Arizona State University

Arizona State University Study Abroad Programs

ASU study abroad programs are offered throughout the year, from domestic to international to virtual. The GEO team recommends that students do their research and use all the resources available to choose the program that will best suit their goals:

• Attend a Study Abroad 101 workshop or schedule a peer advising appointment to learn about your options and admissions requirements.
• Consider programs based on academics, location, timing, housing, finances/cost, eligibility, and special circumstances.
• Check out ASU’s study abroad guidance based on your major. 
• Consider interning abroad to gain global professional experience.
• Use the search filters in the ASU program database to find your perfect study abroad program.

The GEO team is on hand to answer any and all questions. Visit the GEO office on the ASU Tempe campus or request more information today!

Arizona State University & Semester at Sea

ASU students from any major can participate in Semester at Sea (SAS) since every academic and professional track can benefit from the personal growth many student travelers experience overseas. In fact, one of the top benefits students mention following a Semester at Sea voyage is the personal transformation that occurs as they learn to adapt, step outside their comfort zones, and build relationships that last long after they disembark. 

Semester at Sea fulfills ASU’s goal of providing students with experiences that help them develop professional skills in a global context. Some things to know before applying:

• Semester at Sea voyagers can earn up to 12 credits through Colorado State University, which will then transfer back to ASU.
• Students may be able to petition to earn up to 15 credits upon clearly demonstrating academic and/or financial need.
• The majority of SAS courses have ASU equivalencies. To request approval to earn credit for a course not on the pre-approved list, you must submit a Course Equivalency Request through your ASU student account. 

Admission Requirements 

ASU students embarking on a Semester at Sea voyage must:

• Maintain at least a 2.5 GPA 
• Be at least in their sophomore year of college
• Have a valid passport
• Obtain a student visa (U.S. citizens)
• Provide an acceptable English language proficiency test score if their first language is not English

Though not a requirement for admission, ideal candidates for SAS include those studying communications, psychology, business, political science, global studies, sociology, and other humanities fields.  

Early application is highly recommended, as cabin space fills up quickly. Semester at Sea strongly encourages participants to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Please review the full Semester at Sea admissions requirements before applying.

Financial Aid 

ASU students receive over $1 million annually in study abroad scholarships and grants, with many of those funds coming from ASU, or Arizona-specific sources. 

The ASU Global Education Office recommends that students explore all funding avenues available to them, from traditional to the unconventional options: 

• Understand which ASU scholarships can be applied to study abroad.
• Explore the GEO scholarship database. 
• Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if you don’t think you qualify for federal aid.
• Check out the Community-Based Funding resource for creative fundraising ideas from real ASU alumni.

Please note that partnership program participants (including Semester at Sea voyagers) do not pay tuition to ASU for the courses completed during their study abroad program. Find more GEO financial aid guidance here.  

ASU students joining a Semester at Sea voyage may use any merit scholarships, grants, or state and federal aid for which they qualify to fund their experience. Other scholarships may be available through Semester at Sea — explore your options by visiting our Financial Aid page.

Cost Calculator

Get an estimate of program expenses for a typical Semester at Sea voyage. Please note: This calculator provides an estimate of program fees only. Tuition costs and cabin fees are subject to change.