Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea is without question one of the best experiences I will ever have. I sailed as a sophomore in college and it forever changed my passions and future career path. People criticize the program because you don't get a chance to live in one country, but for me it ignited my passion for travel and I ended up securing an internship abroad the following summer. I know that is not feasible for everyone, but the internship did align with my major at the time, so there are options - please don't let the lack of living in one country deter you from choosing SAS! On top of the amazing experience in countries all around the world, I made lifelong friends that I still keep in touch with 5 years later. Living on a ship and seeing all of the amazing (and sometimes heartbreaking) things that SAS introduces you to bonds you to your classmates in a way that other study abroad programs can't. Since this review is supposed to be about South Africa, I will note that South Africa was one of my favorite countries that I visited while on SAS.

Semester at Sea is a unique program that allows you to circumnavigate the globe with thorough cultural experience. Living on a ship for 3 months, visiting 10 cities, and taking classes while at sea could easily become a logistical nightmare, but Semester at Sea has it down. It's a beautiful opportunity to create your own experience. They have planned trips for those who prefer the structure and safety of a group trip, but plenty of students opt to plan their own trips or not plan at all and just go play in a country for 5 days. Semester at Sea does a great job of preparing you for each country so you really can create the experience of a lifetime in each city.

Semester at Sea is the best kept secret in town about study abroad programs. Where else can you get a full semester's worth of academic credit while simultaneously sailing around the world on a cruise ship with 700 other students from around the world? While probably a bit more expensive than other programs, what you get for the $$ is a bargain (room & board, travel around the world, tuition, etc.). I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to travel to more than one place in their semester abroad, and see out of the way places way off the map of most other study abroad programs.