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.