Before embarking on my SAS journey I had no idea just how intense college courses would be. I am so grateful that I decided to do this program before entering my first year of college. It really provided me with an idea of what to expect in the fall.
Advisors & Faculty
For your students who want to see more of the world and become true global citizens, Semester at Sea provides a study abroad experience like no other.
What Is Semester At Sea?
Our mission is journeys of discovery that spark bold solutions to global challenges. With the world as its classroom and more than 58 years of experience in comparative education, Semester at Sea integrates multiple-country study, interdisciplinary coursework, and hands-on field experience for meaningful engagement in the global community.
Over a 100-day voyage on a shipboard campus, students are offered a wide variety of coursework from 20-25 fields of study that are integrated with relevant Field Classes in up to a dozen countries, allowing for an experiential, comparative education that is truly global.
SAS at a Glance:
Travel
Students sail to 10+ unique destinations around the world.
Academics
Students earn up to 15 course credits accredited through Colorado State University.
Shipboard Life
Students join a vibrant living and learning community and develop friendships for life.
Global Citizenship
Students gain the knowledge, skills, and cultural competence to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.
Admissions
Semester at Sea welcomes curious, engaged students of any sex, gender identity, race, disability status, veteran status, nationality, or ethnicity to apply to travel the world as part of our living and learning community. Admissions are open to undergraduate students, gap year students, and recent college graduates. Find your students’ voyager type and click to learn about specific admissions requirements.
Gap Year Students
Recent high school graduates who are interested in sailing before enrolling full-time at an undergraduate institution
Undergraduate Students
Students who are enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at an accredited 2- or 4-year college or university
Recent College Graduate Students
Students who have recently completed their undergraduate studies and wish to extend their learning
Financial Aid
Semester at Sea accepts any federal, state, or institutional aid and scholarships your student may have as part of a consortium agreement. For institutions that do not allow for the transfer of aid and scholarships, please contact us, as Colorado State University’s Student Financial Services may be able to assist your student, including assistance with veteran benefits.
We work to make the life-changing experience of Semester at Sea accessible to a wide range of students, regardless of financial circumstances. Explore program costs and the financial aid available to your students through Semester at Sea.
Spotlight on Health & Safety
Over the course of our 58+ year history, we have always put the health and safety of our program participants, employees, and crew first. We follow a rigorous multi-faceted risk management model that keeps people safe and healthy both onboard the ship and in our multi-country destinations.
Hear From SAS Voyagers
Upcoming Voyages
Fall 2024
September 09 — December 22
Ghana Hong Kong India Mauritius Morocco Mozambique Netherlands Portugal South Africa Thailand Vietnam
Spring 2025
January 05 — April 20
Germany Ghana India Kenya Malaysia Morocco Mozambique South Africa Spain Thailand Vietnam
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know to advise your students about Semester at Sea
Are faculty and staff allowed time to travel while in port?
Yes. However, some staff positions require the individual remain within a certain proximity of the ship for a portion of time. This individual shares in a rotating duty schedule and is available to the shipboard community in cases of emergency. Faculty members lead in-country field work for each course taught. When scheduled for such field work, faculty are not able to undertake personal travel. Otherwise, personal travel is permitted.
Are there age or physical fitness restrictions?
We welcome trip participants over 10 years of age to join us. While there is no maximum age, all participants must be physically fit, active, and in good health. Certain itineraries are better suited for families, and we encourage you to reach out to a Semester at Sea staff member to inquire about your own personal needs. Please refer to the program brochure for trip-specific requirements.
Any condition that requires special medical attention or assistance must be reported at the time a reservation is made. The individual trip brochures will provide specific details on the rigors of individual trips. If you have concerns about your ability to participate, please feel free to call us.
When do voyages fill?
It varies. Voyages typically fill one to four months prior to sailing. We encourage you to submit your application early but please contact our office if you have a last-minute opportunity to join our program for the semester.
For which position should I apply?
ISE staff cannot provide direct advice or coaching in regard to positions for which applicants should apply. This poses a conflict of interest, introduces applicant bias, and otherwise suggests favoritism in some form. If following the review of open positions and knowing your own background and experience relative to the qualifications, you have position-specific questions, we are happy to answer these questions.
How long is the employment term for faculty and staff positions?
Faculty and staff members are considered temporary employees for the duration of the voyage. For fall voyages, this term is September through December and for spring voyages, this term is January through April.
Candidates are typically not hired for consecutive voyage terms.
What benefits are given to voyage faculty and staff?
Certainly sailing around the world is a unique opportunity. Other benefits include:
Travel stipend to help defray the cost of travel to and from the ship (details to be provided during the onboarding process)
Travel with adult companions and dependent children when capacity and protocols allow
Opportunity for free and reduced pricing on ISE in-country field programs (when serving as a Trip Liaison)
Passage, room, and board on the MV World Odyssey for the faculty/staff member
Medical emergency and evacuation insurance coverage
Recent Articles
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Fall 2025 AnnouncementsSemester at Sea announces the Fall 2025 Voyage itinerary -
Spring 2024 Spring 2024Each voyage is life-changing and challenging, including this one. -
Fall 2024 Spring 2025 AnnouncementsSemester at Sea Day at CSU