Talk to as many people as possible – on and off the ship! Get out of your comfort zone and make use of all the opportunities you are given!
Admissions
International students
Each Semester at Sea voyage welcomes International Students who make up 10-15% of our shipboard community.
International Student Admission Information
International students are defined as students who do not hold U.S. citizenship. This includes students who may currently be enrolled in a United States college/university via a student visa, and/ or students studying at any degree-granting institution or secondary school outside of the United States.
We consider three student type for admission. Please review admission requirements based on your enrollment status.
International Gap Year Students
Admission Requirements
- You must have graduated from secondary school by the time of your voyage
- Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. Our team will complete a GPA conversion for your grades as part of the application review process.
- You must be at least 18 years old at the time of embarkation.
- You must demonstrate English proficiency. If your native language or language of instruction is not English, you must provide an English language proficiency test score as a part of the application process.
- Gap Year/Start at Sea students are those who have graduated secondary school within one year of their desired voyage and intend to enroll in a college or university afterward. If a student falls outside of these parameters, an additional review process will be required.
Application Checklist
1. Complete Online Application
We accept applications year-round on a rolling basis. Applying early increases your chances of securing a spot on the ship, as voyages do fill up.
2. Upload Unofficial Transcripts
Your application must include a copy of transcripts from your current or most recent institution.
The transcripts must include the following information: full name, institution name, your course history, your current course schedule, & cumulative grades. Our team will complete a GPA conversion as part of the review process to determine your 4.0 system GPA equivalent.
If the document is in a language other than English, please attach an English translation from a certified translator or notary (World Education Services and Educational Credential Evaluators are two common options for this service).
3. Submit Proof of English Proficiency Exam
For students whose first language is not English, or whose language of instruction at their institution is not English, we require an English proficiency exam for admission. We can accept the following tests with noted minimum scores:
- TOEFL (79+)
- IELTS (6.5+)
- PTE Academic (53+)
- Duolingo (110+)
- IB HL English Course (5+)
- IGCSE or A-Level English/First Language Exam (C+)
- Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Contact admission@isevoyages.org with questions.
4. Pay Application Fee
Once you complete your application, there is a non-refundable application fee of $75 USD to start the review process.
5. Submit a Disciplinary Clearance Form
Download the SAS disciplinary clearance form, complete the top portion, and send it to your secondary school’s administration office to complete and return to SAS at the address listed on the form.
International Undergraduate Students
Admission Requirements
- Enrolled full-time at a degree-granting institution.
- Completed at least one full-time term at the post-secondary level.
- Preferred cumulative GPA of 2.5 out of 4.0. Our team will complete a GPA conversion for your grades as part of the application review process.
If below a 2.5 equivalent, additional evidence of academic support may be requested to review an application holistically, such as an academic explanation and an academic letter of recommendation. - You must demonstrate English proficiency. If your native language or language of instruction is not English, you must provide an English language proficiency test score as a part of the application process.
- In good academic standing with your institution.
- You must be at least 18 years old at the time of embarkation.
Application Checklist
1. Complete Online Application
We accept applications year-round on a rolling basis. Applying early increases your chances of securing a spot on the ship, as voyages do fill up.
2. Upload Unofficial Transcripts
Your application must include a copy of transcripts from your current or most recent institution.
The transcripts must include the following information: full name, institution name, your course history, your current course schedule, & cumulative grades. Our team will complete a GPA conversion as part of the review process to determine your 4.0 system GPA equivalent.
If the document is in a language other than English, please attach an English translation from a certified translator or notary (World Education Services and Educational Credential Evaluators are two common options for this service).
3. Submit Proof of English Proficiency Exam
For students whose first language is not English, or whose language of instruction at their institution is not English, we require an English proficiency exam for admission. We can accept the following tests with noted minimum scores:
- TOEFL (79+)
- IELTS (6.5+)
- PTE Academic (53+)
- Duolingo (110+)
- IB HL English Course (5+)
- IGCSE or A-Level English/First Language Exam (C+)
- Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Contact admission@isevoyages.org with questions.
4. Pay Application Fee
Once you complete your application, there is a non-refundable application fee of $75 USD to start the review process.
5. Obtain School Approval
Many schools require an internal process to receive approval to study abroad. Please connect with your study abroad office or advisor to determine if this applies to you and your school.
International Recent College Graduate Students
Admission Requirements
- Recent college graduates are students who have graduated from a university with a bachelor’s degree within one year of their desired voyage. If a student falls outside of these parameters, an additional review process will be required.
- Preferred cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. Our team will complete a GPA conversion for your grades as part of the application review process.
If below a 3.0 equivalent, additional evidence of academic support may be requested to review an application holistically, such as an academic explanation and an academic letter of recommendation. - You must demonstrate English proficiency. If your native language or language of instruction is not English, you must provide an English language proficiency test score as a part of the application process.
Application Checklist
1. Complete Online Application
We accept applications year-round on a rolling basis. Applying early increases your chances of securing a spot on the ship, as voyages do fill up.
2. Upload Unofficial Transcripts
Your application must include a copy of transcripts from your current or most recent institution.
The transcripts must include the following information: full name, institution name, your course history, your current course schedule, & cumulative grades. Our team will complete a GPA conversion as part of the review process to determine your 4.0 system GPA equivalent.
If the document is in a language other than English, please attach an English translation from a certified translator or notary (World Education Services and Educational Credential Evaluators are two common options for this service).
3. Submit Proof of English Proficiency Exam
For students whose first language is not English, or whose language of instruction at their institution is not English, we require an English proficiency exam for admission. We can accept the following tests with noted minimum scores:
- TOEFL (79+)
- IELTS (6.5+)
- PTE Academic (53+)
- Duolingo (110+)
- IB HL English Course (5+)
- IGCSE or A-Level English/First Language Exam (C+)
- Other tests may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Contact admission@isevoyages.org with questions.
4. Pay Application Fee
Once you complete your application, there is a non-refundable application fee of $75 USD to start the review process.
Academic Information
Every school processes transfer credit differently. While Semester at Sea advisors can do their best to provide resources and guidance for you throughout the credit transfer process, you will need to meet with your home institution to determine what that process looks like at your specific institution. This process may include completing pre-course approval forms, submitting syllabi for review, registering your travel plans, or other steps as determined by your institution.
Credit Equivalencies
Students take 4-5 classes, or 12-15 U.S. college credits while on Semester at Sea, or 3-4 classes and 9-12 U.S. college credits if participating as a Gap Year student. Each class on Semester at Sea is worth three U.S. semester credits, and is 40 contact hours. Some common equivalencies in other credit systems can be found below. Three U.S. semester credits typically equal:
- 6 ECTS credits (EU)
- 12 CATS credits (UK)
- 12 SAQA credits (South Africa)
- 3 credits (Mexico and Canada)
Always check with your university to confirm credit transfer equivalencies.
Grading Scale
The following Grading Scale is utilized for student evaluation. Pass/Fail is not an option for Semester at Sea coursework. Note that C-, D+, and D- are also not assigned on Semester at Sea in accordance with the grading system at Colorado State University (the academic partner institution).
Pluses and minuses are awarded as follows on a 100% scale:
Excellent
97-100%: A+
93-96%: A
90-92%: A-
Good
87-89%: B+
83-86%: B
80-82%: B-
Satisfactory/Poor
77-79%: C+
70-76%: C
60-69%: D
Failing
Less than 60%: F
Visa Information
A detailed Visa Guide will be provided after program admission once deposit has been placed. Visas required for Semester at Sea are strictly tourist visas. Ultimately each Semester at Sea voyager is responsible for acquiring their own visas and travel authorizations according to their passport country and personal situation.
Financing Your Voyage
Program Fees
Student program fees vary depending on voyage and cabin type. Semester at Sea program fees will be billed in U.S. dollars.
Payments most often are made online via credit card, but those who live outside of the United States may use a wire transfer if needed. Please keep in mind that wire transfers often have an additional fee. Payments can also be made by check/mail, but online payments and wire transfers are the most reliable options.
Scholarships
International students are eligible for almost every Semester at Sea scholarship! This includes our Merit Grant, Need-Based Grant, Student Assistant Grants, the International Student Advancement Award and more!
International students will complete the international student aid form to be considered for need-based aid. Merit-based scholarships will use the U.S. 4.0 GPA equivalent that Semester at Sea staff determined from student applications and transcripts.
Most scholarships are stackable. Students are able to apply for multiple scholarships and have the potential to be awarded more than one scholarship. More information about scholarships and eligibility criteria can be found on our scholarships webpage.
Connect with International Alumni!
Global Ambassadors are recent alumni who are still enrolled as undergraduate students — possibly at your campus, or a campus near you! View some of our International Student Global Ambassadors that you can connect with below.
Jana Reuter
Jana Reuter
-
Sailed As
Undergraduate -
Voyage
Spring 2025 -
Favorite Ports
South Africa and Ghana
Nabihah Nawaid
University of Calgary – Haskayne School of Business | Finance | Finance
Nabihah Nawaid
University of Calgary – Haskayne School of Business | Finance | Finance
Time flies quickly on the voyage. Make the most of each experience while you can, say yes to everything and savor every moment.
-
Sailed As
Undergraduate -
Voyage
Spring 2024 -
Favorite Ports
Kenya and Morocco
Cam Pepper
Georgian College | Business Administration | Business Administration
Cam Pepper
Georgian College | Business Administration | Business Administration
My advice is to research the ports you are going to and the excursions available, but leave room open because you will meet some awesome people who will also have great ideas.
-
Sailed As
Gap Year -
Voyage
Fall 2022 -
Favorite Ports
My two favourite ports were Morocco and Croatia.
Sofia Carrera Quijano
Universidad de Los Andes | Marketing
Sofia Carrera Quijano
Universidad de Los Andes | Marketing
Pronouns: (she/her)
Hi, I’m Sofia, a design major from Colombia. Semester at Sea transformed my life, helped me built lifelong friendships, and widened my worldview!
-
Sailed As
Undergraduate -
DPM Preference
Similar racial/ethnic group; International student -
Alumni of Voyage
Spring 2025
Marc Maegdefrau
Technical University of Munich | Engineering
Marc Maegdefrau
Technical University of Munich | Engineering
Pronouns: (he/him)
Marc sailed on the Spring 2024 voyage as an international student from Germany. He participated in several student clubs, like the International Student Club and founded the Sustainability at Sea Club.
-
Sailed As
Undergraduate -
DPM Preference
International student; Disability; High financial need; Not listed/Other -
Alumni of Voyage
Spring 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
View everything you need to know about applying to Semester at Sea as an international student.
Do I need a passport? What about visas?
Yes, if you do not already hold a passport, you should apply for one now. If you do have a passport, you should check its expiration date. Your passport needs to be valid for six months beyond the end of the voyage. We advise purchasing the largest passport book available. Specific passport requirements are available for confirmed Lifelong Learners via the voyage prep portal.
Visa requirements vary depending on the countries included on the itinerary. Typically, you will need to secure two or three visas individually. Some of the group visas will be obtained by ISE.
Will Semester at Sea help me get my visas?
Semester at Sea has a dedicated advisor who works with international students and can assist with documentation for visa applications. All voyagers will also receive access to a Visa Guide to provide visa requirement information and application instructions. Certain visas may also be eligible to obtain on-arrival and this will be noted in the guide.
Ultimately each Semester at Sea voyager is responsible for acquiring their own visas according to their passport country and personal situation. While we do our best to advise, visa applications remain the responsibility of the voyager. Semester at Sea and the Institute for Shipboard Education accept no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the information given surrounding visas and will not be held responsible or liable for any damages, losses, expenses or costs incurred by the voyager.
English is not my first language, can I still participate?
Yes! If English is not your first language, you are still able to participate in Semester at Sea. If English is not your primary language of instruction, then you will be required to submit proof of English language proficiency since all coursework and programming on Semester at Sea is conducted in English.
Do I need a B-1/B-2 visa and does the ship visit the U.S.?
No, international students do not need a B-1/B-2 visa. For the foreseeable future, Semester at Sea itineraries do not include a port within the United States. This means that currently international students do not require any type of visa from the United States in order to sail on a voyage.
Do I need an F-1 student visa to participate?
No, international students do not need an F-1 student visa in order to participate in Semester at Sea. If you are a student who currently has an F-1 student visa, please know that Semester at Sea is unable to assist with and/or be a sponsor for your student visa should your school be unable to sponsor you while you are sailing on a voyage. Any student who has a F-1 student visa needs to be in communication with their university regarding how participating in Semester at Sea may affect their visa status.
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