Aaaaaaaallllllllll aboard! Like the great explorers of yesteryear, you don’t want to just see the world - you want to sail it. As the old adage goes, “So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Important packing tip: flippy floppies.
What better way to explore the world than on innovative study at sea programs that don’t take you to just one country, but many? Study abroad programs in where the ocean is your home, the sky your map, and the options: limitless.
You heard us correctly—what if you did study abroad at sea? if you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like to sit still for very long, who wants to see more, do more, try more, all with a healthy dose of adventure… then don’t flounder. A semester at sea might be just the kind of study abroad program for you.
What makes study abroad at sea so awesome?
Most study abroad programs involve living in one country for a number of weeks, months, or even a year. You fully immerse yourself in that one culture and learn everything there is to know about it, although you can obviously take occasional weekend trips to other countries and explore the region around you as well.
However, study abroad cruise programs follow less of an immersive educational model, and more of a comparative educational model. You get to study abroad on the ocean! Instead of experiencing just one country, you’ll experience many (anywhere from 2 to 11 countries). With each new country, you’ll have new experiences, new things to learn, new foods to try, and new ways of looking at the world. You will be able to compare one way of living to another, just in a single seaside journey from one place to the next.
Sleep with the fishes without “sleeping with the fishes.”
Many study at sea programs are also adventure-focused. On many programs, students have the chance to sail through the world on a cruise ship, but other programs allow students the chance to actually sail a sail ship around the world and learn the ropes (literally). Your education at sea won’t disappoint.
For those students who feel an endless hunger to see as much of the world as possible and prioritize adventure over all else, then a semester (or year) at sea abroad might be just the right fit for you!
5 exciting college programs at sea
Ever if you’re a secret land lubber, these are still worth a peek! Get a feel for what sort of shamoo-approved semesters at sea are out there and check out a few below.
1. Seamester: Indian Ocean, Singapore to South Africa
You're bound to find one-of-a-kind adventures on the ocean with the Seamester: Indian Ocean, Singapore to South Africa semester program, which offers programs like semester at sea. Spend 90 days sailing through the Indian Ocean, and explore areas like Singapore, Sunda Islands, Borneo, Java, Bali, Christmas Islands, Cocos Keeling, Mauritius, and South Africa. Throw in 12 college credits, International Yachtmaster Training (IYT): International Crew Certificate, PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue and/or Divemaster Certification, and your time on the ocean will come to be one of the most unique — and valuable — experiences of your entire life.
- Eligibility: College students
- Program length: 90 days
- More info: Read Seamest
2. Semester at Sea Fall Voyage
Semester at Sea (SAS) is one of the most prominent program providers to study at sea. SAS combines classroom learning with world exploration aboard the MV Odyssey cruise ship, where students learn from top-notch professors, but then learn about the cultures they’re studying once they dock. Some of the countries students will be visiting on the upcoming Fall 2018 Voyage include Germany, Spain, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Burma, Việt Nam, China and Japan.
Never be bored in your marine bio class again.
3. SEA Semester: Oceans and Climate
Are you passionate about environmental issues and how they relate to international policy and diplomacy? Do you dream of sleeping underneath the stars, gaining practical experience both as an explorer and a scientist? Then the SEA Semester: Oceans and Climate program might be just the right thing for you.
This study at sea program pushes students beyond their comfort zone, requiring them to work as a deckhand and help man a sailboat through the South Pacific. Here, you’ll collect scientific data and conduct baseline research on climate change, which you’ll present at the conclusion of your program. It’s hands-on learning—both on the ship and in your studies!
- Eligibility: College students; science majors
- Program length: 1 semester (fall spring) or summer semester at sea
- More info: Read SEA Semester reviews
4. Seamester: Circumnavigating the Globe
Combine your love of adventure, the ocean, and exploring new cultures with Seamester! Seamester has three sailing vessels that circumnavigate the globe, so you can choose a voyage that most interests you. You’ll spend up to three months sailing across one of the world’s seven oceans while gaining your sea legs as you explore different cultures and countries, including the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Africa, South America, Australia, Indonesia and all of the tiny islands along the way.
Oh, and you’ll also earn 12 college credits, as well as receive International Yachtmaster Training (IYT): International Crew Certificate, your PADI Open Water, Advanced Open Water, and Rescue and/or Divemaster Certification. Not bad for one semester abroad, eh?
5. Evolve Abroad: Marine Specialist Work & Study Summer Programs
What do we love most about this program? It's hard to say, but the fact that the included professional experience will make your resume sparkle is up there (perhaps as bright as the rainbow fish from that childhood story?). Check off your work abroad AND study abroad bucket list items on this intensive short-term combo program. All aboard for your best summer break yet.
- Eligibility: Students, ages 18+
- Program length: 1 month
- More info
On the boat or off, the water calls you—you know, like Moana.
5 high school study abroad programs at sea
High school on a ship? Yes please. If you’re a high school student who just can’t wait until they’re in college to get started on their lifetime of adventure and learning, good news! There are programs out there for you as well. We know you’ve always dreamed of going to high school on a cruise ship, so check out these programs below!
1. ActionQuest BVI Summer Adventures for Teens
ActionQuest is an arm of Seamester, specializing in programming for teens — and they know how to cater to a younger group of students! Their program BVI Summer Adventures for Teens takes small groups of similarly aged teenagers around the British Virgin Islands to gain experience, earn certifications, and develop leadership skills. Students will also get the chance to learn sailing and scuba diving; this program will be especially valuable to students with a special interest in marine biology, water sports, or navigation. It's the perfect way to spend your summer before college!
2. Outward Bound: Surf, Scuba, Raft, & Hike in Costa Rica & Panama
For middle schoolers and high schoolers between the ages of 14 and 18, you qualify to participate in Outward Bound’s Surf, Scuba, Raft, & Hike in Costa Rica & Panama program. This incredible 2-8 week summer adventure teaches students to kayak, scuba dive, and surf, among many other things. Throughout the trip, you’ll explore the coastlines of Costa Rica and Panama, where you’ll not only learn outdoor survival skills and leadership qualities, you’ll also have a chance to participate in service programs with local conservation or social services groups.
3. SEA Expedition
Join SEA Semester on its high school at sea SEA Expedition, which focuses on field research, sail training and an innovative approach to academics while on the ocean! Studying abroad as a high schooler is amazing enough—but high school at sea? Opportunities with these programs allow students to jump into a world of discovery high school semester at sea. It allows for personal growth and adventure at a young age, setting you up for a future of exploration.
- Eligibility: High school sophomores, juniors and seniors
- Program length: Approximately 2 weeks, summer only
- More info: Read SEA Semester reviews
4. Class Afloat
Canadian-based but open to international students, Class Afloat has been in the business of providing a cruise ship for high school since the 1980s. Since then, nearly 2000 Class Afloat students have sailed more than 700,000 nautical miles to over 250 ports of call around the world. In this program, classroom learning is enriched through port and shipboard programs and activities aimed at engaging, hands-on education at sea for every participant. This study abroad cruise just won’t quit!
- Eligibility: High school juniors and seniors, gap year students, university students
- Program length: One semester (four months) or full academic year (8.5 months)
- More info: ClassAfloat.com
5. A+ World Academy
Do you want to go to high school on a cruise ship with classmates from all over the world? Do you desire a learning environment and friendships where English isn’t everyone’s first language? Do you want to work on high school credits and courses but also balance your learning with maritime responsibilities? Check out this program—docking in Norway—and get the most thrilling chapter of your captain’s log started now.
Pack your sunglasses—You’re ready for your study abroad cruise
This could be you. Think about it.
Studying abroad on programs like Semester at Sea is a daring adventure. You’re not only pushing yourself outside of your boundaries as a student, learning from new cultures, you’re also adapting to a new way of living that is completely at the whim of nature. You’ll learn new skills, make new friends, and explore the world in a way that many others never get the chance to experience.
So what are you waiting for? Jump aboard this study abroad cruise already!
Compare ALL Programs to Study at Sea NOW
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