Co-Curricular Activities

SAS is an extraordinary experience that integrates active, experiential learning with cognitive processes in its distinctive learning environment. Students have the opportunities to learn through action, contemplation, reflection, and emotional engagement, as well as through acquisition of information. SAS provides a unique "immersion" experience: as the ship circumnavigates the globe, it becomes its own port where the entire community learns about globalization and individual cultures in preparation for the ports. 

Just like on a land-based campus, Semester at Sea offers activities and enrichment opportunities for all participants. These programs complement student coursework and enhance the experiential learning on the International Field Programs. Long-standing SAS organizations include:

• Explorer Seminar: Explorer Seminar, offered most evenings at sea (and occasionally in port), consists of a variety of non-credit general educational experiences designed to enrich the shipboard community. The central focus of Explorer Seminar is to promote learning about upcoming ports. Enhancement of the co-curricular is another focus (e.g. educational experiences that focus on intercultural issues, career development, religion and spirituality, academic success, health education and promotion, student leadership, service learning, etc.). A third track includes educational experiences of a general nature. All participants are invited to submit proposals to present an educational experience in Explorer Seminar and are encouraged to attend and participate in sessions.
• Students of Service (SOS): Facilitates a donation project that provides in-country organizations such as schools, orphanages other groups with books, clothing and other items that have been collected. The club also organizes charitable events to raise money for organizations in the countries visited.
• Student Ambassadors: The Student Ambassadors are a multi-programming team that helps to plan hosting interport students and guests, the Shipboard Sail, Semester at Sea Auction, the Alumni Ball, and other events planned on the voyage.  This is an opportunity for dedicated and energetic students to enhance leadership and teamwork skills.
• Global Ambassadors: The Global Ambassadors spread the mission, vision, and values of SAS at their home institutions upon return from their voyage.  60% of SAS voyage participants report having learned about the program from an SAS Alum and the Global Ambassadors are a big part of passing along the SAS experience once they return to their home campuses. 
• Extended Families: Extended families provide an opportunity for students to join faculty, staff or Lifelong Learners and form small "family" groups (usually 4-6 people) for the purpose of socialization and support. Extended families plan gatherings that may include sharing a meal together in the dining hall, playing board games, in-port excursions, etc.
• Career Success Initiative (CSI) : The CSI student group uncovers the array of hidden talents among various voyagers with the goal of increasing career exploration and development among students.  This includes planning events on career and academic major exploration, job search and graduate school preparation, and hosting panels highlighting particular career fields.  In addition, this group is trained to review and critique peer resumes.
• Passport to Leadership: The Passport to Leadership program creates an inclusive, safe, and diverse experience for all participants. Participants are given a "SAS passport" and collect a stamp for every shipboard program attended. Participants who receive eight stamps will graduate from the Passport Program.
• PRO Society (Port Research Operation): PRO Society researches current events and important information relevant to ports on the itinerary.  This is a good opportunity for people who wish to spend time studying and planning for their time in each country. It is also provides some experience for people who are interested in hospitality, advertising, and marketing. 
• Sea Olympics Involvement Committee: The Sea Olympics Involvement Committee will help plan and execute the shipboard Sea Olympics, a tradition on each Semester at Sea voyage. Events can include synchronized swimming, rock paper scissors competition, trivia, and sporting events. There are a variety of roles on this committee including planning and coordination, set-up, judging, and team captains. Read more about the Sea Olympics under SAS Traditions.
• Student Programming Board: The Student Programming Board will coordinate some of the large scale programs including; dances, talent shows, open-mic  nights and coffeehouses. This is a great program for students who have been involved in leadership on their home campus as part of a programming board or for creative and enthusiastic participants who want to gain that experience while on Semester at Sea.
• Tutoring: Students interested in helping to tutor peers in a certain subject area or who are in need of additional assistance can seek out tutoring opportunities on each voyage.  Tutors can be students, lifelong learners, faculty, staff, or family members.