The Day Before Embarkation



Dear lovely reader,

 Tomorrow is the day. January 9, 2013 is the day I embark on this incredible journey. And April 25, 2013 is the date where the voyage will end. For many Semester at Sea students, the itinerary is one of the main reasons why s/he wants to apply.

 The Itinerary
Embark:
San Diego, CA, United States
Hilo, Hawaii, United States
Yokohama, Japan
Kobe, Japan
Shanghai, China
Hong Kong, China
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Singapore, Singapore
Rangoon, Burma
Cochin, India
Port Louis, Mauritius
Cape Town, South Africa
Takoradi, Ghana
Tema (Accra), Ghana
Casablanca, Morocco
Debark:
Barcelona, Spain





The Gist
Every day I am at sea, I attend my classes on the ship. Every day I land in port, it's an exploration.


The Classes
I enrolled in 5 classes (min. 4/ max. 5) because I didn't want to be too behind on units when I come back to school. Since SAS/UVa is run by a semester system, while UCI is run by a quarter system, I won't be enrolled at UCI for both Winter and Spring 2013 quarters. For many students, an important step to enrolling in courses is making sure the SAS courses transfer credit back to the home institution. Each SAS course has a mandatory field lab in one particular port to serve as a reflection and application of what is learned in that course.

 Development Economics, Economics
Field Lab: Looking Outward to Grow Inward in Vietnam

 Economy of China, Economics
Field Lab: Politics, Economics and System Change in Hong Kong and China

 Emerging Markets, Economics
Field Lab: The Untapped Market of Africa

 Sea and the Mirror, English Literature
Field Lab: Cape Town Harbor & Port Operations

 Water for the World, Civil Engineering
Field Lab: Singapore's Water Ethic
Thank You
Thank you James, my brother, who applied for this program 8 years ago. I barely knew what he was doing at that time, just that I wouldn't see him for a while. But ever since the first step, he has been guiding me and propelling me forward towards the next. If he didn't push me, if he didn't nag me, to challenge myself, to go for something as big as this, I really wouldn't be writing this blog.

Thank you Mom, my mom. No matter how crazy we drive each other, none of that really matters as long as I have her to come home to. Every time I try something new in my life, or change paths, she's been right behind me. She is and will always be my biggest constant, my biggest support. And no matter how old I get, no matter how far I go, I will always be your daughter, your baby girl.

 Thank you Institute of Shipboard Education/Semester at Sea. I can't tell you how many emails and phone calls I made to the faculty, but every person there is the reason how this dream of mine became more and more real as the days went by. The day I received scholarships and aid from ISE, was the day I realized that this once-in-a-lifetime voyage became more in my reach and soon, in my hands.

 Thank you UC Irvine, for being my home for the last two years. It's been unreal how time has gone by since the first day. If I didn't build the confidence, the strength I have now as an Anteater, I wouldn't have the courage to apply for SAS. I only spent one quarter as a third year at UCI. But with its amazing faculty, its amazing classes, and even more amazing students, I feel complete and ready to begin this voyage.
The Game Plan
I feel as though you can prepare as much as you can for an opportunity like this. You can apply, you can pack. But you're never fully ready for what's to come. It's just too big to grasp. But honestly that's what makes me so damn excited for tomorrow and the next four months. When you're a part of something this special, it makes you feel special. So with that said, there really is no set game plan. Just Hakuna Matata. "Don't worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be all right."

I only have two hours of Internet access during my time on the ship. And I can't use my phone either. But please email me at kimberlydvu@gmail.com. I do have unlimited access to my email. :D Thank you readers! More posts to come.

 Your friendly explorer,
Kim


Comments

  1. KietJanuary 9, 2013 at 1:52 PM

    When will this blog get juicy?

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownJanuary 12, 2013 at 5:21 PM

    I love you so much Kim and I wish you the best of luck on this adventure! I'm so grateful to know someone who's making it big in life :) enjoy your trip and can't wait for the lovely updates!

    ReplyDelete

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