New SAS Pre-College Program
"I have new perspectives on people, politics, culture, music, religion, and the importance of each individual life." —Danny Greene, SAS participant
A Global Learning Adventure for 10th - 12th Graders
Semester at Sea's Pre-College Program has been designed to develop a level of global understanding, cultural awareness, and interconnections among students in 10th through 12th grade. During a typical three-week voyage, students participate in a variety of formal lectures while at sea. In each of up to eight ports-of-call, students travel in groups on pre-arranged field study programs mentored by high school educators.
The Pre-College Program is currently available only to students from participating partner high schools. Current partner schools include:
- Derryfield School – Manchester, New Hampshire
- Harvard-Westlake School – North Hollywood, California
- Hawai`i Preparatory Academy – Kamuela, Hawaii
- High Tech High International – San Diego, California
- Marlborough School – Los Angeles, California
When the program was launched in the winter of 2010, the pre-college program consisted of a cohort of 60 students representing five participating high schools from across the United States. Each school sent 10-12 students and two faculty chaperones on the voyage. Students were assigned to double cabins with cabin mates from their own school. Small groups, or pods, were formed integrating students from the participating schools into smaller groups for focused study. Cooperative work in these pods comprises a key element of the program, with students from different backgrounds and regions learning to collaborate and share roles within a functional learning unit.
Students are expected to attend up to four lectures per day while at sea. These lectures cover a wide range of topics, oriented around the region of the world and the specific countries on the itinerary. While in port, students will have the opportunity to choose from three or four field study programs. The programs may involve a service learning opportunity, cultural visit, field work for original research, or recreational activity. Field study programs are selected in advance and are included in the program fee.
Students who participate in the SAS Pre-College Program can expect:
- Improved leadership and communication skills
- Greater confidence, self-reliance, and flexibility
- Better ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds
- Skills for managing unfamiliar or challenging situations
- Deeper knowledge of international events
- Enhanced foreign language skills
For details about applying to the Semester at Sea Pre-College Program, please contact your school's coordinator for external programs. Application processes and deadlines vary by school. High school administrators interested in participating in future pre-college program voyages should contact Cindy Zomchek at 434.249.8097 for additional information on how their school might join our growing network.