<p>I am a freshman at Dartmouth College interested in shanty singing and nautical history especially from the 18th and 19th centuries (as a hobby currently, not as a potential major). I was wondering if anyone had any experience with the mystic seaport semester program (or other programs), and what they thought of it. From what I've gleaned through limited research, it sounds like it would be an absolutely amazing experience, especially when you consider my interest in the sea and it's history. However, I want to see what other people had to say about it before I apply for it (wouldn't be until next year anyway).</p>
<p>I'm not really sure if this is the best place to post this thread, but I don't think CC has a non-study abroad exchange forum.</p>
<p>I would also like to know how competitive this program is because I'm really interested in applying. Does anyone else have something to say? Thank you!</p>
<p>I have a son who just graduated Williams. He didn't do Mystic, but did inquire about competitiveness. From Williams, easy. From other good schools, not especially competitive, I believe. From Dartmouth, I bet not too hard at all.</p>
<p>The students tend to be from top schools (LACs and Ivies), all very smart and all deeply interested in maritime studies. Many of them bring guitars and they often sing together. In addition to Literature of the Sea, Oceanography or Marine Ecology, Marine Policy, and a course on the history of human interaction with the sea, they take a pass/fail hands on course. One option is sea chanteys. They do a lot of local field work and go on three longer field trips (fall sailing a tall ship in New England and Canadian waters, spring sailing a tall ship to the Caribbean; fall to Southern and Northern California, spring to the Northwest; both semesters to the Gulf Coast). It is a jam-packed semester. It isn't a perfect program, but the students who do it universally love it.</p>