Embark in 20 days

Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I would actually be following through with studying abroad. When I first got accepted to Semester at Sea it was just an idea and never a reality. Now that I have 20 days until I start my journey, this idea has definitely become a reality. For those of you who may not be familiar with what I am doing, Semester at Sea is a study abroad program where I will be traveling on a cruise ship called the MV Explorer for 106 days starting January 9. During those 106 days I will be traveling to;

• Hilo, Hawaii
• Yokohama, Japan
• Kobe, Japan
• Shanghai, China
• Hong Kong, China
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Singapore, Sinapore
• Rangoon, Burma
• Cochin, India
• Port Louis, Mauritius
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Takoradi, Chana
• Tema(Accra), Ghana
• Casablanca, Morocco
• Debark: Barcelona, Spain

As you can see I really am traveling around the world. I have never been apart from anyone for more than maybe 2 weeks so being away from my family and friends for 4 months, with nothing but email, is going to be an experience within itself.
During my travels I am still a college student taking college courses which include Persuasion, Consumer Behavior, Interpersonal Communications and Religions of the World. But when we are at each port I will be soaking in absolutely everything!

About a month ago I was extremely overwhelmed by this trip and had no idea what I would be doing at each place but I do have a few things planned so far and everything else will be planned once I get on the ship:)

• In Shanghai I will be visiting a local Kindergarten classroom.

• I am so excited to visit India because I will be participating in the Incredible India program which will be a 4 day/3night adventure where I will be visiting the Taj Mahal and Red Fort as well as interact with students at Deepalaya School and visit the Dilli Haat market as well as so much more! I will also be visitng Mother Teresa's Orphanage while in India.

• As a child I have always loved Shark Week and I am SO EXCITED to have the opportunity to go Shark Diving to see a Great White Shark in South Africa!!!! I will also be participating in Habitat for Humanity where I will help build a home for a family in South Africa.

I have so much to do in these 20 days...mainly pack and saying my "see ya later's"... but am so excited to start this new journey in my life!
For those of you who might want to get in touch with me during my trip you can email me at samantha.sojka.sp13@semesteratsea.org