Why Semester at Sea?

We Sail Around The World.

Unlike traditional immersion programs, Semester at Sea gives you a taste of the entire globe as you travel more than 24,000 nautical miles to as many 12 off-the-beaten-path international destinations or to a fascinating world region for intensive exploration.

We Offer Transferable Credit From U.Va.

The University of Virginia-the nation's second-ranked public institution-is Semester at Sea's academic sponsor. U.Va. is responsible for curricula development, faculty selection, and transfer of semester credit to participants' home institutions.

We Give A Global Perspective.

SAS provides first-hand interaction with local cultures as well as world-class instruction from distinguished professors, world leaders, and international scholars. Nobel Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and Indira Gandhi, among others, are among our distinguished guests.

We Look Good On Your Résumé.

The SAS experience leads to improved career opportunities in an increasingly global marketplace. Ninety-seven percent of participants report it furthered their understanding of the world, and a high majority say it helped their career, education, and personal development.

We Aren't Like Other Programs.

Each voyage a nearly 800-member community of undergraduates, faculty and staff, international counterparts, and lifelong learners live and learn together on a 600-foot ship turned traveling university. On-ship classroom learning comes to life in the countries on the itinerary.

We Are Operated By A Non-Profit.

The Institute for Shipboard Education, a 501c3 non-profit organization, ensures that SAS remains dedicated to education and understanding (not profits). We depend on tuition dollars and donations to keep our program running.