Lifelong Learners

"I'm just thankful that I've lived long enough to, climb to the top of the leaning tower of Pisa, marvel at the Taj in India, climb the Great Wall of China, almost slide down the inside of the Great Pyramid in Egypt, watch the penguins in Antarctica, and swing on a vine in the Amazon with a group of Semester at Sea students..."

—Ruby Cavanaugh Koerper, Lifelong Learner, Spring 2007

Semester at Sea is one of the few study abroad programs that enhances its learning environment with non-traditional students.

Lifelong Learners are non-student adults who sail as part of every Semester at Sea voyage. Retirees, professionals on leave, or simply adventurous travelers, they are respected for their expertise and insights. Lifelong learners audit undergraduate courses, attend field excursions, serve as mentors to undergraduates, and add a valuable generational element to class discussions. 

Lifelong Learners have two options for participation in academic courses. In both options, Lifelong Learner must meet with the instructor (during the onboard orientation period) and gain his/her permission before registering. Course registration occurs onboard during the drop/add period. Options include:

Enrolling.  If a Lifelong Learner intends to be committed to a particular subject, he or she may enroll in a course, provided that space is available and the instructor approves. Attendance and completion of assignments, FDPs, and exams is expected. Following the voyage, enrolled participants receive an official transcript from the University of Virginia that reflects the grade and credits earned for the course. The enrollment fee schedule is as follows:

·         Voyages with standard Lifelong Learner Rates (currently the summer voyages): No additional charge

·         Voyages with “two for one” promotion (currently fall, spring and short-term voyages): $555 per credit hour

Auditing. If a Lifelong Learner would like a record of attendance, he or she may register to audit the course. Although no credits or grades or grades are awarded, an official transcript from the University of Virginia is sent following the voyage. Participation in exams, assignments, and FDPs is not required. The audit fee schedule for all voyages is $200, regardless of how many courses are taken.

Learn more about Semester at Sea's Lifelong Learning Program.