Semester at Sea Study Abroad Information

Semester at Sea was truly the two most influential semesters of my undergraduate degree. Having sailed the first time as a gap year student, I had no idea what to expect. The hands-on and tangible learning experiences are something that I later found were unmatched on a typical college campus and were one of the things that brought be back for round two. While the itinerary was initially the most attractive part of the program, I can say with certainty the shipboard community is the glue of the program. The connection, friends, and (ship) families that I made during my voyages are something that still sticks with me to this day!

Melissa Moore, Undergraduate Student alum

My journey began back in 2020 when I expressed interested in Semester at Sea. I am very grateful that when I decided to apply my university had just created a partnership with SAS. The global education office advisors (Brooke and Ellen) were so supportive , they helped me get in contact with SAS admissions office. I set my sight on the Spring 2022 voyage and the process was so exciting, Holly who is part of SAS team, was extremely patient with me. I might have called a dozen times a week with questions and she helped lift so much weight off my shoulders. The application didn’t take very long to fill out. Besides filling out personal information, I got to expression my passion for the program and share how it would improve my global knowledge through an essay. Other steps included getting recommendation letters at my university which I am thankful to have gotten from my professors and advisors. My final step was to place a top three cabin preferences. The process was seem very scary but it is much simpler than most might think and the SAS team is there every step of the way to answer questions and address concerns. The kindness I received reassured me that this program was a great fit for me. I am glad I got to be part of the Spring 2022 voyage.

Charlyn Maria Garcia, Undergraduate Student alum

I learned so much about the world, but also myself as I immersed myself into countless cultures. As I navigated each country, I realized things about myself like how I prefer to have at least one meaningful conversation each day or that I enjoy learning as much of a language as I can wherever I am. I think those small steps create real connections with locals and friends around me. Semester at Sea will always have a large piece of my heart and I carry the values I gained on my voyage with me every day.

Vitoria Dante, Undergraduate Student alum

Semester at Sea will give you the best friends of your life. From spending nights playing cards on Deck 9 to watching movies with freinds in your cabin, life at sea will give you amazing memories. It gave me the best friends I have ever had and am so grateful to SAS for giving me this amazing community of people.

Meghan Decker, Undergraduate Student alum

Because of the unique situation we are in while traveling at sea, I was able to connect with my peers on a much deeper level than I ever would have been able to back at my home institution or anywhere else. Being on the ship together in the middle of the ocean, we were able to have deep, meaningful conversations that weren’t able to be interrupted by cell phones or Internet! I became closer to my classmates and friends on the ship than I was to my other friends back at school.

Lydia Miller, Undergraduate Student alum