Semester at Sea: A Voyage of Global Discovery

Semester at Sea (SAS) is a unique multiple-country study abroad program open to students of all majors. It emphasizes comparative academic examination, hands-on field experiences, and meaningful engagement in the global community. With a curriculum that integrates coursework from 20-25 disciplines with relevant field studies in up to a dozen countries, Semester at Sea offers a comparative study abroad experience. The University of Virginia is the program's academic sponsor. Each term, between 250 and 300 students from colleges and universities worldwide participate in Semester at Sea.

The Semester at Sea Experience

Semester at Sea provides students with the chance to travel the world with a cruise ship as their campus. On board the MV World Odyssey, a seven-deck, 590-foot ship, students can select from 70-72 courses across a range of disciplines. In one semester, students gain exposure to 10+ countries across multiple continents, earn 12-15 credits from Colorado State University (CSU), and travel over 20,000 nautical miles.

Academic Focus and Structure

The program is designed for high-energy, dedicated students who want to immerse themselves in the cultural and geographic differences of their subject of study. Class sizes are small and personal, fostering connections with professors and peers. The curriculum allows students to 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.

All Semester at Sea academic credits are earned through fully accredited CSU courses. The University appoints the academic dean from among its faculty, oversees curriculum, and approves course syllabi. The Semester at Sea program itineraries are built around international challenges, trends, and issues.

Global Engagement Certificate

To address global challenges, Semester at Sea offers a 12-credit interdisciplinary Global Engagement Certificate. This certificate generates knowledge of global issues, international perspectives, sustainable development, and intercultural skills. It complements careers in business, education, government, economics, nonprofit, media, travel, and health.

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Shipboard Life

Life on the ship provides a unique sense of community. Students live with their professors, classmates, and faculty. Activities are available almost every night. The ship crew is known for being giving and caring. While the food on the ship may become repetitive, there are options like fancy dinners and the pool bar. The rooms are small but comfortable for a cruise ship.

In-Country Experiences

Semester at Sea prioritizes in-country exploration and interaction with local communities. Students can join field programs or explore each country independently. 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 deliver lectures.

Benefits of Semester at Sea

Participants in Semester at Sea often describe the program as a life-changing experience. The opportunity to visit multiple countries in a single semester, experience diverse cultures, and meet people from all over the world is unparalleled. Semester at Sea also provides freedom, allowing students to join field programs or explore each country independently.

Personal Growth

Semester at Sea encourages personal growth. By stepping out of their comfort zones, students learn about the world and themselves. The program fosters a sense of adventure and encourages students to embrace new experiences.

Community and Connections

The shipboard community is tight-knit and supportive. Students form close friendships and lasting connections with fellow students and professors. These relationships are a special aspect of the Semester at Sea experience.

Global Perspective

Semester at Sea provides a global education that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom setting. Students gain a firsthand understanding of different cultures, customs, and perspectives. This global perspective is invaluable in today's interconnected world.

Practical Information

Program Fees and Financial Aid

Program fees include academic credits, housing, buffet-style meals, travel health insurance, one in-port field class for each course, and a full-time shipboard residential and student services team. Need- and merit-based grants, student assistant positions, service and journalism fellowships, and other financial aid awards are available. About 60% of Semester at Sea participants receive some type of financial aid.

Itinerary and Destinations

The program itinerary differs each semester. Voyages have explored Hawaii, Japan, China, Vietnam, Myanmar, India, Mauritius, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and the Netherlands. The fall 2019 itinerary included the Netherlands, Poland, the Kiel Canal, Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Morocco, Ghana, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, the Panama Canal, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.

The MV World Odyssey

Semester at Sea has used a number of ships as its floating campus. In May 2015, a lease was announced for the ship previously known as the MS Deutschland to be renovated, re-flagged, and renamed the MV World Odyssey. The MV World Odyssey is operated by V-Ships.

Challenges and Safety

Like any international travel program, Semester at Sea has faced challenges. These have included itinerary changes due to political instability, health concerns, and weather events. The program prioritizes the safety and well-being of its participants and takes steps to mitigate risks.

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Past Incidents

In the past, Semester at Sea voyages have been affected by events such as:

A student death in a 1993 hiking accident.
Five students killed in a bus crash during a field trip in India in spring 1996.
Mechanical difficulties and rerouting of the spring 1994 voyage.
Rerouting of the 1997 fall voyage due to terrorism concerns.
Damage to the ship during the fall 2000 semester.
Weather events, such as a freak wave in 2005 and typhoons in 2006.
The Spring 2020 voyage avoided a number of countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Safety Measures

Semester at Sea takes precautions to ensure the safety of its participants. These include:

Providing pre-departure briefings on cultural norms and safety precautions.
Working with local authorities to ensure safe travel in port countries.
Monitoring global events and adjusting itineraries as needed.
Providing travel health insurance.
Having a full-time shipboard residential and student services team.

Advice for Future Travelers

Those who have participated in Semester at Sea offer advice to future travelers:

Say yes to new opportunities.
Try everything and talk to everyone.
Be comfortable with the uncomfortable.
Be prepared for anything and be open to everything.
Waste no time.
Dive into the cultural and geographic differences of your subject of study.

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