Discovering the World: A Deep Dive into the ASU Semester at Sea Program

Embarking on a journey of global exploration and academic enrichment, the ASU Semester at Sea (SAS) program offers a transformative experience for students, advisors, and faculty alike. With over 45 years of experience, the program provides exceptional support and life-changing opportunities through immersive learning environments across the globe. This article delves into the comprehensive details of the ASU Semester at Sea program, exploring its various facets, benefits, and opportunities it offers to the participants.

Forging Global Connections: Opportunities for Students

The ASU Semester at Sea program opens doors for students to explore study abroad, internships, community engagement, research, and more. It provides the guidance and support necessary to make these experiences impactful and enriching. Students can start their adventure by selecting a program that aligns with their academic and personal interests.

Semester Programs

Sustainability & Community Studies in Cusco: This semester program allows students to immerse themselves in sustainability and social change through courses and cultural activities in Cusco.
Arabic Language & International Studies: Students can take courses taught in English on topics such as international relations and Middle Eastern politics, advance their Arabic language skills, and immerse themselves in Moroccan culture.
Semester at Yamanashi Gakuin University: Located in Kofu, Japan, just 90 minutes from Tokyo, this program offers students the opportunity to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and academics.
Internship in Australia: Students can sharpen their professional skills through internships in Australia, a global leader in the health, sports, and technology industries. Internships are available in various fields, including veterinary science, communications & media, and sports medicine.
STEM & Spanish Language: Students can spend a semester at the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, taking STEM courses in English while advancing their Spanish language skills in one of Spain’s most vibrant coastal cities.
History, Culture, & Politics: Students can examine Europe’s rich cultural and political past at Charles University in Prague, one of the oldest universities in the world, while living in a city where medieval architecture and modern life blend seamlessly.

Summer and Short-Term Programs

Summer on the Italian Riviera: Students can discover the Mediterranean way of life while studying at Florence University of the Arts in La Spezia, Italy. This program offers engaging, hands-on coursework in business, arts, and sciences.
Fieldwork Component Health Studies: A two-week summer program at Juntendo University in Tokyo, featuring hands-on fieldwork in both urban and rural Japanese communities, explores health, community design, and cultural exchange.
Tropical Marine Biology: Students can gain hands-on experience in tropical marine biology while exploring Australia’s stunning coastline.
Medical Spanish Immersion: This program offers students the chance to take their Spanish to the next level while gaining hands-on clinical experience in Buenos Aires.
Japanese Language & Culture: Students can immerse themselves in Japanese culture while studying in the heart of Tokyo at J.F. Oberlin University.
Summer at WorldStrides Global Campus: Designed for students with intermediate to advanced Spanish skills, this program offers a dynamic blend of language immersion and academic exploration across disciplines like literature, economics, and international relations in Seville, Spain.

Marquez's Transformative Experience

Marquez, a Thunderbird student, had the opportunity to participate in Semester at Sea and take courses aboard a "floating campus" as they sailed to countries around the globe.

Global Mindset and Exposure

The Semester at Sea program provided Marquez with a global learning experience, allowing him to visit 10 to 12 countries within a semester. The program structure included a week at sea for classes and homework, followed by a week in port for field programs or independent exploration.

Real-World Impact

Marquez's semester became a lesson in current affairs when earthquakes canceled their stop in Morocco, and the conflict in Gaza prompted their vessel to divert from going through the Suez Canal. These events made the global issues more real and impactful for him.

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Personal Growth and Exploration

Marquez engaged in individual travel, skydiving in South Africa, driving in various countries, and swimming in bioluminescent waters in Vietnam. These experiences contributed to his personal growth and broadened his perspective.

Unexpected Opportunities

Participating in Semester at Sea as an online student was an unexpected opportunity for Marquez. This experience allowed him to integrate global learning with his online coursework and community involvement.

Community Impact

Marquez's transformative experience inspired him to make a difference in his community through Rotary International and Kiwanis International. He aims to use his education and experiences to bridge the gap between the US and other countries through international trade.

Empowering Educators: Opportunities for Advisors and Faculty

For Advisors

ASU Semester at Sea encourages advisors to collaborate to expand access, align academics, and ensure a safe, high-impact global experience for their students. By partnering with ASU, advisors can provide their students with unparalleled opportunities for personal and academic growth.

For Faculty

The program allows faculty to design custom short-term, global immersions that bring their curriculum to life, catering to both undergraduate and executive learners. This enables faculty to create unique educational experiences that align with their specific teaching goals.

Tailoring the Experience: Custom Programs

The ASU Semester at Sea program offers custom programs designed to meet the specific needs of universities and other organizations. These programs provide a unique opportunity to create tailored educational experiences that align with specific academic goals and objectives.

Program ID and Registration

Participants traveling on a Custom Program with a university cohort, class, or professor can use their Program ID to get registered. Funding options are also available for Custom Program participants.

Integrating Global Experiences with Academic Studies

ASU encourages students to integrate global experiences with their academic studies. Whether studying Cultural Studies or Teaching, students can gain valuable insights and skills by spending a semester abroad.

Fitting Travel into School Plans

ASU provides support to help students fit travel into their school plans, regardless of their major. Representatives are available to answer questions and provide guidance on how to integrate study abroad with online classes and other academic commitments.

Options for Integrating Travel

Take Online Classes: Students can take online classes while living abroad, allowing them to continue their studies while exploring the world.
Go in the Summer: Summer programs offer an opportunity to study abroad without interrupting the regular academic schedule.
Defer a Semester: Students can choose to defer a semester to volunteer abroad and then return to finish their degree.
Volunteer Before Starting: Prospective students can volunteer for a semester before starting their degree, gaining valuable experience and perspective.
Get Internship Credit: Students may be able to get school credit for their volunteer service, depending on their major and other coursework.

Seeking Guidance

Students are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the Arizona State University enrollment center or academic advisor to explain their plans for a semester abroad and see if it can complete any requirements for their major. They may be able to work out a custom plan or see which Arizona State University courses work with traveling and volunteer work.

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Partner Institutions and Global Education Office

ASU partners with numerous international universities in more than 50 cities, providing local teams to support semester, short-term, and custom programs. The Global Education Office (GEO) at Arizona State University encourages all students to participate in study abroad.

Semester at Sea and ASU's Goals

ASU students from any major can participate in Semester at Sea (SAS), as every academic and professional track can benefit from the personal growth many student travelers experience overseas. Semester at Sea fulfills ASU’s goal of providing students with experiences that help them develop professional skills in a global context.

Course Equivalencies and Funding

The majority of SAS courses have ASU equivalencies. ASU students joining a Semester at Sea voyage may use any merit scholarships, grants, or state and federal aid for which they qualify to fund their experience.

Program Fees

Student program fees vary depending on voyage and cabin type. An estimate of program expenses for a typical Semester at Sea voyage can be obtained to help students plan their finances.

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