Semester at Sea

Program Reviews

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Nicole
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Open your eyes to the world around you

If you're looking for a different abroad experience and want to really open your eyes to the world around you, than this program is for you. You will have the chance to gain a cross cultural lens and experience first hand a large variety of cultures.

What would you improve about this program?
It would be nice to have a longer amount of time in some ports.
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Ali
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Changed My Life

Choosing to go on SAS was one of the best decisions of my life. I have met lifelong friends, learned more things than I did in all my years at schools, and I met the love of my life. What more can you ask for? The vibe on the ship is like camp, but even better. You are surrounded by amazing people and staff who are adventurous, smart, and passionate about the beautiful world we live in. I am thankful every day for going on Semester at Sea!

What would you improve about this program?
This is a really hard question! I would say maybe to be able to stay at ports longer. Oh, and taco day to be more often ;)
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Taylor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester At Sea Changed My Life

Traveling is something that I've always loved to do, visiting many different countries and even living abroad for a year and a half with my family. So imagine my excitement when I realized that I could study abroad with a program that visited 15 different countries on four continents! I saw and experienced people and places that I will never forget, but also built a community unlike any other on the ship itself. The MV Explorer became my home, my safe haven, my sanctuary. Semester At Sea allowed me to open my eyes, and my heart, to the world.

What would you improve about this program?
I would add one more port in Africa and one more port in South America.
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Brittany
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Gained a Global Perspective...forever changed!

Semester at Sea is the single most influential experience of my life. I've never learned so much in one summer. If I could wish something for everyone, it's to sail a voyage with this program!

What would you improve about this program?
More students to participate! When I sailed we were at capacity, recently it's been a hundred or so less.
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Ryan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea is the time of your life. You will become closer with a group of people than you ever could have imagined. The adventure of being in a new place with new friends every single day is the best part. Do it.

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Brianna
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester at Sea - Best 2 Months of My Life!

SAS is the best because you get to travel the world instead of staying in one place! You may not be as immersed in culture but you get to see everything. Lots of rules on the ship, classes are challenging, but it's all worth it because the things you experience off the ship with your shipmates are unforgettable.

What would you improve about this program?
The rules and disciplinary system are obviously necessary for safety and efficiency reasons but there needs to be a better review process and bigger review committee. Punishment was very quick to be handed out.
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Lauren
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

It will change your life

Life changing is the only thing I can say that encompasses my experience traveling the world with Semester at Sea. The program pushes you out of your comfort zone while allowing you to do things, see things, eat things, and experience things that you never thought you would. You becoming uniquely close to the people living with you on the ship, the people who are experiencing the world around you. No one else will ever understand what you experienced. There is no other program where you can stand under the Eiffel Tower, eat a belgian waffle in Belgium, surf in Portugal, sleep under the stars of the Sahara Desert, watch a lion eat a buffalo in the bush of South Africa, see one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and piranha fish in the Amazon all in the span of four months. The academics are more unique than studying in one location because you are able to live the culture you just learned about. If you want to see the world, expand your mind, understand cultures and people, push yourself, and return a different person then this is the perfect program for you.

What would you improve about this program?
Make it longer!
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Andrew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester at Sea is the best choice I ever made!

You spend 4 months on an educational voyage to over ten different countries while taking classes taught by experts in their respective fields. You discover so much about the world, but even more about yourself! This is the absolute best opportunity to discover the world and find yourself in it!

What would you improve about this program?
Well, my suggestion would be to spend more days in each port, but they announced a few months ago that that is something they will be doing now! I guess I would just encourage students to take advantage of the opportunities and maybe some more partnerships from Semester at Sea with national and international NGOs and governmental agencies.
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Kristy
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Experience of Lifetime

Semester at sea is once in a lifetime. I have made lifelong friends, traveled to countries I never imagined going to, and now have memories to last a lifetime. I have gained experiences that very few will have and even everyday ship life was a blast. If I could go back right now I would.

What would you improve about this program?
The food variety is limited and not very good. It is especially hard for those without peanut allergies (which I have).
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Sam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience of My Life!!

Going on semester at sea was the best life decision I have ever made. I was able to connect with people from around the world and make life long friends. All of the professors are more than willing to help and encourage you to not be afraid of trying new things and seeking new experiences. They give you enough freedom to make the voyage your own while giving enough guidance to keep you safe. The ship becomes your home, and everyone becomes your family. This is more than an academic study abroad program but something that you will take with you for the rest of your life. It is like a way to start new and, for me, was a great way to end my undergraduate career and get a jump start on life in the real world.

What would you improve about this program?
Offer more science/environmental/zoological courses and field programs