Arrival of Students!

\Tuesday, June 15 - Wednesday, June 16, 2010

The day that we've all been waiting for is here. The students came on board and we're finally leaving to start our journey across Europe and the Mediterranean. But before that happens, the students have to get onto the ship but there's been some delays. According to Canadian law (not sure exactly what law it is), there are required breaks and a mandatory 1-hour lunch break. So, when 12 noon rolled around, the entire port had to shut down. We still had students waiting to get up on the gangway and they were all stuck! We have such amazing students though. No one really complained, even though it took most students 2-hours to actually get on the ship. We've had a few people's luggage not make it onto the ship, but it'll be waiting for them when they get to Barcelona. It's been great to see the students all help each other out with different outfits. They're really taking care of each other, which is awesome! :)

Leaving port this time was a lot more celebratory than when we left Florida. The parents, ISE and other S@S alums were all there to see us off. It was very fun seeing all the students out. There were a few tears from the students, and many from the parents, but in the end everyone was happy for this journey to take off. :)

The process of the students getting on the ship is very much like Move-in day on campus. They get their keys, a whole lot of info, and then the Living Learning Coordinators (aka RAs) are there to greet everyone. They all filled out roommate agreement forms and we had "Sea Meetings," which is like a traditional hall/floor meeting.

Wednesday, June 16th



This day was filled with lots of information to orient them with the UVA honesty code, introduction to Global Studies, which is required of all students, faculty and staff to attend, and a lot of safety information from the Deans as well as our ship's Captain. Needless to say, they were a bit done when I met with them for our second Sea Meeting. I kept it simple and sweet....and we took our sea picture. I promise to update photos later, when I have a stronger internet signal.