Colorado State University 

Colorado State University Study Abroad Programs

Every year, over 1,600 students depart the CSU campus to study in more than 80 countries! Besides unique global comparative programs like Semester at Sea, other study abroad opportunities include research, internships, service learning, and more. 

The CSU Education Abroad office is dedicated to helping students like you identify the right study abroad program and ensure you maximize this unique opportunity.

Where will your academic goals take you?

Colorado State University & Semester at Sea

The ISE headquarters are based on the CSU campus in Fort Collins, Colorado. The university provides academic, administrative, and recruiting support for ISE programs, and is the fifth institution to do so in the over 50-year history of the Semester at Sea program. 

The official partnership between ISE and Colorado State University began in 2016, though we were academically affiliated with CSU long before that. Since 2018, on average, about 34 students from CSU sail on every Semester at Sea voyage. 

With its emphasis on diversity and aligned approach to global, comparative, and experiential learning in many of its degree programs, CSU represents the ideal partner for ISE. The university played a significant role in the founding of the Peace Corps; in 2013, CSU received the Senator Paul Simon National Award for Outstanding Campus Internationalization.

By completing courses during a Semester at Sea voyage, students matriculating at other institutions receive academic credit from CSU that will transfer to their home school.

Admission Requirements 

CSU students who wish to participate in a Semester at Sea voyage must: 

• Review the CSU Education Abroad application process 
• Meet with a CSU Education Abroad advisor
• Complete the myEdAbroad application form
• Maintain a 2.0 GPA 
• Receive approval from CSU before acceptance into Semester at Sea

Be sure to review the full Semester at Sea admissions requirements as well.

Financial Aid

CSU students are eligible for need-based grants through the Institute for Shipboard Education. 

Some things to know:

• Grant awards are first-come, first-served until funding has been fully allocated.
• A total of $150,000 in grant funding is available each fall and spring semester.
• Grants are awarded based on the Student Aid Index as calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Gap Year students are not eligible for this special CSU Semester at Sea grant and scholarship funding.

Students who are not eligible for the CSU/SAS need-based grant will automatically be considered for the CSU/SAS Merit Scholarship. Students cannot receive both the need-based grant and the merit scholarship. Some things to know:

• $25,000 in merit scholarship funding is available each fall and spring semester.  
• Awards range from $500–$4,000 and depend on the number of qualified applicants per voyage.
• Awards are deducted from the final invoice. 
• Merit-based award consideration will prioritize students with GPAs of 3.2 and higher as of the end of the semester one year prior to the semester of their voyage. 

For full CSU financial aid guidelines, please visit the Semester at Sea CSU Scholarships page.

CSU students who wish to study abroad may also be eligible for the following financial aid options:

• Colorado Student Undergraduate Grant (Colorado residents only)
• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
• Graduate Grant (Colorado residents)
• Federal Direct PLUS Loan
• Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans

Read more information about CSU Education Abroad financial aid.

Other scholarships may be available through Semester at Sea — explore your options by visiting our Financial Aid page.

Cost

Student Program Fees Include:

• Semester’s tuition and travel
• Housing, meals, and amenities
• Academic Field Classes
• Email account
• Starter Internet package
• Comprehensive travel health insurance
• Pre-voyage advisement and on-site residential student services staff
• Fuel fee — subject to change depending on global cost fluctuations

Student program fees vary depending on voyage and cabin type. To learn more about these fees check out our program costs breakdown.

Additional Voyager Expenses

• Flights to embarkation/from debarkation
• Overnight stay prior to embarkation
• Travel visas and costs associated with passport renewal
• Textbooks
• Any appropriate vaccinations and boosters 
• Between-meal food and beverages while onboard
• Laundry
• SAS Field Programs and personal travel in-country
• Fuel surcharge (if applicable)

Cost Calculator

Get an estimate of program expenses for a typical Semester at Sea voyage. Please note: This calculator provides an estimate of program fees only. Tuition costs and cabin fees are subject to change.