April 2, 2009 - Semester at Sea, widely recognized for educating individuals for leadership, service, and success in shaping our interdependent world, has launched the C.Y. Tung Program in Sino-U.S. Relations in honor of C.Y Tung, who was instrumental in the founding of Semester at Sea. A ceremony to announce the program will be held aboard the MV Explorer campus today in Shanghai. {More»}

March 23, 2009: In the midst of new economic challenges facing students and families, the Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) has announced a sweeping accessibility initiative that will provide $3.25 million in financial aid for Semester at Sea students, surpassing last year's record-breaking allocation by 25 percent. Despite record enrollments for the Spring 2009 and approaching Summer 2009 voyage, the initiative has been deployed to help families who may be struggling during uncertain economic times, said Michael Zoll, vice president for Enrollment and Student Affairs. {More»}

Two new audio slideshows capture the meaning and lasting impact of Semester at Sea service projects around the world. A slideshow on Mauritius features Spring 2009 Semester at Sea participants volunteering at a local school, creating art, and making music with students. In addition, a slideshow on India, helps you experience the warm welcome greeting the ship received in Chennai as well as two service projects in the country.

In this slideshow with audio, Spring 2009 Semester at Sea participants explore the educational system, coastal landscape, and culture of Cape Town, South Africa. An exchange program with a local high school gives SAS participants the opportunity to converse with local students and a visit to the Amy Biehl Foundation starts a conversation about humanity on a global scale. Watch as well as participants climb to the top of majestic Table Mountain to take in the breathtaking view.

Semester at Sea and Diversity Abroad are pleased to announce the availability of new scholarships to increase access to Semester at Sea's global educational opportunities to students from diverse and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Details are available on the SAS Diversity Abroad Scholarships page. Application materials must be received by March 23 for the summer 2009 voyage and April 17 for the fall 2009 voyage.

The Spring 2009 voyage community explored the culture and desert region of Namibia. Be part of the learning experience by watching this slideshow with audio. The ship was greeted in Walvis Bay by a children's choir and got to spend time in a local village as well as in a desert community. Participants describe the unifying nature of music and shared curiosity of cultural encounters.

A recent article on Transitions Abroad website describes new trends in study abroad, such as comparative education like Semester at Sea. Read the informative article, which also points to issue-specific programs and experiential learning, on the Transitions Abroad website.

Are you a parent with a question about Semester at Sea? Now, through the SAS website, you can email a member of the SAS Parents Council to get your question answered. The Ask a Parent feature puts you in contact with a parent who has been through the SAS process before and who understands your needs and concerns. Try out the Ask a Parent feature or recommend it to someone who you think would benefit.

When the world is your classroom, anything is possible. U.Va. professor Sergio Conetti's "Physics for Mariners" course exemplifies Semester at Sea's unique educational environment. Watch students apply their knowledge in a hands-on setting in this SAS Voyage Blog report. In addition, SAS students experience new cultures in these audio slideshows on Spain and Morocco.

Feb. 3, 2009: A recent article in BusinessWeek titled "Green Business Programs Gain Traction" features Mark White, Academic Dean for the Spring 2010 voyage. White, associate professor of commerce at the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce, describes sustainability as a beneficial career path for undergraduates. Read more about the academic theme of sustainability on the Spring 2010 voyage page.