Date: Mon Jul 12 22:19:22 1999

Subject: Road Rules...

My name is Peter Kuhn. I was a member of the Spring 1999 voyage of Semester at Sea, and am an ardent supporter of the institution and all that it stands for. My experiences opened my eyes to more than I ever imagined; it was not until I returned home that I really saw that I was changed by the journey. I am a different person than I was when I left here in February. The filming of Road Rules had a minimal effect on me personally, though I became very interested in it when I returned home. I thought that what was promised to be an "educational version" of the program would bring the voyage into my own home. Unfortunately, with each episode (until present), I have become very concerned, even disturbed, with the Road Rules/Semester at Sea series.

I must admit, when I first heard that Road Rules was filming on the ship, I was very excited. It sounded to me that Bunim/Murray Studios was selecting 6 students who had been accepted into Semester at Sea to be the cast. A rough calculation revealed that I had about a 1 in 100 chance of making it if I tried. I sent in a tape and application; I was rejected, though far from disappointed. Truthfully, the opportunity to have a full scholarship was what I found most appealing, but national fame wouldn't hurt either. Nevertheless, I accepted the fact that I was not Road Rules material. I was more than elated just to be a typical student voyager. Once on the ship, I discovered the fact that only one of the selected cast members had actually applied for Semester at Sea. This sounded absurd to me; how could it at all be an accurate portrayal of the voyage? I believe that one who is ready to go on this journey around the world requires a certain attitude, or at least some distinguishable drive, to put them there.

Before my departure from home, I, like any interested student, was anxious to learn anything I could about the voyage. I came across a page on the Semester at Sea web site, which explained the upcoming Road Rules experience. In the past, I have had little concern for the show; it has never been very interesting to me. However, the description of this new season was that of a different Road Rules. I took this account for granted.

I feel this statement was shattered with the very first episode of the program, and has been further trampled with each subsequent chapter. MTV is not at all upholding this promise of an "accurate portrayal." I actually regret telling everyone I know to watch this series; these people see this show, and quickly get the wrong impression of Semester at Sea. I have seen very little effort from Road Rules to "maintain the integrity of [the] academic program." It looks more like a farce, as cast members continually downplay the academic seriousness, and as so little footage of the ports is included.

Through my experience, Semester at Sea is spread primarily through word of mouth; this is how I, as did many of my friends, discovered it. This poor impression being cast before the country will open millions of eyes on the program. It is clear that a different crowd may now become interested in the program.

I could reference many other lines and point out many other problems, but I do not want to dwell. The purpose of this letter is simply to point out that an agreement, if that is what it was, has been broken. It is very evident that something must be done to not only rectify this situation, but to redeem the reputation of Semester at Sea. As an alumni, I find Road Rules be personally offensive. Simply put, I feel that Road Rules is tarnishing the image of Semester at Sea, and this must be stopped; MTV must not be permitted to take such freedoms with this institution. The opportunity that was presented was undeniably groundbreaking. What has become of it is heartbreaking.

-^-SAS S99-^-