See what it's like for participants the first time they step off the ship and experience a new culture with this slideshow with audio on Cadiz, Spain. Watch as participants take part in fieldwork, sample the local cuisine, and start gaining a global perspective through trips and interactions with local residents. Stay tuned to the SAS Voyage Blog and the Slideshows pages to learn all about what participants are experiencing on the Summer 2009 voyage. An audio slideshow on Italy will be coming soon.

Amazing architecture, interesting foods, a laid-back atmosphere, and friendly, helpful people are the lasting impressions many Semester at Sea students take from their four days in Spain. A Spanish sunrise greeted students upon the arrival of the MV Explorer in Cadiz on June 24. Students hustled to get off the ship after just over a week at sea. During the four-day exploration, participants traveled extensively throughout Spain's Andalucia region. Many fanned out across the city of Cadiz. Others toured the white town region around Ronda. Many headed north to Sevilla to visit the famous cathedral and Alcazar palace. {Read more on the SAS Voyage Blog»}

July 6, 2009: Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-California) recently sailed aboard the MV Explorer as a distinguished guest lecturer, speaking on topics including public education, leadership, and Italian culture. In addition, she lectured in eight courses, such as Women in the Contemporary World, Global Access to Education, and Human Rights Protection. Sanchez is the ranking woman of the House Armed Services Committee and sits on the Oversight and Investigations, Strategic Forces, and Military Personnel Subcommittees. "She was a remarkable presence and resource," said Michael Zoll, executive dean of the voyage. Watch a video about her visit. {More»}

Watch a slideshow with audio of the Summer 2009 departure from Halifax, Nova Scotia last week.

If you have ever wondered what it was really like to sail abroad with Semester at Sea, the Summer 2009 Voyage Blog is your source for the latest news and updates about the voyage. Simply go to the blog (http://sas-summer2009.blogspot.com/) and add your email address in the FeedBurner box on the right to receive notifications about new entries. In addition, using a Gmail account, you can subscribe to or follow the blog. Video clips, photos, news items, and much more are being posted on a daily basis. Don't miss the opportunity to access substantive content and see what SAS is all about!

June 16, 2009: The MV Explorer departed Halifax, Nova Scotia as scheduled with 721 undergraduates representing 299 colleges and universities; 17 lifelong learners; and 67 faculty and staff. Watch the voyage's progress on the current voyage website and the SAS voyage blog, which will include frequent reports, interviews with students, ship and trip photos, video clips, and multimedia slideshows.

For those with a passion for world travel, a love of learning, and a thirst for cross-cultural connections, the Semester at Sea Lifelong Learning Program provides an unparalleled experience. Become part of the SAS academic community consisting of other lifelong learners, faculty, staff, students, and international lecturers. See details about special promotions for Lifelong Learners on upcoming Semester at Sea voyages.

May 27, 2009: Rosalyn W. Berne, an associate professor in the Department of Science, Technology and Society at the University of Virginia, has been appointed vice president and senior academic officer for the Institute for Shipboard Education and Semester at Sea program. President Les McCabe announced the appointment, which is effective June 1. "Rosalyn will play a central role in enhancing our academic program in conjunction with our University of Virginia colleagues," McCabe said. {Read more about Rosalyn's appointment»}

As an educational non-profit, Semester at Sea is completely dependent upon enrollment revenues, established endowed funds, and philanthropic gifts from our parents, alumni, and corporate sponsors. Every gift—no matter the size—makes a difference. Your tax-deductible donation provides student financial assistance, faculty and field program support, and shipboard improvements that ensure safe and energy-efficient travel around the globe.

The Summer 2009 voyage of Semester at Sea will focus on the academic theme "Human Rights and Social Justice in the Mediterranean World" and feature three distinguished guest lecturers: Zornitsa Stoyanova-Yerburgh of the Carnegie Council, New York Times correspondent Randy Archibold, and Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez. {Read more»}