International Programs

Semester at Sea is a pioneer and leader in global, comparative education—a form of international study that focuses on surveying the world's peoples, patterns, cultures, and traditions. Global, comparative education is the element that distinguishes Semester at Sea from other study abroad programs. Operating a traveling shipboard campus allows diverse learning communities to live and learn in close quarters as they travel the world, and SAS provides opportunities for intensive engagement, reflection, interaction, and exchange that simply aren't available with other programs. Field-based, experiential learning is a vital component of Semester at Sea. The ship becomes a campus where participants study in a traditional setting, while the world is transformed into an academic laboratory where students earn 20% of their grade. Field Labs are designed and led by a faculty member who has expertise in a particular culture, location, or subject matter. These in-port labs enhance and explore course content. SAS directed trips are led by staff or faculty. May be recommended by a faculty member as an excellent complement to a student's syllabus. Independent Practica are opportunities for a participant to conduct independent research. Requires faculty approval to count as fulfillment of field requirement. Semester at Sea is proud to be sponsored by the University of Virginia, one of the nation's most prestigious institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing leaders who are well-prepared to help shape the future of the nation.

Kala Raksha, a registered Society and Trust (NGO) based in Sumrasar Sheikh village in Kutch, has worked with many artisans of the region since 1993. With a mission to preserveand protect traditional arts, Kala Raksha’s strengths are a deep understanding of culture and arts, and its focus on the artisan. Kala Raksha’s work includes income generation, preventive health care, micro-credit, design education for artisans, and teaching about rural traditions.

Kala Raksha established Kala Raksha Vidhyalaya (KRV), the world’s first design school for traditional artisans, in 2005. KRV has developed a new approach to design education based on existing traditions. Its Advisory Board comprises master artisans of Kutch, and the faculty includes both local and international teachers. KRV’s effectiveness is in the relevance of the education provided. Approaching education through a vital subject, the institute enables direct access to higher education and ultimately raises the capacity of artisans and the value of traditional arts. KRV graduates have increased their market reach and incomes through good design. They have been honoured with awards for excellence and invitations to participate in international programs.

The University of Hyderabad, over twenty-five years old, was the first federally funded university to be established in the southern part of India. The University has over 200 faculty and 2,100 full-time students and eight schools: chemistry; life sciences; mathematics and computer and information sciences; physics; humanities; social sciences; management studies; performing arts, fine arts, and communication. The campus is located approximately 30-45 minutes from the downtown area by public transportation affording students a more tranquil environment outside of the city center to learn about student life in Andhra Pradesh.