Semester at Sea: Study Around the World

Semester at Sea is hands down the best way to see as much of the world as possible during a study abroad experience. The variety of cultures, both on the ship and in the various ports, is unmatched. I considered Semester at Sea the best decision I have ever made, and it has transformed me into a global citizen.

I was a senior in college when I did this program (which went to Europe and North Africa). It was great that I got to meet people that were Juniors and Seniors, but social wise people were more into being of drinking age, going out, and getting completly wasted in port. The professors were great, some of the staff were nice and some really unhelpful- however, the staff changes every voyage so don't let that keep you from going! If you go out and explore, do a mix of SAS programs and not. For the countries I didn't feel as comfortable in I did a city tour the first morning or day to get my berrings with a group, THEN went out with friends. There were good, bad, and downright ugly times but overall I'd definitely go again. Best part? Over a year later and I still talk to my ship friends everyday. Once in a lifetime experience.

Semester at Sea is, as they all say, a truly life changing experience for all of the right reasons. Looking back, I have no regrets except for sleeping because if I didn't absolutely NEED sleep SAS would've been my reason not to. There is not one moment where there isn't someone interesting and exciting to talk to, something fascinating and eye opening to see, and even a dull moment. I would live on that ship if I could and be totally and completely happy with my life.

There is so much to be said about Semester at Sea. First off you live, travel and study on an incredible ship (don't make the mistake of calling it a boat). And this ship becomes home and everyone on board becomes extended family. Teachers and their families become life long friends and life long learners become mentors and travel companions. The back deck is a study room, a ping pong palace, a pool side resort and frequent reading nook all wrapped in one. There is something to be said about studying outside and looking up to see the never ending blue of the ocean. You will have to train yourself to walk, work out and play basketball on swaying grounds but after a while you learn to love the movement as it rocks you to sleep at night. And don't under estimate Taco Night, PB&J Sandwiches and the Chocolate Chip cookies, all of these things will develop a new meaning in your life.

Traveling with SAS is really great because you are provided the freedom to pack a bag and take off on your own/with some friends or you can sign up for the awesome trips that SAS has already planned out. As long as you make it back to the boat before it leaves the port you have complete freedom to make each stop your own personal adventure.

Traveling with Semester At Sea was one of the best decisions I ever made and I would do it again in a heart beat. Who knows maybe I'll wait and go as a life long learner in the future. If you are looking for a unique and rewarding experience definitely sign up for Semester at Sea.

It was the best summer I have ever had. I would do it again if I could. I highly recommend it. It was amazing. I met so many people that I am still good friends with today. It was so fun. I got to experience so many things that I otherwise wouldn't have.

Semester at Sea has changed my life by making me comfortable with the uncomfortable. At first, the idea of spending an entire summer with complete strangers is nerve wrecking, but by the end of the voyage, the SAS community became a lifelong support system in itself. There is no one way to explain what SAS is and no one will understand what you experienced. For me, the best thing that SAS offered was opening my eyes to my future career. While visiting a small village in Bulgaria, I realized that I wanted to be an occupational therapist. When asked why OT? I immediately am brought back to that one day in Bulgaria, a day that would not have happened without SAS. At the same time, its very assuring to know you have met life long friends who you may not see everyday or talk to everyday but you know you can count on them. You immediately have a unbreakable bond because they understand what you've experienced. Semester at Sea also changes you as a person. What you think you believed in, your values and opinions change or develop even more so when experiencing different cultures. You become more appreciative and caring and more globally driven.

I was so lucky to have had the chance to experience a study abroad! As a nursing student, it's difficult to take a whole semester away from studying, but Semester At Sea offered a short term abroad program over the winter break to travel to 8 countries over 23 days. I absolutely loved the ship life and the voyage of meeting new people, learning new things, and seeing many different cultures. Unfortunately, the program is discontinued now but I'd recommend the full semester to anyone who has the strong desire to travel and experience the world and has the head and stomach for a rocking ship every now and then. The support of the ship was a family and the experience to study while away at sea was breathtaking and serene. The professors were incredible speakers and the students were invested in learning and exploring. I dream of returning one day soon!

Semester at Sea was by far the most amazing experience I have had in college. I studied on a cruise ship with 600 other college students, and every few days we arrived in a new country, where we explored!