General Admissions Information FAQ

When should I apply?

Semester at Sea operates on a rolling admissions basis, meaning there are no application deadlines for specific semesters. However, it is recommended that you begin the application process 12 months before the semester in which you would like to participate. Students will be asked to provide an updated academic record at the conclusion of the semester prior to their participation. Applications will continue to be accepted until approximately one month before the start of the semester.

Is the program open to students in all majors?

Yes, students from all majors regularly enroll in Semester at Sea. The majority of courses offered, (70 in fall/spring programs and 30 in the summer), are in the social science and humanities, with a few offerings in biology and geology. Therefore, students who are enrolled in the natural sciences or in pre-professional programs such as engineering or nursing, typically complete electives and general degree requirements.

What are my chances of gaining admission?

If you are in good academic standing and have a good record with regard to behavior on your home campus, you will be given every consideration. Your transcript, disciplinary clearance and essay provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your potential for academic success aboard the voyage. The Institute for Shipboard Education operates with the philosophy that all undergraduate students should study abroad. We will work with you to help make it possible.

Do I have to apply for a specific semester?

Yes, however, you can transfer your application to a different voyage without reapplying. You will be required to provide updated transcripts, and an updated disciplinary clearance form, in order to be considered for admission to the later voyage.

How long will it take to hear about my admission?

Once the Institute has received your completed application, including the transcript and disciplinary clearance, you will receive a reply in 1-2 weeks. It is advisable to follow up to verify that all components of your application have been received.

When should I submit the $500 deposit to reserve a space?

As soon as you are academically admitted. The deposit is applied against the tuition and fees for the semester. It is refundable up to 90 days prior to the start of the semester should you decide that you are unable to attend. For summer or short-term voyages, the deposit is refundable up until 60 days before the voyage. You can also transfer your deposit to reserve space on a future voyage up to 90 days prior to the start of the semester you originally reserved.

When do voyages fill?

It varies. Recently, fall voyages have reached capacity as early as March, about five months before sailing. Spring voyages have reached capacity in September, four months before sailing. Summer voyages may have space available up to a few weeks before sailing. It is recommended that you begin the application process a year before the semester you intend to enroll.

If I am on a waiting list, what are my chances of getting a space?

Spaces regularly open as students change plans. Many students from the waiting list are accommodated. However, it is impossible to estimate how many students will be able to receive a space or how long it will take. Students on the waitlist are encouraged to consider alternative study abroad programs and establish a date by which they need to make a decision. Students may also opt to transfer to future voyages.

Do I need a passport? What about visas?

Yes, if you do not already hold a passport you should apply for one now. If you do have a passport you should check its expiration date. Your passport needs to be valid for six months beyond the end of the semester in which you enroll.

Visa requirements vary depending on the countries included on the itinerary. Typically, students need to secure two or three visas individually, with the remainder group visas obtained by ISE. Detailed information will be mailed in a packet after the student has submitted the deposit.

What if I need to cancel from the program?

The Institute for Shipboard Education's payment and cancellation policy specifies the refund structure for those students that must cancel their plans to sail. Please visit this page for a detailed description. Below, you will find the refund structure:

Prior to fall and spring departures, all funds received on a participant's account are refundable until the 90-day payment due date for the voyage. Cancellations following the 90-day payment due date will automatically result in a charge of $500 regardless of name change or cabin resale, and the following fees will apply:

• Cancellation up to and including 90 days prior to the voyage - full refund to participant
• If cancelled 89-60 days prior to voyage - 25% of program fee
• If cancelled 59-45 days prior to voyage - 50% of program fee
• If cancelled 44-31 days prior to voyage - 75% of program fee
• If cancelled 30 days prior to the voyage and after 100% of program fee

Prior to summer departures, all funds received on a participant's account are refundable until the 60-day payment due date for the voyage. Cancellations following the 60-day payment due date will automatically result in a charge of $500 regardless of name change or cabin resale, and the following fees will apply:

• Cancellation up to and including 60 days prior to the voyage - full refund to participant.
• If cancelled 59-50 days prior to voyage - 25% of program fee
• If cancelled 49-40 days prior to voyage - 50% of program fee
• If cancelled 39-30 days prior to voyage - 75% of program fee
• If cancelled 30 days prior to the voyage and after 100% of program fee