Extended Family Program

At the beginning of each voyage, interested faculty, staff, and life-long learners volunteer to become surrogate parents to students who have signed up for the program.  In an environment where everything is new and different, these small groups provide the opportunity for both students and adults to connect in a personal and meaningful way. Most of the 64 families have now met three or four times, and I have been involved with two families. Both are led by life-long learners – one by Robert Wallace and the other by Mary Jeanne Jones.

Wallace, a retired dentist from Seattle, has visited many of the countries on this voyage’s itinerary.  With this background, he is able to provide cultural information, travel tips, and advice on places to see, as well as give his perspective on changes that have occurred since his previous visit.

His family meets regularly, usually over dinner in the main dining hall. The family discusses upcoming Semester at Sea excursions and independent travel plans and how to get the most out of each trip. And they share their stories from recently completed trips. Comparing their travel experiences enables the “brothers and sisters” of the family to learn even more about the countries they have visited. And sharing within the family encourages personal reflection and provides positive feedback in a safe and fun environment.

Mary Jeanne’s family often meets on the top deck at the rear of the ship by the pool. These lively group gatherings include sodas, smoothies, and other goodies. On one occasion there was a large chocolate cake for the family to enjoy

Like a favorite grandmother, she has been open, caring and gives everyone a hug before we start our meeting.  Discussions tend to focus on recent trips and include lively exchanges about the culture and personalities of the people we have encountered.  The members of Mary Jeanne’s family love being greeted with the small treats and appreciate the comfortable home-like atmosphere she provides.

Although there have only been a handful of meetings, members of both families are getting to know each other and are spending time together outside of scheduled meetings. Through interactions both on ship and in port, each of these families have begun to grow closer. It’s going to be exciting to see how relationships develop during the last half of the voyage as we will build friendships that will continue long after this voyage is over.

(Note: This entry was authored by SaS student Ben Travis who attends the University of Virginia)