Location
Multiple Locations +11
  • US Virgin Islands
  • American Samoa
  • Fiji
  • Bermuda
  • New Zealand
  • Tahiti
  • Dominican Republic
  • Puerto Rico
  • Dominica
  • Grenada
  • United States of America
    • Hawaii
Term
Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Subject Areas
Anthropology Biology Conservation and Preservation Earth Sciences Ecology Engineering Environmental Studies Field Studies Geography History Humanities Indigenous Cultures Latin American Studies Life Sciences Māori Studies Marine Biology Natural Sciences Oceanography Pacific Studies Social Sciences Sustainable Development Wildlife Sciences +12

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma Bachelors
Housing
Boat Dormitory
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
For information about program costs and financial aid, please refer to the SEA website.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Meals
What's Not Included
Airfare Domestic Airfare Airport Transfers Visa
Sep 29, 2023
Jan 21, 2020
37 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Our Boston University accredited study abroad program is the leading off-campus Environmental Studies program focused on the ocean. While the academic focus varies, each program offers an interconnected suite of courses designed to explore a specific ocean-related theme using a cross-disciplinary approach. We look for motivated undergraduates of all majors who are passionate about learning, inspired to tackle and address real-world problem. Each of our unique study abroad programs begins with a shore component in Woods Hole, MA, wherein students begin their training and academic coursework, as well as live and work together to begin to strengthen the bonds of community. The shore component is then followed by a sea component, wherein students set sail together and fully immerse themselves as members of the ship’s crew.

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Based in the oceanographic research community of Woods Hole, Massachusetts.
  • Students are active crew members participating in all science and deck operations at sea aboard one of our two custom designed and build sailing research vessels.
  • No sailing experience necessary.
  • Open to all majors, from all over the world.
  • Transferable academic credit from Boston University.

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 4 reviews
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.5
  • Support 4.75
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 4.5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Default avatar
Derek
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unlike any other Study Abroad

I had always wanted to attend a study abroad, but never really knew when would be a good time to do so. I had spoken to some people about SEA Semester and got really interested. I would not trade the experience for anything. Receiving college credit for standing as lookout on the bow of a ship or counting phytoplankton while undersail is a pretty unique experience. The bonds that were built between students will last a lifetime, as will the memories of the amazing sights encountered while at sea.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
Climbing up to the very top of the mast of the ship, I overcame this by asking myself when else would I get the opportunity to climb to the top of a tallship?
172 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Adam
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

An experience like no else

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What would you improve about this program?
It was all amazing. The only thing I would improve is giving maybe $50 more a week for groceries during the land portion.
182 people found this review helpful.
Read my full story
Default avatar
Kara
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Adventure of a Lifetime

I went to PIPA on S-287 in summer of 2019. This trip has had a serious impact on me, and I am not sure I will ever experience anything like it. If you are at all into the outdoors, the ocean or communal living, sailing with SEA is a great experience. I can’t speak to a social scene, because for six weeks I saw no one but the 40 people living on Kanton in Kiribati and the 35 people on the SSV Robert C. Seaman’s, but the people I met on this boat have become extremely close friends, and the things I’ve seen are unlike anything else. I learned so much about the kind of life I want to lead, and am so thankful to SEA for making this kind of adventure accessible to students. I wouldn’t recommend this to folks who are not okay with being constantly active or uncomfortable, as sailing can get really crazy, and the watches make for an intense schedule.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?
The six weeks on the boat go super quickly. Don’t waste time and appreciate every moment, even the ones that aren’t picturesque.
203 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Rachael
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

SEA Semester: The Best Three Months of My Life

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What would you improve about this program?
I wish it had been longer. I had a fantastic time learning all about sailing, oceanography, nautical science, and marine cultures, but it was all compressed into such a short period
195 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers