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Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus

by: Semester at Sea

Top Rated Program Gap Year in Multiple Countries 2025
9.64 (44)Verified

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adven...

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Program Highlights

Live and learn onboard a ship, the MV World Odyssey, for 105 days.

Visit 10+ countries across 3 - 4 continents!

Spend 5-7 days in each country.

Take 12-15 Colorado State University credits.

Connect with 500 students from 250 schools and 25+ countries!

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Brazil
  • Hong Kong, China
  • France
  • Germany
  • Takoradi, Ghana
  • See more
Availability
Year(s) Offered2026, 2027Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects
Subjects & Courses:
  • Accounting
  • African Studies
  • American Studies
Types:
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

Innovation in Alumni Engagement Finalist 2022

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.64

Total Reviews

44

DO SEMESTER AT SEA!!!

September 03, 2025by: Tristan Bartosiewicz - United StatesProgram: Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus
10

I just studied abroad with SAS in spring of 2025. To say this experience changed my life would be an understatement. I cannot recommend this enough. The learning opportunities are amazing, the staff and faculty do everything they can to make this your home away from home, and the traveling experiences are ONCE IN A LIFETIME!

This is from our safari in Kenya!

BEST 4 MONTHS EVER!!!

August 28, 2025by: Rachel Nelson - United StatesProgram: Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus
10

When I completed Semester At Sea in the fall of 2024, it was my first time traveling over seas. Growing up going on cruise’s I was super excited to start this new journey on the floating campus. Going in knowing no one else I was nervous but soon felt so welcomed, the community on the ship is amazing. Getting to travel the world with other college kids that have the same interest as you is such a wonderful experience. The professors and other staff members are there to make your learning come to life and it was magical to watch that happen, exploring your learning in each country was eye opening. Not only getting to explore a country but 10 countries allowed for a broad variety of cultures that we get to dive into and explore was so rewarding. I would 1000% go on Semester At Sea again and would recommend it to everyone if you’re deciding to study abroad.

Just one of many sunsets in the middle of the ocean, one of my favorite things to do every night with my friends on the ship.

Life-Altering Experience!

August 26, 2025by: Cate Gardner - United StatesProgram: Semester at Sea: Global Study Abroad on a Floating Campus
10

I don’t even know where to begin! Semester at Sea was truly a life-changing experience. There’s no other program where you can see so many different places in a single semester. For example, I visited 10 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, experiencing diverse cultures and meeting people from all over the world. Semester at Sea also gives you incredible freedom: while docked, you can join field programs or explore each country independently. Through this journey, I not only learned about the world but also about myself. I became more independent, more confident, and gained a global perspective that has completely changed the way I see the world.

Mornings on the ship.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Brazil
  • Hong Kong, China
  • France
  • Germany

Types and Subjects

  • Subjects & Courses
  • Accounting
  • African Studies
  • American Studies

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Terms Available:
  • Fall
  • Spring
Gap Year Timing:
  • During College

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

All Nationalities

This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • Wifi Costs
  • Medical / Accident Insurance

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Home-stays
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (for example: GED)
  • Some college credit, no degree

Application Procedures

  • Transcript
  • Disciplinary Clearance Form
  • Online Application

Interviews

Read interviews from alumni or staff

Meredith Dungar

Participated in 2007

Alumni

Absolutely without a doubt, keep an open mind. Also, eat. It sounds so silly, but when you're traveling around and your blood sugar drops, I don't care who you are or who you're with, it's hard to stay nice.

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Kelly Webber

Participated in 2004

Alumni

I actually had the opportunity to do two semesters abroad, so I had the best of both worlds! I studied in Heidelberg,Germany for one semester and then did Semester at Sea for my second semester of junior year. This was a great opportunity to experience one culture more in depth (my time in Heidelberg) versus the comparative nature of a multi-country program (Semester at Sea).

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Dr. Katherine Zagone

Participated in 2007

Alumni

I've always been passionate about different healing techniques. I chose Semester at Sea because I wanted to get a taste of a number of countries so I could explore various cultural healing modalities on one trip. I also wanted to live on a ship, because, well, it's awesome. Semester at Sea allowed me the structure to get the experience and knowledge I craved without planning and paying for multiple trips. 

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Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea

9.64Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Unlike traditional study abroad or tourism experiences, Semester at Sea offers a unique opportunity for deep, authentic engagement with countries and cultures around the globe. It's more than just the adventure of a lifetime. It's a transformative experience that will give you a global perspective to take on the challenges of tomorrow. Fall 2026: European, African, South American, and Asian Adventure Embark: September 9, IJmuiden, The Netherlands Disembark: Dec 22, Bangkok, Thailand Itinerary: Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong Spring 2027: Asia, Africa, and Europe Embark: Jan 5, Bangkok, Thailand Disembark: Apr 20, Bremerhaven, Germany Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland

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