Semester at Sea: A Voyage of Global Exploration and Academic Enrichment

Semester at Sea is a unique multi-country study abroad program that offers students the opportunity to travel the world while earning academic credit. Administered by the nonprofit Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE), the program takes place on a cruise ship, the MV World Odyssey, which serves as a floating campus. Each semester, up to 600 undergraduates participate in voyages that typically last around 100 days and visit at least 10 countries across multiple continents.

The Semester at Sea Experience

Life on board the MV World Odyssey offers a blend of academic rigor and immersive cultural experiences. Students attend classes while sailing the sea, watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean, and explore diverse cultures in ports around the world. The ship provides a unique sense of community, where students, professors, and faculty live and learn together.

Academics at Sea

Semester at Sea offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines, allowing students to earn 12-15 credits from Colorado State University (CSU). The program's curriculum is designed to provide a global perspective, with a core course in Global Studies that examines the history, political climate, and culture of each country visited.

Students study under successful, experienced, and interesting professors while traveling the world on a ship. The moving nature of the 'campus' allows students to apply what they learn across many different cultures and customs. Class sizes are small and personal, allowing for lifelong connections with professors and peers.

All Semester at Sea academic credits are earned through fully accredited CSU courses. The University appoints the academic dean from among its most accomplished faculty, oversees curriculum, and approves course syllabi for the Semester at Sea academic program. Students are considered visiting guests at CSU, with official transcripts sent to their home institution.

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In-Country Experiences

A key component of Semester at Sea is the opportunity for in-country exploration and interaction with local communities. In each port, students can participate in field programs or explore independently, immersing themselves in new cultures and meeting people from all over the world.

Semester at Sea prioritizes in-country exploration and interaction with local communities. The Semester at Sea program itineraries are built around international challenges, trends, and issues.

Before arriving at a port, students are briefed on the culture and societal rules of the country they are visiting. At the port of call, guest speakers (including community leaders and American ambassadors) deliver lectures to the students and faculty.

Shipboard Life

Life on the MV World Odyssey provides a comfortable and engaging environment for students. The ship features amenities such as housing, buffet-style meals, a gym, a pool, and various clubs and activities. The ship crew is one of a kind and the most giving, caring crew one could imagine. There are activities almost every night, whether they are organized or not, you can always find something to do.

The rooms are small but they are very nice for a cruise ship. The food on the ship is decent and after a couple months gets repetitive but there are other options like fancy dinner and the pool bar to change it up when needed.

Community and Connections

One of the most special aspects of Semester at Sea is the strong sense of community that develops among students, faculty, and staff. Living and learning together on a ship creates a unique bond, fostering friendships that last a lifetime. The ship is an incredible place full of people from diverse backgrounds.

Program Details

Itinerary

The Semester at Sea itinerary varies each semester, but typically includes 10 or 11 countries across multiple continents. Past voyages have included destinations such as:

Portugal
Morocco
Brazil
Germany
Ghana
Kenya
South Africa
Mauritius
Malaysia
India
Thailand

Eligibility and Application

To be eligible for Semester at Sea, applicants must:

Be enrolled full-time at a degree-granting institution
Have at least a 2.5 GPA
Be in good academic standing
Have completed a minimum of 12 college credit hours
Achieve a certain score minimum on an English proficiency exam (if their first language is not English)

Semester at Sea also offers options for students taking a gap year, recent college graduates, and "lifelong learners." Acceptance decisions are released on a rolling basis, but it is recommended that students apply a year before their chosen voyage.

Cost and Financial Aid

Participating in Semester at Sea requires a significant financial investment. For fall 2024, the program fees range from $32,900 to $36,100, depending on the cabin option. This price includes tuition, housing, meals, amenities, academic field costs, a starter internet package, travel health insurance, and student services. Additional expenses may include flights, travel visas, textbooks, laundry, and vaccines.

However, Semester at Sea offers various financial aid options, including merit- and need-based scholarships and grants. The program awards more than $5 million in funds annually and matches one semester of funding for all Pell Grant recipients. Students may also qualify for scholarships through their college. About 60% of Semester at Sea participants receive some type of ﬁnancial aid.

Course Credit Transfer

Semester at Sea offers three-credit courses in various subject areas. Students can earn between 12 and 15 credits during a semester. Semester at Sea currently partners with Colorado State University, meaning students are considered visiting guests at CSU, with official transcripts sent to their home institution.

Advice for Future Travelers

For students considering Semester at Sea, it is important to:

Be prepared for anything and be open to everything.
Step out of your comfort zone.
Talk to as many people as you can.
Prioritize seeing the things that you want to and doing the things you want to do, even if you travel with an unfamiliar group or by yourself.
Be comfortable with the uncomfortable!
Waste no time!
Try everything and talk to everyone.

The Value of a Global Education

Semester at Sea offers an unparalleled educational program that combines academic study with global exploration. The program provides students with a unique opportunity to engage in global comparative education, develop intercultural competencies, and gain a deeper understanding of the world.

Semester at Sea is administered by a 501c3 non-proﬁt organization - the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) - that is dedicated to enhancing a traditional academic experience with a global perspective and greater intercultural understanding.

The ability to explore and compare multiple cultures in one educational experience is unique and Semester at Sea takes full advantage of that. Students study their field from the smallest to largest scale and visit real businesses, organizations, and governments to understand how their studies are applied around the world.

Global Engagement Certificate

The 12-credit interdisciplinary Global Engagement Certificate is designed to generate knowledge of global issues, international perspectives, sustainable development, and intercultural skills that can help to distinguish recipients of this certificate as individuals prepared to positively impact our world.

A Global Engagement Certificate can complement careers in business, education, government, economics, nonprofit, media, travel, and health. This interdisciplinary certificate is only offered to students participating in Semester at Sea. It draws upon the Semester at Sea experience, unites the expertise of varied disciplines and further supports the intercultural competencies necessary to succeed in today’s global market.

Historical Context and Safety Considerations

Since 1963, more than 73,000 students from 1,700 colleges and universities around the world have studied with Semester at Sea. Over the years, the program has faced various challenges, including:

Accidents and incidents involving students
Rerouting of voyages due to political instability, terrorism concerns, and natural disasters
Health concerns, such as the COVID-19 pandemic

Semester at Sea prioritizes the safety and well-being of its students and takes precautions to mitigate risks. However, it is important for students to be aware of the potential challenges and to be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances.

Notable Ships Used by Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea has utilized a variety of ships as its floating campus throughout its history. These include:

MS Seven Seas (formerly the USS Long Island)
SS Ryndam
SS Universe (formerly the SS Atlantic)
SS Universe Explorer
MV Explorer
MV World Odyssey (current ship)

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