The study abroad experience of a lifetime
Traveling during your time in college isn't easy, even when you're trying every travel hack in the book. This is why plenty of students turn to a study abroad program during their time in college. It provides them the opportunity to see the world without costing a fortune. But what if you could really maximize your study abroad experience?
Semester at Sea provides students the opportunity to visit plenty of countries, all while continuing their undergraduate education. If you're interested in applying to the program, you've come to the right place. Here's everything you need to know about the program (and why you should probably do it).
What is Semester at Sea?
Semester at Sea is a part of the nonprofit Institute for Shipboard Education, which allows students to experience a multi-country study abroad program. Students travel, live, and take classes while aboard a ship during the program. The voyages are usually for around 100 days, during which students visit a minimum of 10 different countries.
For the Fall 2026 itinerary, students will get to visit the following countries during their time abroad:
The Netherlands
Portugal
Morocco
Brazil
St. Helena
South Africa
Mauritius
Sri Lanka
Vietnam
Hong Kong
Thailand
How to apply for Semester at Sea
If you're interested in applying for Semester at Sea, be sure to head to their website.
Applications are open to any undergraduate students from any college with any major.
The eligibility requirements are:
Have a preferred cumulative GPA of 2.5 (if below 2.5, additional supporting materials may be requested)
Be in good academic standing and not on disciplinary probation at the time of embarkation
Have completed a minimum of 12 college credit hours
Be at least 18 years old at the time of embarkation
How is Semester at Sea different from studying abroad?
While Semester at Sea is technically considered a study abroad program, there are some key differences between it and a traditional semester abroad.
Depth Over Breadth
If you're looking for a fully immersive cultural experience, Semester at Sea might not be your best choice. You'll be visiting a lot of different places over a short period of time. If you'd rather see a little bit of tons of different places, Semester at Sea is the perfect option.
Global Classmates
With some study abroad programs, American students are kept together. This is not the case with Semester at Sea. Universities around the world participate in the program, meaning students are exposed to a wide variety of cultures.
Prominent Lecturers
During your time on board, in addition to your regular classes, you may also have the chance to hear from a variety of lecturers. The program has previously hosted Arthur C. Clarke, Indira Gandhi, Mikhail Gorbachev, Nelson Mandela, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu — who sailed as Distinguished Lecturer in Residence on the Spring 2007 voyage and returned again in 2010 as Senior Statesman in Residence.
Where can you visit while doing Semester at Sea?
The program generally provides students the opportunity to visit at least 10 different countries while participating in Semester at Sea. Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 are each visiting 11 countries.
Academic Field Classes are also available to participate in. These are day-long experiences that take place in one of the countries visited during the voyage. Field Programs, however, can be from one day up to the full port stay. Both of these options allow students to have experiences that are uniquely local (and generally unavailable to regular tourists).
How much does Semester at Sea cost?
Traveling on a budget isn't easy, even when you're studying abroad. Similar to studying abroad at a university that doesn't partner with your home institution, Semester at Sea programs tend to be more expensive than a normal semester at college. The cost changes depending on the year and program, but there are also financial aid options available.
Average cost
Once accepted into the Semester at Sea program, students are required to put a $1,000 deposit down to secure their spot on the ship. For the Fall 2026 semester, Semester at Sea is charging between $34,900 to $39,900. The cost varies depending on whether the student chooses the standard or premium cabin option. Fees are subject to change by voyage — check the cost calculator on the SAS website for the most up-to-date estimate.
The total cost of the program includes tuition, housing, meals, amenities, academic field costs, a starter internet package, travel health insurance, student services, and the projected fuel fee.
However, there are additional fees. Flights to and from the docking ports, travel visas, textbooks, laundry, vaccines, personal travel, and any additional spending money are not included.
Financial aid
If you're interested in Semester at Sea but are worried about the cost of attendance, there are financial aid options available. On average, 60% of voyagers receive some form of financial aid each voyage, including merit- and need-based scholarships and grants. Pell Grant recipients may also be eligible for a matching grant — check the Scholarships & Grants page on the SAS website for current details and availability, as this is awarded on a rolling basis.
Your college might also offer study abroad scholarships and funding. Be sure to check with them to see if you're eligible.
How do courses from Semester at Sea transfer?
Semester at Sea offers a wide variety of classes for the students on board. For most semesters, around 45–50 different courses are offered, including the following subjects:
Business
Communication, Journalism, and Media Studies
Political Science, Economics, and History
Literatures and Languages
Engineering, Environment, and Health
Performing and Visual Arts
Psychology and Human Development
Religion and Philosophy
Society and Culture
Tourism and Hospitality
All students are required to take the course Global Studies, which provides a background on the history, politics, climate, and culture of each country the students will be visiting. On average, students earn 12 to 15 credits during the semester.
Most students tend to get their general education credits done, as the program doesn't offer a huge variety of major-specific and/or upper-level courses.
Credits are registered with Colorado State University, the official partner of Semester at Sea. Students are considered visiting guests at CSU, and all official transcripts are sent to their home university. All students are required to take the course Global Studies, which provides a background on the history, politics, climate, and culture of each country the students will be visiting. On average, students earn 12 to 15 credits during the semester.
Most students tend to get their general education credits done, as the program doesn't offer a huge variety of major-specific and/or upper-level courses.
Credits are registered with Colorado State University, the official partner of Semester at Sea. Students are considered visiting guests at CSU, and all official transcripts are sent to their home university.
