Program Reviews

I LOVED IT!!! I visited countries I never thought I would be able to visit. We spent about 6 days in each country so it was just enough to see the big landmarks. The ship introduced me to some of my best friends and helped me learn about different cultures. All the classes on the ship were tied into the next country we were going to. The professors were very knowledgeable about what to expect in the next country. Overall, it introduced me to the world and the different cultures. I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Semester at Sea gave me opportunities I never would've dreamed of and friendships that will last a lifetime. This program is unique when it comes to having your entire campus in the middle of the ocean. You live with your professors, classmates, and faculty, which creates a special sense of community you won't get anywhere else. I traveled to over 10 countries across 3 continents over the span of 5 months, all with like-minded and adventurous students. Knowing I'll never experience anything quite like this again is sad, but I am entirely grateful for the experience I had and 100% recommend it to everyone.

I don’t even know where to begin! Semester at Sea was truly a life-changing experience. There’s no other program where you can see so many different places in a single semester. For example, I visited 10 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, experiencing diverse cultures and meeting people from all over the world. Semester at Sea also gives you incredible freedom: while docked, you can join field programs or explore each country independently. Through this journey, I not only learned about the world but also about myself. I became more independent, more confident, and gained a global perspective that has completely changed the way I see the world.

Semester at Sea was the most incredible, life-changing, eye-opening 4 months of my life! I truly enjoyed everything about the program, from the housing, academics, ship life, and in-country experiences. The ship is an incredible place full of people from diverse backgrounds. The ship crew is one of a kind and the most giving, caring crew you could imagine. The food on the ship is decent and after a couple months gets repetitive but there are other options like fancy dinner and the pool bar to change it up when needed. The rooms are small but they are very nice for a cruise ship. The professors and faculty are amazing and the classes are not too terribly difficult since the professors are also there to enjoy the experience and travel with their partners and families. There are activities almost every night, whether they are organized or not, you can always find something to do. In-country travel was another wonderful experience that forced me out of my comfort zone in so many good ways. My voyage started in Bangkok, Thailand, and then we visited Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Spain, and ended in Germany. I had a fantastic time in each country and used multiple SAS field programs to travel in groups but also did independent travel with my friends from SAS. Whichever way you choose to travel SAS provides food ideas, places to visit, things to do, emergency contact numbers and there is always a staff member on call if needed.

I have no bad things to say about this program. My life was truly changed and not a day goes by that I do not think about my experience.

If you want to study under successful, experienced, and interesting professors while traveling the world on a ship with 600 of your new best friends, then this place is for you. This program offers courses across all studies to support your major while introducing you to new topics you might have overlooked or not had access to at your home university. The moving nature of the 'campus' allows you to apply what you learn across many different cultures and customs. I feel this program provides great support while allowing you to become independent as a global citizen and grow as an individual.

Of all the decisions I’ve made, choosing Semester at Sea as my study abroad program was by far the best. I knew I wanted to explore multiple countries rather than stay immersed in just one, and when I discovered SAS in my university’s offerings, I immediately knew it was the perfect fit. Over four unforgettable months, I traveled to 10+ countries across 3 continents, creating lifelong memories along the way.

The shipboard community is truly one-of-a-kind—tight-knit, supportive, and full of energy. I made some of my closest friends while learning about new cultures in the most hands-on way possible. From visiting the Taj Mahal to riding camels in the Sahara Desert, each moment was unforgettable. I couldn’t have asked for a more enriching, exciting, or transformative experience.

I’m forever grateful for Semester at Sea—and I hope you find a journey just as meaningful.

Participating in Semester at Sea was hands down the most transformative experience of my life. Traveling to multiple countries while taking classes aboard a ship gave me a global education that you can’t get from a traditional classroom setting.

You get to visit 10 different countries in the course of a single semester where you get to experience new cultures and meet new people every step of the way.

What makes Semester at Sea even more special is the people you meet along the way. The bonds you make with fellow students and professors are unmatched and something you would never find in a traditional learning environment.

If you’re considering semester at sea, DO IT!! You won’t regret it!

I should start by saying semester at sea is not for everyone - It is for high energy, highly dedicated students who want to dive into the cultural and geographic differences of their subject of study. Class sizes are small and personal, allowing for life long connections with professors and peers. How many times have you discussed nutrient cycling of estuaries over breakfast with your professor. Yet, with almost 600 students and life long learning, there is no shortage of finding your people. The ability to explore and compare multiple cultures in one educational experience is unique and semester at sea takes full advantage of that. You will study your field from the smallest to largest scale and visit real businesses, organizations, and governments to understand how your studies are applied around the world.

Not everyone will have the same experience, but like all things, you get out what you put in. I have never learned, and really retained the content, more in any other semester of college. And now I have peers and worldwide connections to last a lifetime.

If you're thinking about doing Semester at Sea, I encourage you to find anyway possible to make it happen. The part of Semester at Sea that is obviously great is traveling to 10+ countries and exploring the world, but the part that I miss the most is the community and home that I found aboard the ship. From the incredible traditions like Neptune Day, Sea Olympics, and more, to the care and love of every professor and Staculty member, to the lifelong friendships I found with my fellow voyagers, Semester at Sea is far more than a study abroad program -- it's a community that lasts a lifetime, and an experience that will shape your future in unimaginable ways.

My son participated in the Spring 2022 voyage as a GAP year student. Contrary to program description, there is no support for the small subset of younger GAP year students. My son was bullied by an older roommate, and after having paid for an outside cabin was placed in an interior space without windows (again, paid for outside cabin at 100% list price -- no aid, no discount) He was basically told to "suck it up." Although kids are told intoxication, etc. would not be tolerated, it was rampant without recourse (a night in "drunk tank" in medical area). Similar to sex. Confusing since they're told not to "hook-up" during presntations but there are bowls of condoms available throughout the ship. Academically, no extra consideration. Again, GAP year students are simply thrown into the mix of majority junior year college students. Try CIEE - two successful summer programs completed in China and Italy (prior to Semester at Sea).