Overview

Want to learn more about international NGOs and do something meaningful and unique while in port — for free? Interested in what Semester at Sea is doing to give back to the places and people we visit? Interested in exploring the concept of sustainable and responsible tourism and delving into the complexities of international development? Apply to join the Chapman Impact Cohort!

The Chapman Impact Cohort (approx. ~15–25 students) will travel together on one custom multi-day, overnight Field Class (4-days + 4-nights) to visit and support partner NGOs (which are being funded in part by Semester at Sea). The Cohort will work together during at-sea days to learn about relevant concepts, prepare for each visit, and reflect and process after the Field Class. The Cohort will be led by a Semester at Sea faculty member and in Fall 2023 transcripts will appear as INST 200 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Globalization (3 credits).

This exclusive multi-night Field Class experience is available only to the students selected for the Fall 2023 Chapman Impact Cohort. The top applicants will also receive an additional $3,500 tuition reduction.

Expectations & Commitments

• All members of the Cohort are required to participate in the one multi-day required impact Field Class. This means no other travel can be planned for these days.
• The Impact Cohort will have regular meetings (16 one-hour sessions during the regularly-scheduled class hours) during at-sea days and will have associated projects, readings, and homework (commensurate to a 3-credit course). All members of the Cohort are expected to attend and be active and engaged participants throughout the on-ship meetings and the one Field Class.
• All awardees will be required to sign a contract that outlines specific expectations and criteria. After the contract has been signed, failure to fulfill the expectations as outlined, or withdrawing from the cohort altogether, will result in a penalty being charged (this is because per person nonrefundable costs are paid well in advance). 
• Dropping this course during the drop/add period is not possible.

Eligibility

This merit-based scholarship is open to all students. Demonstration of financial need is optional but will be taken into consideration in the selection of finalists. Applications will be evaluated on demonstrated leadership potential, self and global awareness, a passion for change, and academic involvement.

Important note: Some courses could have a required Field Class that conflicts with the scheduled Impact Field Class dates. Therefore, students who register in a course with a Field Class during the same time will not be able to participate in the Impact Cohort.

Background

Our vision is to harness the power and potential of travel for the collective good. Through the generous financial support of the Chapman Family Foundation, Semester at Sea is excited to launch the Impact Project to help further this vision. At its core, this project is about:

• Making a positive impact on the port countries we visit through long-term, mutually-beneficial partnerships with and investments in local organizations.
• Making a positive impact on you, our student voyagers, by providing unique and meaningful opportunities for you to deeply engage with people and places throughout the voyage.