Student Affairs at Sea FAQ

Am I eligible for financial aid?

Student Affairs at Sea Program participants are not eligible for financial aid through Semester at Sea. You may be eligible for aid through your graduate institution. Check with your on campus financial aid counselor to assess your eligibility.

Are doctoral students eligible for the Student Affairs at Sea program?

Yes, with the understanding that the program is geared toward masters students. Doctoral students have the same expectation as masters students: enrollment in International Issues in Student Affairs, participation in site visits to universities, and payment of all program fees. Doctoral students may apply for internships with the understanding that these roles are part-time, entry level, and in support of the full-time student affairs staff on the voyage.

Can I apply for an internship position but not take classes?

No. Internships are available only to graduate students enrolled in the International Perspectives on Student Affairs (a three-credit course directed by Dr. Kathleen Manning) and Global Studies (a three-credit course taught by Dr. Gerry Bowler).

Can I participate in Student Affairs at Sea but not take the graduate courses?

No. All participants must enroll in the course, International Perspectives on Student Affairs, and take part in the program activities (e.g., campus visits).

Can recent graduates (May 2010) apply to Student Affairs at Sea?

Yes, but all students must register for graduate credit for the course, International Perspectives on Student Affairs, and participate in the Student Affairs at Sea activities. Program fees must also be paid.

Is the Student Affairs at Sea similar to the undergraduate Semester at Sea program?

The Student Affairs at Sea program is for graduate students in higher education and student affairs and/or related graduate programs. The Semester at Sea program is for undergraduate students. The Student Affairs at Sea participants will work closely as interns and program assistants with the undergraduate Semester at Sea participants.

What are the fees for the program?

Student Affairs at Sea program costs for Summer 2010:

outside cabin: $10,995 (per person based on double occupancy); single occupancy possible—inquire after May 1, 2010
inside cabin: $9,999 (per person based on double occupancy); single occupancy possible—inquire after May 1, 2010

Costs may be defrayed by the receipt of an internship offered during the summer 2010 voyage. Internships are by application linked through the Student Affairs at Sea Program website.

What is the cost of the program for Lifelong Learner participants?

Program fees for Lifelong Learner participants are available on the LLL Staterooms and Rates page.

What is the difference between Student Affairs at Sea program participants and Lifelong Learner participants?

Student Affairs at Sea program participants are current or recent (May 2010) graduate students who are enrolled in courses (see above) for graduate credit. Lifelong learners are participants who are at least 40 years of age. They participate in the Student Affairs at Sea courses for non-credit.

Who can apply to be a Lifelong Learners?

You must be at least 40 years of age to sail as a Lifelong Learner. View the LLL application.

Applicants under 40 years of age can petition to be considered Lifelong Learners. Applicants and should include a letter with their admissions application explaining their circumstances. Applicants will be considered on a case by case basis by the program administrators.

Who is eligible for the shipboard internships?

Current graduate students or recent (May 2010) graduates are eligible to apply for the internships and participation in the Student Affairs at Sea program (with the exception of Lifelong Learners, see below).

A limited number of paid internships are available to graduate students as program assistants. The remuneration for the internship role is $2,000. The part-time Program Assistants are matched with the full-time student affairs voyage staff (known as Living-Learning Coordinators).

Interns will be selected based on demonstrated experience in one of nine specialized areas (see internship application for details).

www.semesteratsea.org/studentaffairs

Will I still be able to apply for the Graduate Program Assistant position if I am no longer a graduate student?

Recent (May 2010) graduates may apply for the Student Affairs Program and internships. Program participants must pay program fees (see above), enroll in and obtain credit for the graduate course, International Perspectives on Student Affairs, and Global Studies, a requirement of all Semester at Sea participants.