Student Stories & Mentors

What happens when you trade a traditional classroom for a ship sailing the world? 🌍

In this video, students and educators share how Semester at Sea became a life-changing gap year experience—shaping their perspectives, confidence, and purpose. From global education to personal discovery, learn why stepping off the beaten path might be the best decision you’ll ever make.

Whether you're considering a gap year, looking for a study abroad program, or just curious about what it’s like to live and learn at sea—this is your sign to take the leap.

Ready to start your own global adventure?

Learn more about our gap year program: https://www.semesteratsea.org/admissions/gap-year/

1 0

Welcome aboard Semester at Sea — the world’s most unique study abroad program. In just one semester, you'll explore 10+ countries, earn college credits, and experience an education that goes far beyond the classroom.

Ready to start your own global adventure?

Learn more about our upcoming voyages and how you can join a future Semester at Sea journey: https://www.semesteratsea.org/voyages/

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @semesteratsea

🌍 About Semester at Sea:
Semester at Sea is a study abroad program that brings students, faculty, and lifelong learners together on a shipboard campus that sails the world. With a focus on comparative learning and global citizenship, voyagers earn academic credit while traveling to multiple countries across several continents.

4 1

Step into the heart of East Africa with Semester at Sea as we explore the vibrant landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable moments from our time in Kenya.

Kenya is a frequent destination on our 10+ country itinerary, offering voyagers the opportunity to engage deeply with local communities, explore Nairobi’s dynamic energy, and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Maasai Mara and beyond. Whether it’s hiking with classmates, hearing from local changemakers, or trying new foods for the first time—this is learning that lasts a lifetime.

Ready to start your own global adventure?

Learn more about our upcoming voyages and how you can join a future Semester at Sea journey: https://www.semesteratsea.org/voyages/

🌍 About Semester at Sea:
Semester at Sea is a study abroad program that brings students, faculty, and lifelong learners together on a shipboard campus that sails the world. With a focus on comparative learning and global citizenship, voyagers earn academic credit while traveling to multiple countries across several continents.

4 0

“What have you learned on this journey?”

It’s almost hard to remember the people who stepped onto the ship in Thailand on January 5. Since that day, we’ve traversed countries and continents, plunged ourselves into new places and cultures, expanded our minds and our circle of friends.

In the process of seeing the world, we learned about ourselves. About what’s important to us, about gratitude, about community, and belonging, and home. We learned about what it means to be human. That what connects us is stronger than what is different. How similar we all are.

And over these 106 days, we changed. Our transformations may have been life-shifting or barely-perceptible, internal or external (looking at you, Neptune Day!), or still blossoming and yet to be fully revealed. But one thing is certain, none of us are the same person we were on January 5.

Voyage 135, it’s been a joy to learn and grow with you over the past four months. May the journey that lie before you be as awakening as the one from which you just disembarked.

Vibe and thrive, 135
Morgan & Kyler
Your Spring 2025 Comms Team

Vibe and thrive, 135
Morgan & Kyler
Your Spring 2025 Comms Team

💼 Ready for your own adventure?
✔️ Travel to multiple countries while earning 12-15 transferable credits
✔️ Open to Gap Year, Undergraduate, and Post-Graduate Students
✔️ Financial aid, grants, and scholarships available


🌐 Learn more about Semester at Sea:
👉 Financial Aid & Scholarships
👉 Explore Future Voyages
https://www.semesteratsea.org/study-around-the-world/

📱 Stay connected and inspired:
Instagram: @semesteratsea
TikTok: @semesteratsea
Facebook: Semester at Sea
LinkedIn: Semester at Sea - ISE

#SemesterAtSea #Voyage135 #StudyAbroadReflections #GlobalLearning

57 3

🌍 “Look at the pictures from outer space…look back at Earth. Do you see any lines? Are there borders drawn anywhere? No! This is one planet. It’s all one humanity.”

Four time Semester at Sea Voyager, Paul Meyer, shares his journey from Staff Photographer to Lifelong Learner, exploring how the experience provided him with the environment to connect with different communities and perspectives on board the ship and around the world.

Learn more ➡️ https://www.semesteratsea.org/social-evergreen-landing-page-llls/

28 7

Learning has no age limit—just ask the Powell family! 🛳️

With 92-year-old Nikey at the helm, four generations have come together on Semester at Sea, proving that the world is the best classroom at every stage of life.

From intergenerational dinner conversations to hands-on learning in global ports, the Powells show that education is a lifelong adventure.

Whether you're reigniting your curiosity, sharing the journey with loved ones, or building connections across generations, our Lifelong Learning program offers the chance to set sail on your own transformative voyage. Ready to chart your course?

Learn more ➡️ https://www.semesteratsea.org/social-evergreen-landing-page-llls/

12 0

In our latest State of the Institute, President and CEO of the Institute for Shipboard Education, Scott Marshall shares the epic future ahead for Semester at Sea.

Tune in to hear more!

Thank you for your continued support to advancing Semester at Sea's mission to provide journeys of discovery that spark bold solutions to global challenges.

Study Abroad on a floating college and explore multiple countries each fall and spring semester!
*Open to all college/universities and all majors
*Programs for Gap Year, Traditional Undergraduate, and Post-Graduate Students
*You’ll earn 12-15 transferable credits from Colorado State University
*Yes – we have grants and scholarships!

The world is your campus!
https://www.semesteratsea.org/admissi...

Follow up on our social channels:
Instagram: / semesteratsea
TikTok: / semesteratsea
Facebook: / semesteratsea
LinkedIn: / mycompany

#studyabroad #Semesteratsea #sas #dayinthelife #dayinthelifevlog #vlog #semesteratseavlogs #semesteratseaheadshave #semesteratseaneptuneday #studyabroadvlog #studyabroadplan #college #collegevlog #collegelife #gapyear

26 2

And that’s the tea for today, SAS. ☕️

55 1

Did you know? Every voyage, Semester at Sea welcomes interport students and guests to join for a stretch at sea, bringing unique perspectives and connections to the journey. 🛳️ 🌍

Khuong is an Interport Student who joined us on our FA24 voyage to his home country, Vietnam. A junior majoring in International Business at UEH University, Khuong has a passion for creativity, art, and making new friends. When he's not exploring the hidden gems of Ho Chi Minh City with friends or sampling local delicacies, Khuong loves discovering new experiences and creating lasting memories.

Hailing from Tay Ninh City, often called the “holy land of the Southeast,” Khuong brings the cultural richness of Vietnam aboard the ship. From the sacred Ba Den Mountain to the Toa Thanh Pagoda, his home city is a testament to Vietnam’s vibrant heritage—and he’s eager to share it with his shipboard community!

Khuong embodies the spirit of adventure and cultural exchange that makes Semester at Sea unforgettable. 🌏

13 0