Global, Comparative Studies

"Can we globalize in ways that are more humane and more respectful of the home that we share? I have become convinced that such a search must be our prime motivation for overseas study and for international travel."

—Scott Sernau, Semester at Sea Faculty, Fall 2005

Semester at Sea is a pioneer and leader in global, comparative education—a form of international study that focuses on surveying the world's peoples, patterns, cultures, and traditions. Global, comparative education is the element that distinguishes Semester at Sea from other study abroad programs.

Because we operate a traveling shipboard campus that allows diverse learning communities to live and learn in close quarters as they travel the world, opportunities for intensive engagement, reflection, interaction, and exchange are possible on Semester at Sea that simply aren't available with other programs.

Semester at Sea itineraries are carefully constructed to bolster our comparative, global approach. Our curricula provide examples of countries and cultures in varying stages of economic development, contrasting political systems, and great diversity of religious and cultural values.

The requisite Global Studies course provides the foundation for our academic approach and several alliances with internationally focused research and cultural outreach groups complement in-classroom and field learning.

We are currently involved in several research projects aimed at quantifying the complexities and benefits of global, comparative education and the unique academic experience that is Semester at Sea.

We invited you to download the  SAS Academic Profile 1.91 Mb to learn more about our educational and pedagogical approach.