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 learned how to be myself. i found the courage to travel and talk to locals and make friends. I had to throw my self into this program 100% to get everything from it. A student - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
The entire semester program was about global awareness as we went around the world. The experiential learning is unmatched. Thomas R - University of Central Florida View Entire Review
Saying that Semester at Sea was worthwhile is a understatement. It was the most important, inspirational and incredible adventure I've ever been on. I learned so much about the world and about myself. Its hard to put this kind of experience into words because of how truly amazing every aspect of my voyage was. Zach U - Clemson University View Entire Review
That America is in its own little world. The trip was absolutely worthwhile A student - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned about the immensely diverse cultural aspects of the rapidly globalizing world. It was certainly worthwhile. A student - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
I learned a lot about culture shock, that's for sure. I met a lot of great people that live all over the US and even in other countries that I'm still talking to, and it -was- worthwhile, but for the program expenses not so much. gunsbeforeroses - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
globally cautious and aware street smart responsibility patience appreciation Jude S - Bentley University View Entire Review
Totally worthwhile A student - Indiana University - Bloomington View Entire Review
I learned the ways that cultures and histories interact to create the world that we live in. I met a monk in Burma who taught me about Buddhism, saw first hand the slave dungeons in Ghana, and a revolutionary water treatment system in Singapore. I learned tidbits of almost a dozen languages, and learned a lot about international... Katelyn C - Trinity University View Entire Review
I learned so much! I learned that you may think you know a country but you really don't until you set foot in that country. I enjoyed my experience abroad and got to appreciate the ocean since I was on it half of the time or more while abroad. I learned so much about ships, culture, food, languages, and even say "Hi" and "Thank ... A student - Bentley University View Entire Review
I learned about myself as a person; I became more independent and realized I can do anything I set my mind to. I gained so many new friends from around the world, and the whole thing just made my wanderlust Jessica W - University of Florida View Entire Review
Hugely increased my global perspective and made me a more confident traveler. A student - Truman State University View Entire Review
Learned a lot about many cultures A student - Bentley University View Entire Review
I learned so much from my experience abroad especially about the cultures and the places we visited. It gave me a much better world view. Kacey M - Plymouth State University View Entire Review
I learned so much in different disciplines, but the biggest lesson I learned was that I am part of something so much bigger than myself. I do believe I gained a more global perspective after completing a Semester at Sea. A student - University of Nebraska - Lincoln View Entire Review
Learning about multiple cultures better prepared me for the expanding global economy. Shirley T - Webber International University View Entire Review
This program was so worthwhile, seeing the world from a whole new perspective. Maj R - University of Maine at Orono View Entire Review
Stay outside your comfort zone. Learn from your mistakes. Leave nothing behind. Most worthwhile experience I have ever had. Wade D - University of Scranton View Entire Review
American reputations abroad are there for a reason. Karla L - Ithaca College View Entire Review
Words cannot describe how much I gained/learned from Semester At Sea. If it was up to me, I would make everyone embark on this voyage. Definitely worthwhile and far beyond! James F - Indiana University - Bloomington View Entire Review
Yes definitely worthwhile. The things i learned on semester at sea will benefit me more than anything in the future A student - Bentley University View Entire Review
So much. I am world-wise in a way that only direct experience can give. There is nothing more worthwhile. Samuel J - Trinity University View Entire Review
It's impossible to put into words what I learned. I've learned how big the world is, but also how small it is. I've learned that one person can make a difference. I learned that it's important to fight for what you're passionate about and to not take no for an answer. I learned that it's important to keep asking questions and to... Kaitlynn L - Western Washington University View Entire Review
Yes, first part was very difficult, homesick, seasick, not a ton to do but then once you get into the countries its the greatest experience. A student - Bentley University View Entire Review
I have the best globabl perspective a 21 year old could ask for. Who else can compare the political issues, economical struggles, and varying cultures of 12 countries from just one experience! Kathryn M - Bentley University View Entire Review
About
UPCOMING VOYAGES
Fall 2024: Europe, Africa, and Asia
Embark: Sep 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands
Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand
Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Ghana, Mauritius, India, Hong Kong, Vietnam
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
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
- 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
