Field Program

"The poor and the oppressed are no longer just statistics to us-we have eaten with them, held their hands, fallen in love with their infectious smiles and warm hospitality. The world has become smaller for us: more real, more connected, more personal."

—Josephine Hwang, Student, Fall 2002

Field-based, experiential learning is a vital component of Semester at Sea. The ship becomes a campus where participants study in a traditional setting, while the world is transformed into an academic laboratory where students earn 20% of their grade.

View the Photo Gallery of the International Field Program

Explorations

Semester at Sea works with a network of international scholars and local experts to construct the Field Program—a diverse range of cross-cultural explorations for each country on the itinerary.

Significant Historical, Cultural, and Political Sites

Cu Chi Tunnels, Tuol Sleng Museum in Cambodia, Hiroshima

Natural and Manmade Wonders

Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, Great Pyramids of Giza, Angkor Wat

Elements of Natural History

Bioluminescent Bay of Puerto Rico, Galapagos Islands, Praia Do Forte Marine Turtle Research and Preservation Project

Community Explorations and Home Stays

Dalit Village, Massai Tribe, Mekong River Delta, Khayelitsha Township

First-Hand Interaction with Host Nationals

Business professionals, professors, college students, writers, artists; has included luminaries such as Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu

Service Visits

Habitat for Humanity, Operation Hunger, Dalit Village Work Project, Missionaries of Charity, Calabar Favela

Exchanges with Students at International Universities

Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tsinghua University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Vaieshnav College for Women, Ritsumeikan University, Osaka University, University of Cape Town, University of Zagreb

Independent Travel and Research

As approved by course instructor

Field Program Types

Faculty Directed Practica (FDP)

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

Led by staff or faculty. May be recommended by a faculty member as an excellent complement to his/her syllabus.

Independent Travel

Student-led. May be a way for a participant to conduct independent research. Requires faculty approval.