Marine Biology Study Abroad Programs in Brazil

I loved learning to sail on Vela, exploring every new place we sailed to like devils island with no inhabitants was pretty cool too. Meeting some of my new favourite people in the form of my crew was pretty sweet too. I’m going to miss it<3

Seamester was the adventure of a lifetime. I went into it not knowing how to sail but wanting to learn, and came out of it not only with that knowledge, but also with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me so many new things about myself. The staff members were amazing with their teaching and support, especially when times got rough. Their diligence ensured we all made it safely across the pacific. I also loved the places we visited, with my favorites being the Galapagos, Mo'orea, and the Panama Canal. The class schedule could be challenging at times, and waking up for watch in the middle of the night was definitely not my strong suit, but overall I had an amazing semester. I couldn't recommend Seamester enough and I'm so grateful for this wonderful experience.

If you’re a student thinking of doing Seamester, I cannot tell you enough…DO IT! Going on this voyage has absolutely changed my life. Not only did I get to cross an ocean, see the world, scuba dive, and meet the most incredible people, but I also left the boat a more confident, competent, and better version of myself. The academics are rigorous but reasonable, and I loved learning about the ocean in the most hands-on possible environment. I cannot recommend Seamester enough and will never forget each special memory from my time aboard Vela!

I had a wonderful time studying with SeaMester aboard Vela on the 2024 South Africa to Caribbean trip. I was consistently impressed with the organization of the trip, as well as the support from the office and staff onboard. This particular voyage had a lot of time sailing in blue water, which created a close environment between the students and allowed us to focus on school during the first half of the trip. By the time we got to the Caribbean we were able to focus intensely on diving and exploring the various islands with people we had already crossed an ocean with. I particularly enjoyed the leadership class, as it tied the emotional side of the trip together as well as taught us how to be better people in general.

I took a gap year after high school and chose to spend my Fall onboard S/Y Argo and sail from Palau, through Indonesia, to Bangkok Thailand. I had some scuba diving experience, but had never even been aboard a sailboat before. The Seamester staff was supportive and amazing. I made some of my strongest friendships and had the most amazing experiences, from diving with oceanic manta rays to long night watches sailing through the rough South China Seas. I learned so much about diving, sailing, and marine sciences, as well as so much about myself as a person. I would recommend Seamester to anyone considering it!

I came aboard S/Y Argo in Cape Town, SA, with very little sailing experience and having never taken any university-level courses before. The crew was very welcoming and within a few days, I had become acquainted with all of my fellow students. I found that the professors were very understanding and really just wanted to help grow students' passions for the ocean. The night watches were always a solid time, a positive mindset is encouraged lol. I participated in the PSCT (professional skipper and crew training) course, on top of the 12 credits, I thought the workload at some times was a lot, but still manageable. It was great to hear from our skipper and program manager about how they came to becoming yachtmasters through IYT and RYA. I made friendships that I hope will last a lifetime, got to surf some at some of the best beaches in the world (Fernando De Noronha, Brasil), swim with whalesharks (!!!) next to the island with Napolean's grave, race in a regatta, and just do so much exploring on land and in the ocean!

My time aboard the S/Y was an extremely rewarding experience and I think more people my age could benefit from this program. We had an incredible staff who were all super knowledgeable and passionate. They went above and beyond to help students learn and grow. All the staff members truly had an incredible impact on me. I always trusted them and knew that they had our best interests in mind. They helped me through personal, academic, and medical issues with grace and care. Our whole group, staff and students, worked really well together and I’m most thankful for the people I met. Program-wise, I think living on a boat and being an active crew member was the most impactful part. I wouldn’t feel half as accomplished if I didn’t spend hours in the pouring rain in the middle of the night or spend 3 days puking in a bucket. Being grimy and working hard gave me a purpose and I think that is most valuable. It was tough at times, but the accomplishment of getting to new places and being able to swim and explore with your best friends was incredibly worth it. This trip changed me for the better and now I'm working on getting back on the Seamester boats as a staff member, so that I can inspire college kids the way I was.

This was the best experience of my life truly once in a lifetime adventure! This voyage helped me discover who I was am while putting me in a challenging environment. I made the best of friends and will never be the same. Thank you so much seamester!

Best think I have ever done in my life I have learned so many new things the people the places the school it was all so amazing. From waking up in the morning to 25 other random people from around the world with the biggest smiles on their faces was so awesome. This made me realize what I want to do with my life and it was the best thing I’ve ever done

This was the best thing that I have ever done in my life opened my eyes to a whole new world that I am obsessed with now. I would do anything to go back right now. From the lifestyle of waking up early morning yo a boat filled with smiles to the long passages going crazy together I miss this lifestyle. If you do this trip you will not regret it at all This made me switch up the way I lived it showed me to appreciate everything so much more. From my mindset to my new unrest this trip really changed my life I love everything that we did with the trip. I love every single person I met and we all still talk just about everyday. This creates connections with people from all around the world Best thing in my life so far hopefully I’m coming back to work for you guys :)

I had the privilege of attending Sea|mester in Spring 2019 for the Antigua Yacht Regatta voyage on S/Y Ocean Star. I am now a graduating senior and recently was accepted into graduate school to study great white sharks-a dream of mine for many years. During the time I was at sea exploring the Caribbean, learning to sail, and becoming a Divemaster, I wrote a collection of personal essays, interweaving the area’s biology and ecology with personal introspection about how these ideas related to my growth, and I watercolored scientific illustrations of fish and invertebrates which resulted in winning my college’s Outstanding Honors Thesis Award. My time on Ocean Star was instrumental to my achievements. Onboard, I gained confidence in myself and my passions, and came away knowing that the ocean was what I wanted to devote my life to and that I had the ability to make a difference. So thank you, Sea|mester. Thank you for giving me, along with every other student who gets to be involved in this program, opportunities that can change lives.

For a while I was nervous about voyage but quickly realized that everyone was in the same position as me. The community that was built on this trip was enough to make it all worth it. We visited some of the most unique and beautiful places i've ever been to and it enabled me to see a new part of the world.

Everything was perfect ! From the staff helping me prepare for my voyage on S/Y Ocean Star, to the crew for being so amazing. I made some of the best memories of my life during seamester. Some things I'll never forget include deep diving in Saba, small boat sailing, exploring the islands as well as countless others !

I had amazing journey on Ocean Star through the Caribbean that I will never forget. The sights you see are just incredible and won’t stop reminiscing over. Everyday brings new challenges and adventures that will push you to better yourself.

Semester is truly an amazing program created by amazing people who know that adventure, getting out of your comfort zone, and living with 15 or more strangers for 20 or more days will develop you into an amazing human. That is the experience I had on Ocean Star with 15 people for 20 days. The program challenges you and bonds you in ways you can’t imagine. The benefit or getting to know each and every crew member by the daily “squeeze” ritual after dinner was one of my favorite memories. The learning experience of exploring new places, plus reality of how vital our oceans health is to society was something I’ll never forget and walking away from a voyage inspired to change this world we live in. I am forever grateful to the staff of Seamester. I highly recommend seamester to every individual and to do whatever it takes to get on that ship. You will not regret it!

This trip will stay with me for the rest of my life. I made friends that I know I will never lose. I had adventures that can be told again and again. I saw parts of the world that I didn’t even know existed. I learned facts that impress my family. I can’t even put into words how much I enjoyed this experience. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

I applied for this trip because I love sailing and I wanted an abroad experience that would allow myself to see as many beautiful places as possible. What I did not realize is that my fellow crew members would become my second family. From the very first time we were underway to the last, everyone was always looking out for one another to ensure their safety and to make sure we all had the best experience possible. Learning outside of a typical classroom was one of the best aspects about this program, while underwater learning was absolutely incredible. For me, I didn't think I was going to love SCUBA diving as much as I did, and now I can go diving whenever I want. Sailing under the stars, through beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and rainstorms were all what made this adventure so much fun. Waking up in a new country with a sense of adventure and excitement almost every day is something I am truly going to miss. Letting go of the rest of society, only worrying about yourself and shipmates, and living on the little island of Argo is an unforgettable experience.

This trip was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done. When I tell people about it, it’s hard to because you’re forced to use a few words to describe something great. I went and saw the world differently from the actual tourist perspective. Also, I was with people that probably cared as much or even a little more about my general welfare than my folks back home. Great experience all around.

How can I even put into words the mind-bending experience I just finished? Even if I tried, I couldn't capture the beauty of the places we visited, or the kindness of the people we met, on and off the boat. I naturally felt nervous about stepping into the wide unknown, but my fear of danger and discomfort proved unfounded. While we had some very adventurous days, I never felt out of my depth or as if I were teetering on the edge of death. Everyone on the boat took care of us and made it an unforgettable experience. Like I said, there are no words.

If you are considering Sea|mester: do it. I could not recommend this program enough—they offer so much, and you finish the program having grown and feeling accomplished. Not only do you get to stop in multiple countries and go abroad, you also take classes and get college credit, learn to scuba dive, sail, make life-long friendships that are genuine, meet new people and make honest connections, challenge yourself in many ways, and more. I knew I would like it, but I never knew how much I would grow to love life living and learning on a boat. The staff is amazing and supportive, and all of your fellow crew make you feel at ease and at home. Meals are excellent and fun to cook. Overall, it is a one-in-a-lifetime experience that you don't want to pass up.