Deadline:
As soon as possible
Program Starts: January 05, 2026
Program Ends: April 20, 2026
Location(s)
Germany Ghana India Kenya Malaysia Morocco South Africa Spain Thailand Vietnam
Various ports
Overview
Exploring countries in Asia, Africa, and Europe, this voyage gives participants a truly global study abroad experience on our floating campus!
Details
Explore, Learn, and Grow
Join Semester at Sea as we sail to countries in Europe, Africa, and Asia. You’ll experience a wide range of cultures and histories, setting sail from IJmuiden, Netherlands and exploring France, Ghana, India, and more before disembarking in Thailand. You’ll have this adventure all while living and learning aboard a ship you’ll call home with a community that’s designed to build friendships for life.
Make the Voyage Your Own
With guided Field Programs and plenty of opportunities for in-country travel on your own or with fellow SAS voyagers, you’ll explore your interests and deepen your understanding of the world. Bring a sense of adventure and a willingness to discover the unknown.
Why Semester at Sea?
- 10+ Destinations: Experience life in more countries than any other study abroad program.
- College Credit: Keep your goals on track and earn up to 15 credits from a top-ranked university.
- Shipboard Life: With the ship as your home, you’ll be part of an amazing community of learners.
- Global Experience: Become a citizen of the world and develop a comparative understanding of global cultures.
Course Offering Information:
- Spring 2026 courses will be listed on a rolling basis as they are approved by our academic partner, Colorado State University.
- Courses are listed between 9-12 months prior to the voyage. View our Frequently Offered Courses.
- 70-72 sections will be offered on the Spring 2026 Voyage.
- Lower-division courses are designated with 100-299 numbers; upper-division courses are 300-499 numbers.
- Each course, except for Global Studies, has an experiential Field Class in one of the ports.
We are a diverse team of academic experts and professionals
Under the leadership of the executive dean, academic dean, and dean of student life, Semester at Sea faculty and staff are a team of innovative and stimulating educators who are passionate about international education and focused on developing a dynamic and compassionate shipboard community.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Semester at Sea requires students to meet our standards to cultivate a learning experience worthy of traveling the world. We welcome students of any sex, gender identity, race, disability status, veteran status, nationality, or ethnicity, to apply for admission. Please take a moment to review what we are looking for in a student.
- Students must be enrolled full-time in a degree-granting program at an accredited 2- or 4-year college/university (domestic or international)
- Students must have completed at least 12 credits at the post-secondary level
- Students must demonstrate a 2.5 cumulative GPA and be in good academic standing, although in some cases, additional evidence of academic support may be requested to review an application holistically. Such as an Academic Explanation and an Academic Action Plan
- Students may not be on disciplinary probation at time of embarkation
- Student essay is optional
- An unofficial copy of university transcripts from current or most recent college or university
- Students must have their school’s judicial affairs office complete a disciplinary clearance form post admission
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Program starts:
January 05, 2026
Program ends:
April 20, 2026
Program Starts: January 05, 2026
Program Ends: April 20, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
Financial aid
ISE AWARDS $5 MILLION IN FINANCIAL AID ANNUALLY.
Each semester, the Institute for Shipboard Education and Semester at Sea offer scholarships, need-based grants, and merit grants to make it possible for more students to set sail and join our living and learning community. Even students who don’t receive financial aid at their home colleges or universities may qualify for funding assistance through Semester at Sea.
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
Cabin Types Fees
- APremium cabins: $37,850
- Standard cabins: $33,750
Other Costs To Keep In Mind
- Overnight stay prior to embarkation
- Flights to embarkation/from debarkation
- Travel visas
- Textbooks
- Any appropriate vaccinations
- Between-meal food & beverages while on board
- Laundry
- SAS Field Programs & personal travel in-country
- Fuel Surcharge (if applicable)
- Program Fee Refund Plan
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
