University of Virginia

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International Students

Semester at Sea Welcomes International Students!

All international students who have completed at least one academic term in university are welcome to apply for admission to Semester at Sea.

Please [This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots; you need JavaScript enabled to view it] with any questions - we're here to help!

Application Instructions for International Students

  • All applicants for Semester at Sea file the same application
  • International students can request a waiver of the $50 application fee by [This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots; you need JavaScript enabled to view it] prior to submitting the online application
  • International students are eligible for ISE institutional financial aid consideration

Students whose first language is not English must substantiate their English language proficiency either by:

  • Submitting a score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). A minimum score of 550 (PBT) or 213 (CBT) or 79-80 (iBT) is required.
  • Submitting results from the IELTS exam. A score of 6.0 or higher on the IELTS exam is required.
Students whose first language is English are exempt from the TOEFL requirement. Students who are bilingual in English and their native language who have scored well on the verbal portion of the SAT or have otherwise documented English proficiency may be exempted from the TOEFL. Some applicants may be asked to take the writing portion of the University of Virginia English language proficiency exam.

Submit official transcripts and certificates from any colleges or universities attended. If the documents are in a language other than English, please attach a certified English translation.

The shipboard community is an international community.

Once onboard the ship, the entire community is international. Support is in place for all students, regardless of background. Many students come from other countries - 84 countries are represented among SAS Alumni.

Our faculty represent a diverse and international perspective as well: 100% of the professors on Semester at Sea have research interests outside the United States.

After your voyage, you join an alumni network 50,000+ people strong. Semester at Sea alumni live all over the world. You'll find a unique network of support and connections with your shipmates as well as those who have sailed on other Semester at Sea voyages.

Visas

Most participants on Semester at Sea will take advantage of our relationship with long-term partner Pinnacle Travel Document Systems. Non-U.S. students should [This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots; you need JavaScript enabled to view it] for direction and assistance in acquiring the necessary travel documents.

Upon completion of the voyage, you will be clearing Customs & Immigration in the United States . To re-enter the U.S. after your voyage, you must have a valid passport and the appropriate valid U.S. visa. [This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots; you need JavaScript enabled to view it]  for direction and assistance in acquiring other necessary travel documents.

If you are a non-U.S. passport holder studying full-time in the United States on an F-1 Student visa, your F-1 Student status should continue uninterrupted. You should meet with your school's international student advising center prior to leaving campus so that you understand the implications of your semester abroad on your immigration status.

Financial Aid

International students are welcome to apply for any ISE scholarships .  We ask that you submit a statement of your parent's income, with an English translation and conversion to US dollars, in lieu of the FAFSA and tax forms.