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
It opened my eyes to a lot of the possibilities out there in the world, and also how many hardships people and countries are going through. It also made me appreciate the U.S. and my own luxuries more. Haley R - Trinity University View Entire Review
Yes. I met some amazing people, was given REAL responsibility, got to explore lots of cool places, and learn a whole heck of a lot. I've only begun to scratch the surface of my world experiences. Be open and people will be open to you (most of the time). Grace M - Ithaca College View Entire Review
Being in so many different cultures in such a short amount of time is a once in a lifetime experience. Erica M - Texas Christian University View Entire Review
yes Josh A - University of California - Merced View Entire Review
Parts of it were really great but I would do it differently next time Courtney D - Rollins College View Entire Review
Best experience of my life! Kerry H - University of Hartford View Entire Review
Yes. It was hands-down (not to be cliche,) the best experience of my life. It really helped me to shape my career path in that after seeing so much of the world and how much need is out there, I have decided that, at this point in my life, I would like to go into the field of non-profits to dedicate my life to helping others and... Nathaniel S - Ithaca College View Entire Review
YES, i learned so much that i could not have learned at WWU. semester at sea forces you to grow up and be responsible and i learned so much about other cultures and met amazing people from all over the world. Kelly R - Western Washington University View Entire Review
YES! I got to visit places I would never have gone to on my own. Phoebe I - Rollins College View Entire Review
I would absolutely, 100% recommend this program and had no regrets. Going on Semester at Sea opened my eyes to so many different people and places. It inspried me to go abroad again. Eric P - University of Rochester View Entire Review
SAS taught me and inspired me to live life in more sustainable ways. Throughout the course of traveling in 12 countries I was constantly looking at the simple ways people lived that enabled them to have less anxiety and concern while also utilizing less resources. Each country gave me a little nugget that will be held onto for... Keith S - Kent State University View Entire Review
I enjoy it in hindsight. Khaleelah J - The College of William and Mary View Entire Review
Absolutely. I became a world citizen, and came home a different person. Kyle H - SUNY - Binghamton View Entire Review
Definitely! I took away so many priceless things from this experience. Kelsey T - Ithaca College View Entire Review
I now have a travel bug and want to go out and see more new places in the world, as well as revisit some of the places we've been Stephanie L - Ithaca College View Entire Review
Although short, SAS allowed me to learn about many different countries at once while teaching me how it all comes together as the Mediterranean. Evelyn H - University of California - Merced View Entire Review
I see the world different and I am more culturally aware. I am now able to add other cultures ideals into my own life and get a different perspective on life. It has inspired me to become a better student, family member, and overall man. I have a new large group of friend that I continue to talk to and travel around the world wi... Andre T - Morehouse College View Entire Review
This was absolutely the best thing i have ever done in my entire life! Edmund B - University of Hartford View Entire Review
Best experience of my life! Kay Bridge - University of Hartford View Entire Review
It was so worthwhile, I did not know a single person on the ship who was ready to leave. It has changed my life. My future plans are to go to Ghana and Vietnam to orphanages I visited and volunteer to work with them. I had no idea what the world was like, or how small it really is, until I went on SaS. I no longer see myself liv... Jen L - Shenandoah University View Entire Review
The fact that you are on a ship with a bunch of like minded people is amazing. You make great friends and you get to travel around the entire world. Michael R - Indiana University of Pennsylvania View Entire Review
My study abroad experience was so worthwhile. I learned so much from this one experience. I grew up a lot and learn to do things for myself, like make travel plans, how to spend money and fund myself. I became a lot more patient and laid back. I learned not to have expectations and to go into everything with an open mind. I lear... Elyssa S - SUNY Purchase View Entire Review
Made me understand myself better in all aspects of life. VICTORIA B - Trinity University View Entire Review
Yes. I learned that it doesn't really matter where I go, or what I do because it's all about the people you meet and helping to build a more sustainable future for our world. Kendra W - Drake University View Entire Review
Semester at Sea is worthwhile. Everyday I wish I could wake up and go back. when traveling on semester at sea, you learn to be independent, learn different cultures, places, people, you gain new friends and do things you never thought you would ever do. I recommend Semester at Sea 100% to anyone. Elizabeth D - University of New Hampshire 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
