Semester at Sea
Gap Year Program
Discover new interests and gap year opportunities as you prepare for the next step of your educational voyage.
Why Spend Your Gap Year with Semester at Sea?
Students from across the United States and the world choose to board the MV World Odyssey before they head off to college for varying reasons. Here are just a few:
- Kick-start your future while determining what comes next
- Gain a clearer understanding of your interests and strengths
- Get a taste for the world outside your home country
- Immerse yourself in 10+ unique destinations
- Venture out on guided in-country excursions or plan your own travel
- Participate in service projects that benefit local communities
- Take classes on a wide range of topics with experienced faculty
- Learn about the college experience from current students
- Make connections that will last a lifetime
Request Information – Gap Year
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Program Overview
As a gap year student with Semester at Sea, you will enroll in an academic program designed specifically to support your success, while also participating in college-level courses alongside your undergraduate peers.
Learn
- 70+ college-level courses
- Three-credit New Student Seminar, Global Studies, and 1-2 lower division courses.
- Accredited by Colorado State University
- Study alongside undergraduates
- All majors welcome
- Earn 9-12 college credits
- Join network of 73,000+ alumni
Travel
- 100+ days of travel
- Visit 10+ countries on 2-3 continents
- Field programs, including multi-day exploration.
- Independent exploration
- Voyages available every fall and spring
Live
- 9 classrooms
- Two dining halls
- Standard and premium cabins
- Shipboard medical services
- Experienced team of resident directors, academic advisors, mental health advisors, and physicians
- Spa, hair salon, fitness center, pool, library, student union, theater
Live, Learn, Travel
Set sail on the world’s most unique floating college. Semester at Sea welcomes recent high school graduates taking a year off before embarking on their next academic adventure. Gap year students can earn 9-12 college credits toward their future degree while sailing to 10+ countries.
Upcoming Voyages
September 09 — December 22
France Ghana Hong Kong India Mauritius Morocco Netherlands South Africa Spain Thailand Vietnam
January 05 — April 20
Germany Ghana India Kenya Malaysia Morocco South Africa Spain Thailand Vietnam
Admission Requirements
Prospective students wanting to spend a gap year abroad start the admission process by completing an online application, then go on to write an essay about their intentions and interest in Semester at Sea. A $75 non-refundable application fee is required to start the review process.
Gap year students must provide proof of graduation from a secondary or high school, preferably with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 out of 4.0. If necessary, the Semester at Sea team will calculate a GPA conversion for systems that vary from the 4.0 standard.
English language proficiency is required. Anyone whose first language is not English or who has a background in curriculum not taught in English must complete a proficiency test.
Gap Year Scholarships
Can you receive financial assistance as a gap year student? Absolutely! Around 60% of Semester at Sea voyagers receive some form of financial aid, including students who take time off between high school and college and others who do not qualify for standard forms of financial aid on their home campus. Below is an overview of different types of scholarships and grants.
Need & Merit Grants
Need-based scholarships are given based on financial need, while merit grants are awarded to students who display strong academic achievement. Both are offered on a rolling basis while aid is available, so apply sooner rather than later!
Alumni Support Scholarships
Scholarships gifted by alumni typically range in amount from $500-$10,000 and can be applied to spring and fall voyages. Students must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher to qualify, and they are expected to correspond with the donor if selected as a recipient.
Student Assistant Grants
This work-study program is designed for industrious, experienced students willing to work two hours per day on the ship in exchange for a total scholarship of $4,000. There are no work expectations while the ship is in port.
Inclusive Engagement Scholarship
All students are eligible to apply for inclusive engagement scholarships, with preference given to students from underrepresented identities. Scholarships cover the cost of flights and provide an additional $5,000.
Get the Semester at Sea gap year program guide.
Check out our comprehensive guide for more about Semester at Sea gap year programs, including what to expect aboard and logistics of getting there.