Selecting Field Practica

The Field Program is a vital part of your Semester at Sea experience; it extends the classroom into each country you visit. You should give careful thought to how you will spend your time in each port-of-call.

Before you select your field trips, remember

1) Your academic program comes first. Professors will require, for course credit, participation in a number of Faculty-Directed Practica (FDPs) or other port experiences. Study the list of field requirements for each course you are taking and attend to these academic requirements first. FDPs present you with opportunities that would be difficult to arrange on your own, such as visits to local businesses, schools, government facilities, or professional organizations as well as extended contact with knowledgeable hosts. Many SAS students have reported that FDPs provided some of the most rewarding experiences of their entire voyage!

2) Your health and safety is our number one priority. SAS trips are provided by reliable tour operators and hosts who have worked with the program for many years. These organizers arrange safe and reliable transportation, along with knowledgeable guides. They select hotels that provide a secure environment and that maintain high standards for cleanliness and food preparation. In addition to the local guide, all SAS trips provide a faculty or staff member to serve as trip leader. The trip leader assists with logistics and is available for you should a problem arise. Furthermore, should an SAS trip be delayed, the ship will wait for the participants to return. If you are delayed while traveling independently, there is no guarantee that the ship will be able to wait for you.

3) There are field trips for every budget. You may be able to travel on your own more cheaply than on an organized trip, but be certain to account for all of the expenses you will encounter. An SAS trip to Beijing, for example, does not just include airfare and hotel accommodations; it also includes meals, guides, airport transfers, transportation and admission fees to the various sites, and a trip leader. Below, see a list of field trips for any budget.

4) Plan for your own time and convenience. If you travel on your own, you'll need to spend a good deal of time making arrangements and attending to logistics. On an SAS-sponsored trip, the planning is done by experts, and all arrangements are made for you. Traveling with an experienced local guide also provides the opportunity to ask questions geared to your specific academic interests and course requirements.

5) Opportunities for interaction with local residents. Many SAS participants place a high priority on meeting and interacting with people in each of the countries they visit. If this is true for you, the amount of contact with hosts should be a consideration in selecting your field trips. For example, a visit to a museum will offer little opportunity to meet people whereas a visit to a university, village, or orphanage will provide much greater opportunity for interaction.

6) Explore what is unique to each country. Ask yourself, "What can I see or do in this country that I cannot see or do anywhere else?"

7) Your interests and priorities. Don't sign up for a trip merely because a friend wants to go.

Field programs for every budget

If you have $500 to spend for Semester at Sea field practica

• Brazil ($15): Observe many contrasts in Salvador on City Orientation: Architecture and Urban Development.
• Namibia ($83): For a taste of Namibia, sign up for Salt Mines, Oysters, and Flamingos.
  
• South Africa ($41): Visit historic Robben Island or ($32) build a home with Habitat for Humanity.
• India ($74): Do the highly acclaimed Rotarian Homestay.
• Malaysia ($28): Dive into the diverse religious and ethnic foundations of the Religions of Malaysia.
• Viet Nam ($31): Volunteer at the School for Disabled Children.
• Hong Kong ($20): Do an International Student Exchange with the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
• China ($23): Participate in a visit to a Chinese kindergarten.
• Japan ($63): Explore the delightful city of Kyoto.
• Hawaii $30): Visit the Pearl Harbor U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and do the Honolulu City Tour.
• Costa Rica ($60): Swing from tree to tree on the eco-friendly Canopy Adventure.

If you have $1,000 to spend for Semester at Sea field practica

• Brazil ($30): See how a community combats urban poverty in a Salvador favela called Calabar Community.
• Namibia ($122): Take the Township and Diamond Tour to get a unique view of Walvis Bay.
• South Africa ($457): Go on the three-day Kagga Kamma - Chalet game drive and hike.
• India ($0): Attend the on-board Yoga Demonstration and ($125) participate in the Dalit Village Overnight.
• Malaysia ($35): Do the Penang Island Orientation by boat and by bus for an in-depth view of Penang.
• Viet Nam ($36): Participate in the Hy Vong 8 School for the Deaf and Zoo Visit.
• Hong Kong ($65): Sign up for Tai Chi, Tea, and Dim Sum for a cross-section of Chinese culture.
• China ($21): Get chatty at the English Corner to help local Chinese with their language skills.
• Japan ($10): Participate in the Overnight Homestay
• Hawaii ($30): Visit the Pearl Harbor U.S.S. Arizona Memorial and do the Honolulu City Tour.
• Costa Rica ($68): Investigate the La Paz Waterfall Gardens to see biodiversity in action.