Let’s Explore Semester At Sea

College students who apply overseas typically do so to institutions that offer exposure to various cultures, histories, and languages within a single nation. However, for students who are avid travellers and are always on the lookout to spend their semesters while they travel around the world, Shipboard Education, a non-profit institute, has come up with another option known as ‘Semester at Sea’. Read this blog to learn more about the program, how to apply, the financial aid options, and some advice for students who are considering Semester at Sea.

Overview Of Semester At Sea

Introduced by the nonprofit institute for Shipboard Education, Semester At Sea is a multi-country study abroad program that allows students from all around the world to travel, live and take classes on a ship. These trips and voyages usually last for around 100 days and the students can visit at least 10 countries For instance, participants get the opportunity to visit countries like Germany, Portugal, Morocco, Ghana, Kenya, South Africa, Mauritius, Malyasia and India.

According to experts, students gain the opportunity to see places that they normally do not get the chance to visit. Moreover, students also gain access to have conversations with renowned counsellors and experts that can guide them in their career path. With amenities like gyms and pools, students can even participate in different clubs and attend lectures.

How To Apply for A Semester at Sea?

There are numerous points students should consider while applying for Semester at Sea; some of them are listed below:

• Applicants who wish to apply for this program should be enrolled in a full-time degree-granting institution and have a minimum of around 2.5 GPA.
• The student should have an excellent academic background and should have completed a minimum of 12 college credit hours.
• Students whose first language is not English must have a minimum grade in an English proficiency exam. TOEFL, Duolingo IELTS Academic or PTE Academic are some that are widely accepted.
• The decisions of the accepted students are released on a rolling basis.
• It is always a good idea for the student to start applying to the program a year before their chosen journey.
• After the students get enrolled in the program, it is mandatory for them to deposit $1000 so that their spot can be reserved on the ship.
• This program is not limited to students in the U.S. but applicants from different backgrounds are welcome to join.

Cost And Financial Aid Options

Here are some ways students who are applying to Semester At Sea can get financial aid options so they get ease on the financial burden:

• For fall 2025, Semester at Sea is charging between $37,850 and $33,750 depending upon the type of cabin.
• This price includes the cost of tuition, housing, meals, academic field, internet package, travel health insurance and student services.
• The candidates are also required to pay some other fees, which include flights, travel visas, textbooks and personal travel.
• There are some financial aid options that are also available for students; the program allows awards of more than $5 million in funds through merit- and need-based scholarships and grants.

Things Students Should Consider While Applying For Semester At Sea

There are some things students should consider while they are applying for Semester At Sea:

• This program might not be the best fit for every student, especially for students who are exclusively looking for language immersion or an internship experience.
• All the courses in the program are taught in English, and learning a new language usually requires daily immersion in the culture and the daily use of the target language.
• For students with the goal of learning a new language, it’s always recommended that they opt for a program that helps them stay in a single country for a longer period of time.