When I walked on the ship I knew no one and it was a bit scary. But by the end of the voyage I had met some of my best friends and had explored the world with them. Because of SAS, I now have friends all over the world and will continue to travel with my friends I made on the voyage. I am forever grateful for being able to be on the Fall 2019 voyage and for the memories that were made.
Experience
Prepare yourself for a voyage unlike any other travel or study abroad opportunity, where you’ll live and learn aboard our unique floating classroom as it explores the world, visiting 10+ countries in a single semester.
Live, Learn, and Travel With a Community Dedicated to Global Understanding
When you join a Semester at Sea voyage, you undertake a journey of discovery aboard a ship that’s outfitted as a globe-exploring college. Alumni often describe their time on the ship as one of the most remarkable communities they have experienced, providing a platform for discussion, coursework, and deep connections, all while traveling to new locations around the world. Every aspect of the SAS experience encourages discovery and growth — at port and at sea, in and out of the classroom.
A Day in the Life at Sea
All the Elements of a Life-Changing Voyage
Integrated Coursework
Academics form the foundation of a deepening understanding of world cultures.
Experiential Learning
Experience high-impact cultural engagement in 10+ countries through guided travel or by planning your own travel.
Meal Time
With communal meals served in shared dining areas, you’ll build community and flow with the daily rhythm of life on the ship.
Arts & Culture
Take part in theater, dance, and musical groups that showcase the talents of our diverse community.
Health & Exercise
Enjoy group athletics and exercise classes, and take advantage of our shipboard gym and swimming facilities.
Mental Health
Shipboard life is designed to support mental health needs, and all participants have access to counselors and and self-help groups.
Time for Reflection
With so many cultures, concepts, and environments to take in, we make sure students have plenty of time to relax and reflect.
Spaces for Study
The ship is filled with quiet spaces to complete coursework, research, and study up on the places you will be visiting.
What to Expect on Your Voyage
Each Semester at Sea voyage brings together academics, life at sea, and life on land in a way that’s more than the sum of its parts. Voyagers apply what they learn in their classes to in-country travel and enrich their experiences through the unique nature of shipboard life.
Academics
When the ship is at sea, you will attend classes that are relevant to your degree, taught by our award-winning faculty and carefully planned to help you contextualize your travel experiences.
Life at Sea
The ship offers a living and learning environment unlike any other, fostering community and serving as a familiar home base as you travel the globe.
Life on Land
Through guided Field Programs or by planning your own travel, intercultural exchanges will hep you develop deep insight and understanding that’s not possible through tourism alone.
Spotlight on Health & Safety
Over the course of our 59+ year history, we’ve 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.
Helpful Videos
Hear From Past Voyagers
Upcoming Voyages
January 05 — April 20
Germany Ghana India Kenya Malaysia Morocco South Africa Spain Thailand Vietnam
September 09 — December 22
France Ghana Hong Kong India Mauritius Morocco Netherlands South Africa Spain Thailand Vietnam
Diversity & Inclusion
Our unique shipboard community welcomes voyagers of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, and identities. Diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our mission of shared global understanding, and it begins with creating a shipboard culture that is welcoming to all. We believe that inviting different experiences and perspectives leads to a richer experience for our entire community.