time very enjoyable.

Classes on board are trickier than usual. Most people want to tan during the middle of the day, so plan a schedule around that if possible. Most people do studying up on "steel beach" while tanning; it's a fun time. I would recommend taking only 12 units, because even that feels like you're pushing it. The port time really breaks up the study schedule that you are used to back on land. Also, bring enough "leisure clothes". Every day after 6 pm, Sundays after 4 pm, and every day in port you will be able to wear casual clothes, so take that into account.

I fell in love with the ship life after no time at all. You will quickly get used to the rocking of the ship, the deep blue of the ocean, the possibility of seeing amazing sea life each new day, and then all of a sudden...wham! LAND!!!

Being in ports is amazing. The smartest thing I did on the trip was renting cars in the ports because we were able to escape the CMA/Poly masses and get away from the tourist section of the city. You would think it would be expensive, but it came to about $28/day, definitely worth it! Also, try not to be frugal! You will experience so much if you set out on crazy adventures. The part where people spend a lot of money is on souvenirs. I bought none, which I am very pleased about...everyone has their own feelings on the matter. You will want dressy clothes to wear out; clubs and bars in other countries are much more upscale than our San Luis Obispo bars. Most places you needed to have close-toed shoes for men and women. Port time felt like a crazy spring break I never had half the time, and then the other half where I was able to go off and explore, get to know the culture and feel a sense for what I wanted to take away.

The past two months at sea I have been able to explore outside my bubble and learn about the world, my friends, and myself. This trip has changed every thought in my head, every perception of my life, and I haven't even jumped too far below the surface. This trip will change the rest of your life, and you won't want to give it up for anything in the world. Enjoy!

a Golden Bear Cal Poly Cadet