Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some of the perks of sailing as a faculty or staff member?
A: Our faculty and staff not only receive an amazing opportunity to sail around the world, but also:
- A small stipend and travel allowance (details are covered during the interview)
- Free room and board
- The opportunity to bring spouse/partner and dependent children
- Discounts on ISE sponsored Field Trips
- Emergency Medical Coverage
Q: How much do faculty and staff get paid?
A: This is a great question that comes up quite often. Generally (depending on the voyage) FACULTY are paid $3000 per course, plus a travel allowance based on number of courses taught.
STAFF are paid based on their role and voyage. Each position has a different pay grade, so it is difficult to generalize the staff pay. Stipend details are discussed during the interview.
A travel allowance of $500 - $1500 (depending on the voyage) is paid to each staff member in addition to a stipend.
Q: Can I bring my child along, and do you have a baby-sitter on board?
A: We define dependent children as "children" who have not yet graduated high school. Due to safety protocol, children must be at least 24 months old to sail on a full world voyage. Please contact our Human Resources department for details on this policy.
We do not have a shipboard "baby-sitter". However, we do have a Dependent Childrens program during our Semester at Sea voyages. This program helps to engage children into the the shipboard community. Parents are the primary caregiver and are responsible for any academic obligations. A non- working adult over the age of 25 must accompany sailing dependents.
Q: Are faculty and staff allowed time to do personal travel while in port?
A: Yes, although some staff positions may require you to remain within a certain mile radius of the ship for a portion of the time in port in case of emergencies, and faculty may choose to lead a field trip with students as a part of the learning objective.
Q: I am still an undergraduate student; can I apply to work for Semester at Sea?
A: Most of our staff positions require a minimum of a Masters Degree and 3-5 years of professional experience. We encourage current students to apply once they have graduated and gained some professional experience.
Q: I am interested in a position as a crew member onboard the ship, what do I need to do?
A: We do not hire for crew positions. We utilize the services of an international ship management company called V-ships to staff for our crew positions. You may contact them directly if you are interested.
Q: My spouse and I are interested in sailing together, is this possible?
A: Yes, if both you and your spouse are not hired as faculty or staff members, you may have the opportunity to apply for one of our internal positions that are specifically for spouse/partners of hired faculty and staff.
Q: I am not an American citizen; can I still work for Semester at Sea?
A: We are an international program, and international applicants are welcomed to apply for our positions.
Q: Can I apply to more than one position and/or voyage?
A: YES, We encourage you to apply to any and all positions that you are interested in and that you qualify for. This can only help and not hinder your chances of being selected.
Q: What are the "internal" or "not open to the general public" positions that are listed in the job postings?
A: You have to be the spouse or partner of a sailing faculty or staff member for that voyage in order to apply to these positions.
