Teachers at Sea FAQ

Are the credits transferrable?

• Upon completion of the voyage, you will obtain an official academic transcript from the University of Virginia. You may submit this transcript when applying to future programs. It is up to each individual institution as to whether they accept credits from your voyage.
• If you are already enrolled in a college or university, meet with your advisor prior to your voyage to determine how your Teachers at Sea credits will transfer. It is up to each individual institution as to how they wish to accept credits from a voyage.

Can my family travel with me?

• Yes, subject to availability. Please contact the Semester at Sea office for specific rates.

Do I need to submit transcripts and disciplinary clearance forms?

Submitting a disciplinary clearance form is not necessary. However, you will need to submit an undergraduate and graduate transcript. If you are a first year graduate student, you may submit your graduate transcript after completion of your first semester.

How does this program relate to my content area?

Teachers at Sea participants will enroll in a minimum of 6 credit hours (2 courses).

• One course is the required community-wide Global Studies course, offered in lecture format. An additional seminar arranged by the Teachers at Sea coordinator will meet throughout the voyage to bring the content of Global Studies into curricular and pedagogical context. Successful completion of the seminar in conjunction with the lecture course will result in graded credit at the graduate level.
• The other course will be selected from one of two courses taught by the Teachers at Sea Coordinator. Past courses have included Global Access to Education, Social Justice and Education Theories, Globalizing the Curriculum, and International and Intercultural Dimensions of Teaching and Learning.
• In certain cases where there is available space, Teachers at Sea may enroll in an optional third course.
• For voyage specific course lists, please visit the appropriate voyage page.

How will this program benefit me?

• Sail with a pioneer and leader in global, comparative education
• Experience the camaraderie and unique culture of a shipboard community
• Visit 8 countries in 67 days aboard our floating university, the MV Explorer
• Earn professional development/recertification points
• Earn 6-9 credit hours towards a graduate degree or Master + 30 pay scale

Sign me up! How do I register?

• Complete and submit the Teachers at Sea application, along with a current teaching certificate. Applications are available at http://www.semesteratsea.org/lifelong-learners/overview/teachers-at-sea.php
• Upon notification of acceptance to the program, a $1,000 deposit is required to reserve a cabin space. Further processing, such as awarding of financial aid and academic registration, cannot take place without the deposit, which is fully refundable up to 60 days before the departure of a summer voyage.
• Applications will continue to be accepted until shortly before the start of the voyage. Be aware, however, that both course registration and trip sales for some ports will happen in advance of departure.

What are available funding sources?

• Scholarships: Please contact the Semester at Sea office for information on scholarship opportunities.
• Grants/Aid: Financial aid may be available by the following means:
  • Professional Development stipend in individual school districts
  • UVa may be able to certify private student loans; contact Debbie Rushing at 800-854-0195 for more information.
  • Federal financial aid may be available for degree-seeking students who qualify.
  • Educators may also research and apply for independent funding to help cover expenses.
• Tax breaks: The tuition portion of the program fee may be tax deductible for participants receiving official credit for coursework

What are the program costs, and what do they include?

Teachers at Sea program costs for Summer 2010:

• standard outside cabin:
  $10,995 (per person based on double occupancy)
  $14,995 (per person based on single occupancy)
• standard inside cabin:
  $9,995 (per person based on double occupancy)
  $13,995 (per person based on single occupancy)

The program fee includes tuition for full-time enrollment in the University of Virginia, room, board (three scheduled meals per day, both in port and at sea), premium travel health insurance, and email account. Expenses related to travel to and from the ports of embarkation and debarkation, textbooks, in-country travel, personal spending, and incidental fees are additional.

What happens in each port?

Field-based, experiential learning is a vital component of Semester at Sea. Twenty percent of your grade is earned through a combination of field excursions including the following:

• Faculty-Directed Practica (FDPs) - Designed and led by a faculty member who has expertise in a particular culture, location, or subject matter. FDPs enhance and explore course content.
• SAS-Directed Practica - Excursions led by staff or faculty.
• Independent Travel - Independent individual excursions.

International Field Program excursions are not included in the program costs.

What is the itinerary?

• Teachers at Sea takes place on summer voyages. Summer voyages are approximately 65 days in length. Voyages generally begins in mid-June and sail to the end of August.
• Classes are conducted most days that the ship is at sea (including weekends and some holidays); port stays are available for participation in faculty-directed practica (FDPs), other SAS-sponsored practica, or independent travel.

What technology is available to me on the ship?

• Personal Laptops/Wireless internet - Personal laptops are highly encouraged. There may also be a limited number of SAS laptops available from the ship on a first-come, first-served basis. The ship is equipped with a wireless network that provides access to all onboard Intranet resources and the Internet. This network is accessible from most areas of the ship.
• Computer labs - The onboard computer lab is available for academic use 24 hours a day. Computers are configured with Windows XP, Microsoft Office XP, DVD player, CD burners, and USB ports. High-volume laser printers are accessible from the computer lab and from individual laptops via wireless connection.
• Email - Participants receive a free email account which allows text-based messages. This account has a 50KB limit to/from shore, and a 1MB shipboard limit. You will also enjoy free access to online resources provided by the University of Virginia Library and current news sites. Regarding other Internet usage, the technology fee charged to all students and lifelong learners provides a limited amount of free Internet. The amount of free usage depends on the amount of data you transfer and the amount of Internet time you use. Accessing the Internet will require you to log on and to log off to record your session. Additional Internet time may be purchased on board.