Imagine circumnavigating the globe aboard a floating campus, taking classes in the morning and exploring a new country by afternoon. This is the reality of Semester at Sea, the only study abroad program of its kind in the world. Instead of being confined to one location, Semester at Sea students live and learn on a ship that travels to multiple continents in a single semester. It’s an academically rigorous multi-country study abroad experience wrapped in a grand adventure – one that past participants often describe as “the best four months of my life” and truly life-changing. With over 69,000 alumni since its founding in 1963, Semester at Sea (SAS) has a storied history of transforming students into global citizens. If you’re a U.S. university student seeking an unforgettable journey – sailing across oceans, visiting up to 10–15 countries in one semester – read on to discover why Semester at Sea might be the ultimate study abroad experience for you.
Life Aboard the MV World Odyssey – Your Floating Campus
Semester at Sea — Image from Samantha Nordstrom’s travel diary.
Life on Semester at Sea centers around the MV World Odyssey, a 7-deck, 590-foot ship that serves as both home and campus for about 500–600 students each voyage. As soon as you step on board, you join a tight-knit community of students, faculty, staff, and even “lifelong learners” (adult passengers who sail alongside students). You’ll settle into cozy shipboard cabins (usually shared doubles or triples with en-suite bathrooms), and wake up each day to ever-changing ocean views outside your window. “From the moment I stepped aboard the ship, I was greeted with kindness from the crew, faculty, lifelong learners, and students,” one student noted, emphasizing the welcoming vibe on board (The best experience ever!!! | A review for Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus). The ship’s design fosters this sense of community – everyone eats, studies, and hangs out in the same spaces, so it’s easy to make friends and form lasting bonds during the voyage.
Despite being a ship, the MV World Odyssey has all the amenities of a small campus. Classrooms, a library, and study areas are spread throughout the decks, alongside comfortable lounges to relax or work on group projects. There are two main dining halls serving buffet-style meals three times a day (included in your program fees, even during port stops) (Life on the Semester at Sea Ship). Menus offer options for all diets (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc.), and many students are surprised by the quality and variety of the food on board – one reviewer even called the dining hall food “exceptional” (Amazing experience on-ship and in 10 countries! | A review for Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus). For recreation, the ship features a fitness center, spa, and an outdoor pool on the upper deck. You might start your morning with a jog on the treadmill or yoga on the sun deck, and later unwind with a swim as the sun sets over the ocean. Between classes and ports, students also organize plenty of clubs and activities: intramural sports tournaments, open-mic nights, musical ensembles, dance performances, language practice groups, and more happen regularly on the ship. There’s even a tradition of sea Olympics and crew talent shows, adding to the fun. In short, the MV World Odyssey truly is a fully equipped floating campus – “the ship is equipped with classrooms, dining halls, a fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, and library – truly a floating campus!” (CSU & Semester at Sea – International Programs).
Another beloved aspect of shipboard life is the close community it builds. Sailing together for ~100 days, students and professors get to know each other beyond the classroom. You’ll dine with faculty and staff (including the ship’s captain) at “community dinners,” attend seminars or TED-talk-style evening talks, and participate in cultural events for each country you’re about to visit. Many students form a “ship family” – friend groups or mentorship groups that offer support during the voyage. The multicultural, multi-generational community on board means you might discuss global issues with not only American peers but also international students, professors from around the world, and older lifelong learners with rich life experiences. “The concept of the shipboard community has been one of my favorite parts of this program,” said one SAS alum on Abroad101. By the end of the semester, the ship truly feels like home, and the people you’ve sailed with feel like family.
Semester at Sea program photo on Abroad101.
Academics at Sea: Courses, Credits & Global Studies
Semester at Sea isn’t just travel – it’s a fully accredited academic semester. In fact, Colorado State University (CSU) is the program’s academic partner, which means all coursework is accredited through CSU and credits earned on the ship transfer to your home university (Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus). You’ll enroll as a full-time student (typically 12 credits), choosing four courses from a wide array of offerings across disciplines. One of these four classes is the required core course, Global Studies (IE 200), which every student takes each voyage (Spring 2026: Courses | Semester at Sea). Global Studies is a unique interdisciplinary course that serves as the connective thread of the voyage – teaching you about each region and country on the itinerary (history, politics, economics, culture) and examining global issues that tie them together. In many ways, this course ties your travel experiences directly into an academic context, ensuring you have background knowledge before you arrive in each new port.
Beyond the core class, students can choose 3 additional courses to fit their interests or major requirements. One of Semester at Sea’s strengths is the breadth of classes offered – typically around 70 courses are available each semester, spanning fields like business, economics, engineering, literature, communication, environmental science, anthropology, art, psychology, and more (CSU & Semester at Sea – International Programs). Courses are taught in English by a hand-picked faculty who sail with the students for the whole voyage. Class sizes are often small, allowing for personal interaction and mentorship. “The courses offered on the ship were very diverse and had classes for many majors. The professors on board were very well-educated in their field and had many years of experience,” notes one student reviewer (Amazing experience on-ship and in 10 countries! | A review for Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus). In addition to regular faculty, the ship occasionally hosts guest lecturers and global experts who come aboard to give talks relevant to upcoming destinations – past voyages have featured talks by Nobel Laureate Desmond Tutu, global CEOs, ambassadors, and local leaders in port cities (Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus).
Semester at Sea program photo on Abroad101.
Academically, a voyage is structured similarly to a normal semester, but with its own rhythm. “A” days and “B” days alternate while at sea – meaning if you have a class on Day A, it meets every A-day during the voyage. Classes proceed when the ship is sailing (even on weekends), and there are no classes during port stop days so you can fully engage in field work and exploration (Life on the Semester at Sea Ship). Professors understand the unique nature of this program and often incorporate the travel experiences into coursework. “Each professor was passionate about what they taught, and their energy fueled my motivation to learn more,” recalls one student (The best experience ever!!! | A review for Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus). Expect dynamic lessons and discussions that draw connections between textbook theory and the real-world contexts you’ll soon encounter on shore.
A hallmark of Semester at Sea academics is the emphasis on experiential learning. Every course (except Global Studies) includes a required Field Class – essentially a day-long field trip in one of the ports that is led by your professor and directly related to the course material (Spring 2026: Courses | Semester at Sea). For example, if you’re taking an international finance class, your field class might be a visit to a microfinance NGO in India; if you’re in an art history class, you might tour museums or architectural sites with your professor in Spain. These field classes count as a class day and are often one of the most memorable learning experiences, as you apply concepts from the ship’s classroom in a real-world setting. “I enjoyed the class labs in-country and being able to participate in many group projects,” said one marketing major about the academic experience (The best decision I made in college! | A review for Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus). In addition to the field class, every port offers optional Field Programs – additional faculty-led excursions and service projects (for an extra fee) – which range from city tours and cultural workshops to multi-day inland trips (for instance, a safari in Africa or hiking Machu Picchu on past voyages). You can sign up for these organized programs or travel independently with friends during port stays – it’s your choice how to structure your in-country time (Spring 2026: Courses | Semester at Sea). Many students do a mix of both: they join some Semester at Sea excursions and also venture out on their own to meet locals, try new foods, and explore. This blend of classroom learning and hands-on field experience is what makes Semester at Sea academically distinctive. As one alum summarized, “Instead of focusing on learning from one country, I got to understand the comparison of the countries we visited,” gaining a truly global perspective in her studies!
Semester at Sea program photo on Abroad101.
Around the World: Ports of Call & Cultural Immersion
Waking up and peeking out your cabin window to see a brand-new country on the horizon quickly becomes a routine thrill on Semester at Sea. Each voyage’s itinerary is different, but in a typical fall or spring semester you will visit around 10 to 12 different countries across 3+ continents. For example, the Spring 2025 voyage starts in Asia and ends in Europe, with stops in countries such as Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, and Spain (Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus). The Fall 2025 voyage reverses direction, sailing from Europe to Asia via Africa and visiting ports in France, Spain, Morocco, Ghana, South Africa, Mauritius, India, Vietnam, and more. Over the past decades, Semester at Sea has brought students to over 60 countries worldwide – from big global cities like Tokyo, Cape Town, and Lisbon to smaller destinations off the typical tourist trail. The exact ports change each year (and occasionally voyages focus on one region), but the program’s flagship journey is an around-the-world semester that literally circumnavigates the globe.
In each port of call, you’ll typically spend 4-6 days on land (Life on the Semester at Sea Ship). The ship becomes your moving “dorm,” and while docked you can come and go as you please (with specified check-in times each day for safety). How you spend your time in each country is largely up to you – aside from any required class field trips, you have the freedom to explore. Many students choose to travel in small groups, visiting major sights or venturing to nearby cities; others participate in Semester at Sea’s organized field programs for a deeper look at the culture. These in-port days are packed with opportunities for cultural immersion. You might find yourself sampling street food in Hanoi one week, then volunteering at a community project in a South African township the next. “I learned about local culture, cuisine, history… with 500+ people!” one student exclaimed, emphasizing how much cultural knowledge she absorbed by being constantly on the move (The best decision I made in college! | A review for Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus). Whether it’s bargaining in bustling markets, visiting historic temples and monuments, or attending traditional music and dance performances, Semester at Sea voyagers actively engage with each destination in a way that goes far beyond typical tourism. “Visiting 10 countries over the span of 3 months is an amazing opportunity,” wrote one Spring voyage student. “Personally, I visited Thailand, Malaysia, India, Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Portugal, and Germany!” (Amazing experience on-ship and in 10 countries! | A review for Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus) Her list highlights the geographic diversity you can experience in one semester.
Semester at Sea program photo on Abroad101.
A key philosophy of Semester at Sea is that travel itself is a teacher. As you encounter many different cultures in a short period, you inevitably broaden your perspective and adaptability. Students often mention that by the end of the voyage they feel far more confident navigating unfamiliar environments. “My eyes were opened to a world of unique cultures. I learned how to communicate despite language barriers, to try new cuisine, to navigate unfamiliar environments, and so much more!” (The best experience ever!!! | A review for Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus) wrote Alexandra, who sailed in Fall 2024. The program facilitates learning in each port through pre-port briefings (on-ship sessions that prepare you with essential info about the next country’s customs, safety, and cultural norms) and by connecting you with local experts and guides during field programs.
In many ports, SAS arranges impactful service opportunities, such as volunteering at schools, assisting NGOs, or doing homestays with local families, so that students can give back and form meaningful connections. For instance, voyagers have helped with Habitat for Humanity builds in Vietnam, learned from rural villagers in Ghana, and practiced language skills with university students in Morocco, among many examples. These experiences allow you to learn through observation and interaction, not just from textbooks. One student reflected, “I learned about my own privilege and drastic inequalities around the world. It was worthwhile as an introduction to these issues…” (Semester at Sea Study Abroad: Make the World Your Campus) – highlighting how encountering different social realities in each country can be eye-opening. Each port also offers a chance to apply something from your classes: economics students compare marketplaces in India and Morocco; environmental science students might examine sustainability efforts in Kenya vs. Japan. By the end of the semester, you won’t just have visited a string of countries – you’ll have a tapestry of global experiences that connect to give you a comparative understanding of our world. As SAS alum Cindy L. put it, “Instead of just learning about one place, I got to compare many countries side by side,” gaining insight into how cultures influence one another.
Of course, traveling to so many destinations in such a short time is not without its challenges – it’s fast-paced and can be physically and mentally tiring. But that too becomes part of the growth. You need to quickly adapt to new currencies, languages, and customs; develop resilience and problem-solving skills when plans don’t go perfectly. You also need to master the art of being a traveler, not just a tourist. “I learned to be more independent… I learned how to be a traveler and not a tourist,” one student wrote, noting how Semester at Sea taught her to engage more deeply and respectfully with each culture. SAS voyagers often return home with a newfound appreciation for diversity and a desire to continue exploring (many alumni go on to work or study abroad again). Perhaps the greatest lesson you’ll gain is a sense of connection to the broader world. After witnessing sunsets in the Indian Ocean, hiking on African plains, and walking through centuries-old European streets – all while sharing these moments with a community of fellow student travelers – you come to realize both how vast and how small the world can be. “I wish other people could see the world as I do now… I wish studying abroad was required,” mused one graduate of the program. The voyage truly expands your global mindset in ways no classroom-bound semester ever could.
Semester at Sea program photo on Abroad101.
A Transformational Journey: Student Testimonials
One need only read the enthusiastic accounts of Semester at Sea alumni to feel the impact of this program. Students consistently rave about their growth in personal, academic, and global awareness. Here are a few snapshots of what recent voyagers have to say about Semester at Sea:
- “Having the opportunity to travel to 15+ countries, make new friends, network with individuals from all across the world, and immerse yourself in culture is like no other. This voyage was truly a dream and holds memories I will forever cherish.” – Alexis S., Saint Leo University
- “It was so worth every penny. I learned more about who I am, what I want to do with my life, and who is important to me.” – Darian P., Washington State University
- “I learned to be more independent, I learned how to be a traveler and not a tourist, … I learned to get out of my comfort zone… and I learned that the world is truly a great place.” – Abigail S., Texas A&M University
These are just a few voices among thousands of alumni. Many reviews on StudyAbroad101 give Semester at Sea a near-perfect rating, citing the program’s unique blend of adventure and education. Students talk about gaining confidence, adaptability, and a deeper understanding of global issues. They return home with lifelong friendships (and often a few more stamps in the passport than they started with!). As one reviewer succinctly put it: “Semester at Sea was the best decision I made in college!”. The consensus is clear – this program can be transformative for those who embrace all it has to offer.
Preparing for Your Voyage: Scholarships and Next Steps
Such a once-in-a-lifetime journey does require planning – both academically and financially. Semester at Sea tuition covers your shipboard accommodation, meals, and academic program, but you’ll need to budget for additional expenses like airfare to/from the ship, visas, and personal travel spending in port. The good news is that funding support is abundant. Semester at Sea itself offers over $4 million in scholarships and financial aid each year to help students offset costs. Dozens of SAS scholarships exist, ranging from need-based grants and diversity scholarships to merit awards and scholarships for specific home universities. Many voyagers also use federal financial aid or apply external study abroad scholarships (such as the Gilman Scholarship or Fund for Education Abroad awards) to fund their semester. One student advised future participants, “Save every penny! You are not going to want to have to turn down doing something in port because you do not have enough money.” – a reminder to budget for those bucket-list adventures. With smart planning, students from a wide range of financial backgrounds make Semester at Sea a reality. Be sure to explore SAS’s scholarship offerings and talk with your study abroad office about transferring your aid; a life-changing voyage might be more attainable than you think.
Semester at Sea program photo on Abroad101.
Academically, you’ll want to work with your advisors to ensure the courses you take on the ship fit your degree plan. Since the credits come from Colorado State University (a fully accredited U.S. institution), most home universities readily accept them – but it’s wise to get any specialty courses pre-approved. You’ll also need to meet eligibility requirements (generally a 2.5 GPA or higher and at least sophomore standing; gap year students are also welcome for a gap semester experience). Health and safety preparations are taken seriously: the ship has an onboard doctor and nurse, and extensive protocols are in place to keep voyagers safe. Do attend the pre-voyage orientation provided by SAS and come prepared with required visas and vaccinations for the itinerary.
Finally, if you’re ready to embark on this journey, the first step is to learn more and apply. A great place to start is the official Semester at Sea program page on StudyAbroad101. There, you can read detailed program info and dozens of student reviews to get more personal insights (and tips) from those who have sailed before you. Many reviewers are candid about challenges and offer advice – a valuable resource as you consider if this program is right for you. When you’re ready, you can reach out to Semester at Sea admissions or your campus study abroad office to discuss the application (which typically involves an online form and essays). Voyages often fill up, so it’s wise to plan at least 6–12 months in advance.
In conclusion, Semester at Sea offers something truly unique: the chance to study abroad on a ship and make the whole world your campus. It combines the academic depth of a university semester with the thrill of constant exploration. Whether you’re watching flying fish leap beside the ship during a lecture, or discussing global development theories while actually sailing between developing nations, the learning is immersive and unmatched. For adventurous students who crave both educational excellence and world travel, Semester at Sea might just be the perfect program. As you stand on the deck of the MV World Odyssey gazing at a new horizon, you’ll understand why so many alumni call it “the journey of a lifetime.” Prepare to expand your comfort zone, embrace new cultures, and return with stories (and friends) from around the globe. Your voyage awaits – dive in and let Semester at Sea show you the world!
Explore the program, read more reviews, and start your application here: Semester at Sea Study Abroad Program Listing. Bon voyage!
