Study Abroad Programs in Polynesia

Set sail for a great adventure; you'll be making waves studying abroad in Polynesia. With over 1,000 islands spread out across the central and south Pacific Ocean, these communities are no stranger to the sea. Follow the nautical miles of Captain James Cook amid coral reefs and tropical forests, or trek through an equally-diverse human population of histories, languages, and social practices. If you're fishing for a study abroad experience that's off-the-hook, Polynesia will quickly become your favorite catch.

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2 Study Abroad Programs in Polynesia

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

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Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real out

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How to Study Abroad in Polynesia

Polynesia originates from the Greek words “poly” as in “many” and “nēsos”, meaning “island”. Drawn by the connecting points of Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island, the Polynesian Triangle is comprised of both small and big island communities. The unique geological location in the South Pacific means you can study abroad on archipelagos like Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, or French Polynesia. Whether you choose to island hop or prefer to stay anchored to one shoreline, Polynesia won’t steer you in the wrong direction during your studies abroad.

The 118 islands of French Polynesia stretch more than 2,000 kilometers across the South Pacific. Surrounded by rich coral reefs, white- and black-sanded beaches, mountain peaks, and lush jungles, you'll discover plenty of authentic experiences (or as the Tahitian people say, Mana). The spirit of Mana connects all living things, and studying in French Polynesia will leave you feeling all of the these good vibrations.

Part of French Polynesia, Tahiti will lead you to more than rocking a bikini. Yachtsmen call the “The Coconut Run” (Tahiti to Australia) one of the world's most amazing trade wind sails. The capital of Papeete is an industrial port that doesn't offer much sightseeing, but you'll discover hints of its French charm.

Learn more and more in Bora Bora, located northwest of Tahiti. This island is where you'll explore marine life amid coral reefs, only a few steps away from your front hut door.

Latest Program Reviews

Once In A Lifetime Experience

May 13, 2026by: Skylar Wolfe - United States

Program: Seamester: Transpacific, Caribbean to Tahiti - 90 Days

What this trip gave me was unreplicatable experiences. I got to live on a boat for 90 days with like-minded individuals, and do things and go places that most people will never be able to. We crossed the Panama Canal, got to scuba dive in Galápagos, and had a special ceremony as we crossed the equator. We visited many remote islands that would be hard to get to otherwise. We sailed the Pacific, and went eighteen days without seeing land. And as we were doing it all, we studied marine biology and oceanography, learned what it meant to be a sailor, and how to be a leader. This is a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m grateful for every story I have brought home with me.

The Adventure of a Lifetime

May 16, 2024by: Emma Stanley - United States

Program: Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

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.