International Student Admission Requirements

International Undergraduate Student

Admission Requirements:

• Enrolled full-time in a degree-granting institution
• At least a 2.5 cumulative GPA *converted on a US scale, if possible
• Completed at least 12 credits at the post-secondary level
• In good academic standing and not on disciplinary probation at time of embarkation

Application Requirements:

• Unofficial Transcript
  • If the document is in a language other than English, please attach a certified English translation
  • World Education Services and Educational Credential Evaluators are two common options for this service
• Student Essay
  • 300-500 word essay on the following question:
    • How will your Semester at Sea voyage create (or enhance) your personal global perspective? Highlight at least one country on your itinerary and how your time there will further develop your awareness
• Students whose first language is not English or if your current University is not in English, you must provide your English language proficiency test scores
  • TOEFL, PTE Academic or IELTS Academic results are preferred
  • Minimum score required for Admission: TOEFL IBT – 79, PTE Academic – 53, & IELTS Academic – 6.5
  • Alternatives to TOEFL, PTE or IELTS on a case by case basis

International Gap Student

Admission Requirements:

• Graduated Secondary School by time of voyage
• At least a 3.25 cumulative GPA *converted on a US scale, if possible

Application Requirements:

• Official Secondary School Transcript
  • If the document is in a language other than English, please attach a certified English translation
  • World Education Services and Educational Credential Evaluators are two common options for this service
• Gap Year Essay
  • 300-500 word essay on the following question:
    • Why do you wish to participate in Semester at Sea as a GAP year student and how does it fit into your long-term academic plan?
• One Letter of Recommendation
• Disciplinary Clearance Form completed by your high school
• Students whose first language is not English or if your current University is not in English, you must provide your English language proficiency test scores
  • TOEFL, PTE Academic or IELTS Academic results are preferred
  • Minimum score required for Admission: TOEFL IBT – 79, PTE Academic – 53, & IELTS Academic – 6.5
  • Alternatives to TOEFL, PTE or IELTS on a case by case basis

International Post-Graduate Student

Admission Requirements:

• Graduated with a Baccalaureate from a post-secondary institution by time of voyage
• At least a 3.0 cumulative GPA *converted on a US scale, if possible

Application Requirements:

• Unofficial Transcript
  • If the document is in a language other than English, please attach a certified English translation
  • World Education Services and Educational Credential Evaluators are two common options for this service
• Statement of Intent
  • 300-500 word essay on the following questions:
    • How will Semester at Sea fits into your academic and career plans? What experience do you hope to gain from your experience?  What role do you plan to take on the voyage? What specific courses and/or extracurricular actives are you interested in taking?
• One Letter of Recommendation
• Students whose first language is not English or if your current University is not in English, you must provide your English language proficiency test scores
  • TOEFL, PTE Academic or IELTS Academic results are preferred
  • Minimum score required for Admission: TOEFL IBT – 79, PTE Academic – 53, & IELTS Academic – 6.5
  • Alternatives to TOEFL, PTE or IELTS on a case by case basis

Davis UWC Gap Year Nominees

Admission Requirements:

• Graduated Secondary School by time of voyage
• At least a 3.25 cumulative GPA *converted on a US scale, if possible

Application Requirements:

• Official UWC Transcripts
• Headmaster Recommendation for Scholarship
• One Letter of Recommendation
• Disciplinary Clearance Form completed by your high school
• Gap Year Essay
  • 300-500 word essay on the following question:
    • Why do you wish to participate in Semester at Sea as a GAP year student and how does it fit into your long-term academic plan?
• Optional Documents:
  • SAT/ACT scores, AP scores, IB scores, and/or proof of admission to an accredited college or university

Special Considerations

Visas

Semester at Sea has retained the services of Travisa to assist participants with passports and entry visas. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian passport holder, you may have different or additional visa requirements than what is communicated to all participants for your voyage. International passport holders who are currently enrolled at U.S.  Institution may utilize Travisa’s service at no additional charge.  International passport holders who currently attend a university outside of the U.S. or Canada may still utilize Travisa’s services with a research fee per visa.

If your voyage disembarks in a United States port, you will be clearing Customs & Immigration in the United States . To re-enter the U.S. after your voyage, you must have a valid passport and the appropriate valid U.S. visa.

If you are a non-U.S. passport holder studying full-time in the United States on an F-1 Student visa, you should meet with your school’s international student advising center prior to leaving campus so that you understand the implications of your semester abroad on your immigration status.

Financial Aid

International students are welcome to apply for any Semester at Sea scholarships.  We ask that you submit a statement of your parent’s income, with an English translation and conversion to U.S. dollars, in lieu of the FAFSA and tax forms.