| When you join a semester at sea program you gain | | | | to get there. Some good places to look are and |
| college credit to travel across the world...and it's all | | | | It would even be a good idea to leave a day or two |
| done on a huge ship! | | | | early to the ship's departure city to meet some of |
| There is no rule stating that a study abroad program | | | | the other semester at sea students. You might meet |
| has to be done by either flying or driving to your | | | | a possible roommate or lifelong friend. |
| destination. A semester at sea program allows | | | | Some other things to keep in mind as you prepare to |
| students to sail across various oceans to view | | | | go: |
| different cultures from a more natural perspective. | | | | Get some sort of student travel insurance to ensure |
| While on the ship you get your basic college | | | | your safety while you are sailing the high seas to |
| academics from teachers that travel with you, but | | | | other countries. You can use sites like or to get |
| you might even get a few lessons on navigating and | | | | travel insurance. |
| sailing from the ship's crew. | | | | Take stock in international calling cards or global cell |
| You also get to stop at various international locations | | | | phones so you can keep in touch with your family. |
| and experience the education and entertainment of | | | | Though you may not get reception in the middle of |
| the host countries. Whether you're going for an | | | | the ocean, you can make calls when you get to your |
| entire semester abroad or just for a summer | | | | host country. |
| semester at sea, your ocean adventure will be one | | | | Bring along your laptop to get international internet |
| that you won't forget! | | | | access and to do any schoolwork. The classrooms on |
| Applying for a Semester at Sea | | | | board the ship should have wireless internet access, |
| There are many great reasons to join a semester at | | | | but if you don't have your own computer there |
| sea program, and because they are so popular you | | | | should be a library or resource center available to you |
| need to apply to your university's program as soon | | | | for internet access. |
| as possible to get your name on the waiting list. | | | | Research the countries you will be traveling to and |
| But there are some basic requirements that all | | | | learn about their form of currency. You should bring |
| students must pass in order to be considered for a | | | | cash if you can to make exchanging money easier, |
| semester at sea program: | | | | but traveler's checks can also be used in foreign |
| You must have at least a 2.75 G.P.A. | | | | countries. |
| You must be enrolled in an accredited college | | | | Find out about the expected weather conditions of |
| university | | | | your various destinations. As you travel from one |
| You must have completed a full semester at your | | | | country to the next the weather can dramatically |
| college/university | | | | change from hot to cold, so pack accordingly with at |
| You must be a junior or senior (some younger | | | | least a few pairs of long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, |
| students may be accepted) | | | | lightweight t-shirts, jeans and shorts. And don't forget |
| You must pay any application fees | | | | to take at least one nice outfit for when you get to |
| You must complete any other requirements as set | | | | go out on the town. Most importantly, if you're going |
| forth by your school | | | | to be in a foreign country, make sure that what you |
| If you pass all of these requirements then you should | | | | wear is not illegal or offensive to its people and |
| be well on your way to an exciting semester at sea | | | | customs in any way. |
| experience! | | | | You never know what to expect when you travel |
| Preparing for Your Trip | | | | across the sea, but if you have these essential items |
| The most important document that you must have | | | | then you can at least be prepared for what lies |
| in order to actually be part of a semester at sea | | | | ahead. |
| program is a passport. Not all countries require | | | | Finding a semester at sea program is easy. You can |
| students to have a passport, but you never want to | | | | either ask the study abroad department located at |
| take a chance with the handful of countries that you | | | | your university, or use sites such as |
| may be visiting. | | | | StudyAbroadDomain.com, SemesteratSea.com, Sea |
| Always apply for your passport as early as possible | | | | and SEA.edu to help you choose the program that's |
| because it may take weeks for it to be processed. | | | | right for you. |
| You can use the site to help guide you through the | | | | Once you find a program and get accepted into it, be |
| application process. | | | | prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime event that will follow |
| If the ship you are taking is not located near you, | | | | you long after you graduate! |
| you may also need to think about arranging a flight | | | | |