About
Our mission — journeys of discovery that spark bold solutions to global challenges.
Semester at Sea takes a global comparative approach to study abroad using a ship as its traveling college.
With the world as our campus, our programs integrate multiple-country study, interdisciplinary coursework, and experiential learning for meaningful engagement in the global community.
The Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) is a 501c3 nonprofit based in Fort Collins, Colorado that administers the Semester at Sea study abroad program in conjunction with Colorado State University.
Our Story
Since 1963, more than 73,000 individuals from 1,700 institutions have traveled to more than 60 countries on Semester at Sea and its predecessor programs.
73000+
Individuals have joined us
60+
Countries visited
Program Names
1963
Semester at Sea
1965
World Campus Afloat
Early 1960s
University of the Seven Seas
Academic Sponsors
2016-Present
Colorado State University
2006-2016
University of Virginia
1981-2006
University of Pittsburgh
1976-1981
University of Colorado Boulder
1963-1976
Chapman University
Shipboard Campuses
2015-Present
MV World Odyssey
2004-2015
MV Explorer
1996-2004
SS Universe Explorer
1971-1995
SS Universe
1966-1971
SS Ryndam
1963-1966
MS Seven Seas
ISE Vision and Values
ISE is an internationally recognized leader in educating global citizens who engage in comparative learning experiences and positively impact our interdependent world.
We, Semester at Sea, place high value on:
Personal Well-being
We commit to the health, safety, and well-being of all members of our organization and shipboard community.
Interconnectedness
We create environments in our organization that enhance global learning, understanding, and interconnectedness.
Excellence
We achieve academic excellence and long-term global value throughout our organization and in all of our programs.
Respect
We honor the inherent dignity of all people in our organization and community with an abiding commitment to freedom of expression, scholarly discourse, and the advancement of knowledge.
Inclusion
We ensure inclusive environments that welcome, value, affirm, and embrace all members of our organization and our shipboard community.
Integrity
We are honest and ethical in all of our interactions and hold ourselves accountable for all of our actions.
Organizational Strength
We strive for long-term financial strength and an innovative, adaptable, and cohesive learning environment.
SAS Voyage Community Values
The Voyage Community Values are the bedrock of every Semester at Sea voyage.
Together they encapsulate the culture we aim to foster and the organizational vision we aim to achieve: to be an internationally recognized leader in forming global citizens who positively impact our interconnected world. This vision being realized is dependent upon every voyager embracing and enacting these values while on the ship and in port.
The below values are an adaptation of the Institute for Shipboard Education’s Organizational Values and Colorado State University’s Principles of Community.
Personal Well-being
We commit to the health, safety and well-being of ourselves, all members of our voyage community, and members of the communities we will visit.
Interconnectedness
We understand our actions and attitudes have an impact locally and globally. We always seek to positively affect the planet and the people around us near and far.
Respect
We honor the inherent dignity of all people with an abiding commitment to freedom of expression, scholarly discourse, and the advancement of knowledge. We have the right to be treated, and the responsibility to treat others, with fairness and equity.
Integrity
We are honest and ethical in all of our interactions, including our academic work. We hold ourselves accountable for our actions.
Inclusion
We ensure inclusive environments that welcome, value, affirm, and embrace all people within the shipboard community and in each port country.
Excellence
We model the highest academic standards of preparation, inquiry, and knowledge and consistently seek to understand complex issues and express informed opinions with courage and conviction.