1st day of classes!

Today we had the 1st day of classes! I think I am going to love my Disease and Healing class. It is really interesting. Even though I don’t like English classes, I also think I will enjoy this one. All the professors here are very down to earth. Most of them asked to be called by their first name. I am already seeing how this ship is turning into one large family. Tonight was also the first “pub night”. Here students can get 3 drinks for the evening but they are outrageously expensive. My friends and I set on the deck and played cards. This lifestyle is one that I could easily adapt to. I was able to go to class then layout and then go back to class get a workout and then relax with friends. It is so amazing to meet all of the students, staff and kids on board. Yesterday during orientation Desmond Tutu addressed all of the students. He is a very charming and hilarious man. I have shook his hand on a couple occasions and am hoping to have the opportunity to eat with him at some point. Tomorrow I have Global Studies, the course that prepares us for all of our ports and also have a leadership class. I have very high expectations for my leadership class and hope it is all that it has been talked up to be. I have been working a lot with our student from Spain that is working with students to help provide insight on the culture of Spain. He is so sweet but has broken English. I am working with him to prepare for his presentation on Thursday. This is the part of my job that I think I will enjoy the most. We have 6 more days till we see land! Hopefully its smooth sailing from here to Cadiz ☺

THE BIG DAY!

It is finally here! Today I will fly to Novia Scotia, Canada with my parents and meet my new home for the next 109 days! I feel as if I have been planning this trip forever and it seems unreal that it is finally here. I was shocked when I was able to fit all my luggage for a semester in one 50 lb bag, a carry-on, and a backpack. I never realized how difficult it is to pack for 4 months, especially when facing all different types of climates. Hopefully everything from here on out is "sooth sailing". Thanks again for all your love and support!

I have had a few questions on what I will be doing while abroad so I thought I would give a brief overview. While aboard the ship I will be taking 4 classes and also working. I will be taking a Global Studies class, in which all students are required to take, World Short Stories, Service Leadership, and a Disease and Healing Class. As far as my job I was fortunate enough to recieve a position with the student life office, where I will work 2 hours a day while at sea. As for when the ship docks at the various ports we are free to travel, with trips planned by Semester at Sea or independently.  Here are the ports I will be visiting:

• Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
• Cadiz, Spain
• Casablanca, Morocco
• Takoradi, Ghana
• Cape Town, South Africa
• Port Louis, Mauritius
• Chennai, India
• Singapore
• Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
• Hong Kong / Shanghai, China
• Yokohama / Kobe, Japan
• Honolulu / Hilo, Hawaii, USA
• San Diego, California, USA

Feel free to e-mail me at jtmattingly@semesteratsea.net, this is the only form of communication I will have. Love you all!!!

ONE WEEK!

So it is finally starting to hit home. I am about to embark on the journey of a lifetime in ONE short week! I have been talking and preparing for months, but it is really starting to set in. This semester started off as a far-fetched dream but now is reality! I can't even fathom all the wonderful experiences I will partake in this semester and am so grateful for every opportunity. While I am so excited I know that I will miss every single one of you SO VERY much. I would greatly appreciate e-mails so I have an opportunity to hear the exciting things that happens over the course of the next several months, and so I do not feel so distant. With all my love! 
Jordan