Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus
- Location(s): A Coruña, Spain: Hong Kong, Hong Kong (SAR): Nantes, France: Cape Town, South Africa: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Cochin, India: Takoradi, Ghana: Casablanca, Morocco: Penang, Malaysia: Mombasa, Kenya
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Gap Year
Semester at Sea
Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus
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(For American Students)
Semester at Sea is the only study abroad program of its kind in the world. Using a ship as our floating campus, Semester at Sea's around-the-world and regional itineraries offer courses for all majors, field explorations in amazing destinations, e... read more
All Reviews
I absolutely learned so much beyond academics. the real world life experience, budgeting, travel planning and logistics and life lessons were incredible. I have a very different outlook on certain aspects of my own life and the way I want to conduct myself as a person and international relations scholar. A student - The College of William & Mary View Entire Review
Voyage 129 taught me how to be flexible, open-minded, resilient, and globally aware. I am grateful to have been a part of an incredible program and I recommend it to any college student! Halle W - University of Nebraska - Lincoln View Entire Review
I was exposed to so many new cultures and experiences that I would have never gotten the chance to have if not for SAS. Through immersion, we were able to not only learn about but LIVE the country while we were there. A student - Cottey College View Entire Review
I gained a perspective on humanity and the world that I never would have otherwise. I met so many unique people and visited places that people only dream about doing in their lives. It was absolutely worthwhile and I loved every minute of it. Mathew - University of Hartford View Entire Review
Humans are very scary without internet for 4 months. Guojun Ao - University of Hartford View Entire Review
I learned a lot about myself. I discovered some of my implicit biases and my comfort zone. My perspective on global issues and even issues within the US really changed. I feel like I am more open-minded, more compassionate, and more understanding now. Absolutely worthwhile. Allyson Smith - University of Akron View Entire Review
I gained a lifetime of memories and friendships from around the world that are constantly inspiring me, motivating me and getting me to be the best I can possibly be. A student - Washington State University View Entire Review
Semester at sea made me sea the world from different perspectives. Comparing and contrasting the different places we visit every week added a lot to my experience and my knowledge about the world. It broke many of my stereotypes and I can't tell how grateful I am to have been part of the Fall 2015 voyage. Being isolated from the... Pakinam M - John Carroll University View Entire Review
This trip opened my eyes to parts of the world I never thought I would see, introduced me to many cultures, and connected me with so many incredible people from all over the world. Nicole C - College of Charleston View Entire Review

SO IMPACTFUL. Get ready to have all your beliefs challenged and to question your role in the wider world. Jacob H - Elmhurst University View Entire Review
I gained many things from my semester at sea but what I learned that I think will stick with me is how universal this world is. It was amazing to see how easy it was too connect with people from other cultures. I have gained more of a want to learn about the different cultures and communities that make up our world and I am inte... Yarden A - Indiana University - Bloomington View Entire Review
What I gained can't even be put into words. I gained confidence in myself, the best relationships I've every had, a love of the world around me, and so much more. cami h - Saint Louis University View Entire Review
I gained exposure to the world A student - None View Entire Review
I learned about local culture, cuisine, history, and relationship lifestyles with 500+ people! ALEXIS S - Saint Leo University View Entire Review
That things are different everywhere you go and there's always something new to see, learn, and do. Yes i definitely recommend it to everyone. A student - University of Hartford View Entire Review
I learned how different cultures interact and influence each other. A student - University of Hartford View Entire Review
It was so worth every penny. I learned more about who I am, what I want to do with my life, and who is important to me. Darian Perov - Washington State University View Entire Review
I learned to be more independent, I learned how to be a traveler and not tourist, I learned how to communicate inter-culturally, I learned a lot about globalization, I learned to get out of my comfort zone, I learned about 12 different countries and cultures, I learned that the world is truly a great place. Abigail Sanchez - Texas A&M University - College Station View Entire Review
I wish other people could see the world as I do, but I sympathize with the scope of my friends. I wish studying abroad was required. A student - Texas A&M University - College Station View Entire Review
My experience abroad was extremely worthwhile. While many people believe that they will find themselves, you learn that that is not true, however, you definitely notice little changes about yourself and what you find important or what you want to do in life. For example, while in these different countries, I made it a goal to vi... Demi Arroyo - University of Hartford View Entire Review
Instead of focusing on learning from one country, I got to understand the comparison of the countries we visited. The concept of the shipboard community has been one of my favorite part of this program. Cindy L - Valparaiso University View Entire Review
I learned about my own privilege and drastic inequalities around the world. It was worthwhile as an introduction to these issues but not enough to fully understand (it might be almost impossible to fully understand). A student - University of Florida View Entire Review
My time with Semester at Sea was the most incredible thing I have ever done - I made the best friends I have ever had, saw the most beautiful, unknown places, fell in the love with the most unexpected countries, realized that people are people and love is love no matter where you are in the world, have a never ending itch to kee... Niki T - Vanguard University of Southern California View Entire Review
My experience was absolutely worth while. I learned a lot about education systems around the world that I keep in mind while training to become a teacher in the US. I also learned many insights about lots of different countries and was able to learn how different places interact. I also learned a ton from listening to my peers s... Jade M - University of Maine - Orono View Entire Review

Friends and experiences that last a lifetime! koniszko - Arizona State University View Entire Review
About
UPCOMING VOYAGES
Spring 2025: Asia, Africa, and Europe
Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand
Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany
Itinerary: Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Spain
Fall 2025: Europe, Africa, and Asia
Embark: Sep 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands
Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand
Itinerary: France, Spain, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Vietnam, Hong Kong
Spring 2026: Asia, Africa, and Europe
Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand
Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany
Itinerary: Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Spain
Learn more about your most valuable college semester at Semester at Sea's Website!
SAS credit easily transfers back to your home university.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadGap Year
Program Length(s):
- Fall
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Language Requirement(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Area, Ethnic and Group Studies
- South Asian Studies
- Communication, Journalism, and Related Programs
- Engineering
- Spanish Language, Literature
- Writing, General
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
- Biology and Biomedical Sciences
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Global Studies
- Philosophy and Religious Studies
- Religion / Religious Studies
- Psychology
- Social Sciences
- Anthropology
- Economics
- Geography
- International Relations
- Political Science and Government
- Sociology
- Drama, Theater, Theatre Arts
- Business
- International Business
- History
- Art History, Criticism and Conservation
Minimum GPA:
2.5Year Founded:
1963Website
Take me there!Statistics
Semester at Sea Scholarships
The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) is pleased to offer a $10,000 scholarship for students attending a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) to participate in spring or fall Semester at Sea voyages. All participants receive a full semester’s worth of undergraduate credits from the Colorado State University. ISE believes that international exposure is a critical element in today’s undergraduate education, offering students a real-life global education experience that will give them an edge in this highly competitive job market. The program is open to students, regardless of their major.
$10,000
Students may apply for merit-based aid if they maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above. Additional consideration will be given to those students demonstrating leadership within their campus or community. Awards range from $250 to $2,500. Award ranges are based on GPA, quality of essay and demonstrated leadership experience.
$250 – $2,500
These esteemed positions are available for industrious students with the necessary experience to be successful in their assignment. Students will be expected to work two hours per day while at sea. There will be no work expectations while in port. Work-Study grants are $4,000. Students are only eligible to apply for one position per voyage. Select a position below for more information and application instructions.
$4,000
The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) is pleased to offer a $10,000 scholarship for students attending historically black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) or Predominately Black Institutions to participate in spring or fall Semester at Sea voyages. All participants receive a full semester’s worth of undergraduate credits from the University of Virginia. ISE believes that international exposure is a critical element in today’s undergraduate education, offering students a real-life global education experience that will give them an edge in this highly competitive job market. The program is open to students, regardless of their major.
$10,000
Members of the Diversity Abroad community are eligible for this scholarship. Preference will be given to students from diverse backgrounds (African-American/Black, Asian/Pacific Islander, Students with Disabilities, First Generation, Hispanic/Latino, Low-Income, LGBTQ, Native American, Multiracial). Four scholarships will be awarded per voyage.
$5,000 + flights
The C.Y. Tung Program in Sino-U.S. Relations is in honor of C.Y Tung, who was instrumental in the founding of Semester at Sea. Tung, a Chinese shipping magnate, founded the world’s first global shipboard educational program in 1963. Tung was a visionary global leader in the critical importance of multi-country study abroad and cross-cultural understanding among young people. The curriculum focuses on the socio-cultural, policy and economic interactions between Chinese and Americans to prepare future leaders to better understand each other’s cultures and work together for mutual benefit. The program intends to build on, and to fulfill, program founder C.Y. Tung’s original vision for shipboard education. The program is led by a distinguished faculty in residence and includes rigorous courses on Chinese and American relations, history, culture, economics and diplomacy; visits from distinguished Chinese and American lecturers; excursions to educational and cultural sites in China; and scholarships for Chinese and American students. The C.Y. Tung Program on Sino-US relations underscores Semester at Sea’s commitment to global understanding and international exploration and offers a timely and integrated study of China-one of the world’s most influential global powers-and its relations with the United States. It brings together students, scholars, and prominent figures to explore the history and cultures of China and the United States, and to consider how to ensure productive economic and diplomatic relationships between the two in the future. Each spring voyage, a minimum of two students, attending U.S. universities and five Chinese national students, attending Universities in China, are awarded a $20,000 scholarship.
$20,000
These grants are awarded by the Institute for Shipboard Education to help make the program a reality for all students regardless of financial status. Awards range from $250 to $10,000. Award ranges are based on EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) from FAFSA (pending verification of submitted information).
$250 – $10,000
These awards are made possible by the generosity of gifts from our alumni. Students will be expected to correspond with the donor if selected. Students must have a 3.25 GPA or have exhibited personal leadership. Awards range from $500 to $10,000.
$500 – $10,000
The Semester at Sea Global Journalism & Integrated Communications Fellowship is an opportunity for students to hone their reporting, digital storytelling, and critical thinking skills over the course of a Semester at Sea voyage. Students will pitch and author articles for their host university newspaper. Selected fellows will need to work closely with their home campus newspaper editor- in-chief to approve and publish a series of articles during their voyage. Students currently pursuing a degree in journalism, communications, English, or similar are strongly encouraged to apply. Selected fellows will receive a $5,000 grant towards their SAS program fees.
$5,000
This scholarship is intended to help international students who study outside of the US. This aid is awarded based on academic achievement, leadership experience, and financial need. Students are asked how they will participate in the shipboard community in order to help bypass barriers between cultures and to facilitate a respectful and inclusive environment. Award recipients will be strongly encouraged to conduct an Explorer Seminar on the ship and are required to serve as a Global Ambassador once they return to their home university.
$1,500-$10,000
Members of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars are eligible to apply for this award. Requirements and application are available online. One $10,000 award is available per voyage. - See more at: http://www.semesteratsea.org/admission-aid/financing-aid-scholarships/scholarships/nscs-scholarship-scholar-at-sea/#sthash.sSz1xZ3r.dpuf
$10,000
Semester at Sea is committed to offering unique service opportunities while sailing on a voyage. As such, the IMPACT scholarship has been established to recognize students demonstrating a commitment to service in their community and home institution and a desire to continue this commitment during a voyage. This competitive scholarship will be awarded to a limited number of students. Recipients will receive a scholarship up to $3,500 plus funding toward 5 SAS service programs (up to a $500 value). Scholarship recipients will select 5 service learning opportunities from the list of IMPACT opportunities provided by the Semester at Sea field office (see list below for examples). Students will work directly with the Field Office to register for chosen trips. Recipients will be required to work with the Communications office to create posts for the News from the Helm voyage blog. IMPACT Scholars will work with an onboard staff designee during the voyage.
$3,500