Amazed in the Amazon
and Beyond
Imagine traveling to the Amazon Basin in Brazil, taking an African safari adventure, in addition to visiting India's famed Taj Mahal and the Great Wall of China all in a single study abroad experience.
All of these possibilities and then some can become a reality with Semester at Sea. With this program you are afforded the unique opportunity to travel around the world on a ship to eleven different countries while immersing yourself in a unique blend of cultures, customs, and people.
Combined with all the great travel opportunities and the unique academic setting you also get to experience what life is like aboard a 700 foot ship. Bridge tours are available as well as the chance to meet some of the crew including the captain. You also can plot your
journey as you travel around the world with the daily latitude and longitude bearings.
Classes are held while the ship is at sea by professors from all over the United States and international professors as well. A wide variety of courses are offered so that students from all majors can find what they are looking for. Before reaching each port students are taught about the geography, politics, local customs, culture, and current issues of each country visited. In many cases Inter-port lecturers, professors who were native citizens of the country to be visited, come aboard to offer first-hand insight as to what the country is like.
While in port you are free to travel throughout the host country. This can be done through Semester at Sea organized trips or by independent travel. 
The activities are endless as you can visit China’s Tiananmen Square, see the famous temples and shrines in Kyoto, Japan or take a ride down Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. Experiencing the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, seeing the astonishing Iguassu Falls or simply going for a ride in an Indian rickshaw are also possible options as well, not including visiting Robben Island or cage diving with great white sharks in South Africa. The itineraries change with the semester so it’s hard not to find the country or countries you want to visit.
I have become a well-rounded and experienced individual and now have a broader perspective on the world and its events
In addition to seeing the incredible landmarks and natural wonders of the world it was equally rewarding to be exposed to the variety of cultures and people while on this voyage. The major advantage of Semester at Sea is that you are able to see up to 11 different cultures, customs and people, allowing you to make comparisons among them. This experience truly makes you a world traveler. Because of this voyage I feel I have become a well-rounded and experienced individual and now have a broader perspective on the world and its events. I learned to appreciate what I have as others around the world are not so fortunate.
Semester at Sea an incredible study abroad experience. So much fun, adventure, and excitement were encountered that it is hard to put into words. The memories and experiences from this trip will last a lifetime. I urge anyone interested in studying abroad to investigate Semester at Sea further!
This story submitted by Vinnie Graves who participated in the Semester at Sea program. Vinnie is an Education Abroad Ambassador and would be glad to talk to you about the Semester at Sea program. Email him at: vmg_3@hotmail.com
Start Your Own Adventure
Student Highlights
Interviews with Cougs Abroad
- Kyle Kelln
Dakar, Senegal - Haley Deking
Chiang Mai, Thailand - Breanna Bart
Grenada, Spain - Melissa Bolieu
Santiago, Dominican Republic - McKenzie Price
Semester at Sea - Brian Keith
Swansea Wales, United Kingdom