Admission and Aid Admission Information International Students 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.
Application Instructions for International Students
- All applicants for Semester at Sea file the same application
- For international students applying using the paper application, the application fee is waived
- International students are eligible for ISE institutional financial aid consideration
We do not require that TOEFL test scores be submitted with your application. However, all instruction on Semester at Sea is in English, therefore all international applicants must have a command of the English language. If you have taken a language test to document your proficiency in English, you may wish to compare your scores against these suggested minimums:
| TOEFL paper based test | 550 |
|---|---|
| TOEFL computer based test | 213 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79-80 |
| IELTS exam | 6.5 |
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 45,000 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 (Miami or Ft. Lauderdale). 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.
