Lifelong Learning on Semester at Sea

Traveling as a Semester at Sea Lifelong Learner provides adult learners 30 years of age or older with an opportunity to join the SAS academic community. Lifelong Learners add a valuable generational element to the Semester at Sea shipboard community.

Semester at Sea Lifelong Learning Program

Lifelong Learners are retirees, professionals on leave, or simply adventurous travelers who desire to study with bright, enthusiastic undergraduate students from around the world. Semester at Sea is a travel experience designed for curious learners who want to push beyond the tourist paradigm and experience the heart of cultures around the world.

  • Explore for a full 100+ days or getaway for a Spotlight Voyage for 20-30 days
  • Engage in academic opportunities at sea and explore at your leisure once in country
  • Sail as a solo travel, with a partner or friend, or with your family
  • Travel in style on the luxurious MV World Odyssey

Inquire below to learn more about the Lifelong Learning program.

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Need a fall adventure?

There is still time to set sail as a Fall 2024 Lifelong Learner.

Or rather a floating college. The MV World Odyssey will be your home away from home throughout your journey.

  • Sail for a full voyage for 105 days and explore 10 countries. Time is running out to sail for the full voyage!
  • Join us for a Spotlight Voyage and explore 3-4 countries. Contact us using the form above to learn more.
Fall 2024

Fall 2024

September 09 — December 22

Ghana Hong Kong India Mauritius Morocco Netherlands Portugal South Africa Thailand Vietnam

What Is It Like to Sail as a Lifelong Learner Family?

Sail as a Family

Did you know that you can sail with your children, ages 5-17, as Lifelong Learners? Families can select large suites that accommodate parents and up to two children, or select separate cabins for parents and children. Lifelong Learner children and grandchildren participate together with the children of faculty and staff in the onboard Dependent Children’s Program, a unique learning cooperative. Children of all ages will gain insight into college curriculum and learn from the inter-generational shipboard community. Pricing is based on age and cabin requests.

  • Need & Merit Grants
  • Chapman Impact Program
  • Student Assistant Grants
  • Inclusive Engagement Scholarship
  • Alumni Provided Grants
  • Global Journalism Fellowship

Traveling as a Spotlight Voyager on Semester at Sea is a wonderful way to get a taste of the Semester at Sea experience without committing to the full 100-day voyage. Lifelong Learners meet daily for voyage-specific educational seminars, share meals and cocktail conversations, join clubs, exercise groups and are able to attend classes with students as space permits. There is never a lack of thought-provoking activity to engage you during your Spotlight no matter whether it is 10 days, two weeks, or longer. You will swiftly be swept up by all of the educational and cross-cultural opportunities that will cross your path and provide endless fodder for future study and exploration.

Our four Semester at Sea voyages as Lifelong Learners have been life-changing events for our whole family. Being part of an incredible living-learning community for 100 days all over the world has provided us with priceless quality time as a family and instilled our two boys with a love of and comfort with international travel. We can wholeheartedly recommend Semester at Sea for young and old.

I’m just thankful that I’ve lived long enough to, climb to the top of the Leaning Tower of Pisa—marvel at the Taj Mahal in India—climb the Great Wall of China—almost slide down the inside of the Great Pyramid in Egypt—watch the penguins in Antarctic and swing on a vine in the Amazon with a group of Semester at Sea students…I will travel and marvel at beautiful places and people around the world, look for new friends, send cards to my family and five great grandchildren, hoping it will instill in them the desire to meet and mingle with the rest of the world.

My journey on the Fall 2019 Semester at Sea voyage was a once in a lifetime experience. As a Lifelong Learner, I had the opportunity to participate in and enjoy all the activities on and off the ship. I especially value the friendships I built with many students on the ship, and I fully expect that we will continue our bonds into the future.

Our journey with the wonderful people of SAS on the fateful Spring 2020 Voyage – even with all the pandemic concerns, and the itinerary and port changes – was still enormously stimulating, enjoyable, and eye-opening! We made lifelong friends, lifelong memories, and gained all sorts of insights and knowledge from the people and places we visited, and from the world-class faculty, staff, students, and our fellow Lifelong Learners!

Semester at Sea is indeed a voyage of a lifetime. The passion and professionalism of the staff, the faculty, and the crew are undeniable. I will always remember the places we visited, but more importantly, the people I met, especially the students whose unbridled enthusiasm and energy were contagious.