Student Stories & Mentors

Sail the world with Semester at Sea this Fall 2026! 🌊

Visit 11 incredible countries, live and learn aboard a floating campus, and earn a $250 shipboard credit to use on field programs, spa treatments, laundry service, the ship store, and more!

Must apply by December 1, 2025 and deposit by January 1, 2026
to qualify for the $250 Shipboard Credit

Adventure awaits—are you ready to set sail?
https://staging.semesteratsea.org/voyages/fall-2026/

#SemesterAtSea #StudyAbroad #TravelTheWorld #GapYear #Fall2026 #CollegeTravel #ShipLife

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Meet Paul—4 voyages, 3 ships, 3 decades with Semester at Sea as a Lifelong Learner. Because learning doesn’t stop when the classroom ends.
#SemesterAtSea #LifelongLearner

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What starts as a voyage becomes something much deeper.
For Lindy Howell and two student voyagers, Semester at Sea’s Extended Family Program turned chance pairings into lasting bonds. Through the Extended Family Program, they didn’t just sail the world — they built family across generations, backgrounds, and life stages.

Learn more about our upcoming voyages and how you can join a future Semester at Sea journey: https://staging.semesteratsea.org/voyages/

🌍 About Semester at Sea:
Semester at Sea is a study abroad program that brings students, faculty, and lifelong learners together on a shipboard campus that sails the world. With a focus on comparative learning and global citizenship, voyagers earn academic credit while traveling to multiple countries across several continents.

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Lindy Howell joined Semester at Sea not just for the adventure — but to create lifelong memories with her entire family. As a participant in the Lifelong Learning program, Lindy traveled the world aboard the MV World Odyssey while bonding with fellow voyagers of all ages, including her husband and children. In this heartwarming story, Lindy shares how Semester at Sea became a unique opportunity for intergenerational connection, global exploration, and personal growth.

Explore the world. Expand your horizons. Sail as a Lifelong Learner.

Learn more about our upcoming voyages and how you can join a future Semester at Sea journey: https://staging.semesteratsea.org/voyages/

🌍 About Semester at Sea:
Semester at Sea is a study abroad program that brings students, faculty, and lifelong learners together on a shipboard campus that sails the world. With a focus on comparative learning and global citizenship, voyagers earn academic credit while traveling to multiple countries across several continents.

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What happens when you trade a traditional classroom for a ship sailing the world? 🌍

In this video, students and educators share how Semester at Sea became a life-changing gap year experience—shaping their perspectives, confidence, and purpose. From global education to personal discovery, learn why stepping off the beaten path might be the best decision you’ll ever make.

Whether you're considering a gap year, looking for a study abroad program, or just curious about what it’s like to live and learn at sea—this is your sign to take the leap.

Ready to start your own global adventure?

Learn more about our gap year program: https://staging.semesteratsea.org/admissions/gap-year/

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Welcome aboard Semester at Sea — the world’s most unique study abroad program. In just one semester, you'll explore 10+ countries, earn college credits, and experience an education that goes far beyond the classroom.

Ready to start your own global adventure?

Learn more about our upcoming voyages and how you can join a future Semester at Sea journey: https://staging.semesteratsea.org/voyages/

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @semesteratsea

🌍 About Semester at Sea:
Semester at Sea is a study abroad program that brings students, faculty, and lifelong learners together on a shipboard campus that sails the world. With a focus on comparative learning and global citizenship, voyagers earn academic credit while traveling to multiple countries across several continents.

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Step into the heart of East Africa with Semester at Sea as we explore the vibrant landscapes, rich culture, and unforgettable moments from our time in Kenya.

Kenya is a frequent destination on our 10+ country itinerary, offering voyagers the opportunity to engage deeply with local communities, explore Nairobi’s dynamic energy, and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Maasai Mara and beyond. Whether it’s hiking with classmates, hearing from local changemakers, or trying new foods for the first time—this is learning that lasts a lifetime.

Ready to start your own global adventure?

Learn more about our upcoming voyages and how you can join a future Semester at Sea journey: https://staging.semesteratsea.org/voyages/

🌍 About Semester at Sea:
Semester at Sea is a study abroad program that brings students, faculty, and lifelong learners together on a shipboard campus that sails the world. With a focus on comparative learning and global citizenship, voyagers earn academic credit while traveling to multiple countries across several continents.

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“What have you learned on this journey?”

It’s almost hard to remember the people who stepped onto the ship in Thailand on January 5. Since that day, we’ve traversed countries and continents, plunged ourselves into new places and cultures, expanded our minds and our circle of friends.

In the process of seeing the world, we learned about ourselves. About what’s important to us, about gratitude, about community, and belonging, and home. We learned about what it means to be human. That what connects us is stronger than what is different. How similar we all are.

And over these 106 days, we changed. Our transformations may have been life-shifting or barely-perceptible, internal or external (looking at you, Neptune Day!), or still blossoming and yet to be fully revealed. But one thing is certain, none of us are the same person we were on January 5.

Voyage 135, it’s been a joy to learn and grow with you over the past four months. May the journey that lie before you be as awakening as the one from which you just disembarked.

Vibe and thrive, 135
Morgan & Kyler
Your Spring 2025 Comms Team

Vibe and thrive, 135
Morgan & Kyler
Your Spring 2025 Comms Team

💼 Ready for your own adventure?
✔️ Travel to multiple countries while earning 12-15 transferable credits
✔️ Open to Gap Year, Undergraduate, and Post-Graduate Students
✔️ Financial aid, grants, and scholarships available


🌐 Learn more about Semester at Sea:
👉 Financial Aid & Scholarships
👉 Explore Future Voyages
https://staging.semesteratsea.org/study-around-the-world/

📱 Stay connected and inspired:
Instagram: @semesteratsea
TikTok: @semesteratsea
Facebook: Semester at Sea
LinkedIn: Semester at Sea - ISE

#SemesterAtSea #Voyage135 #StudyAbroadReflections #GlobalLearning

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🌍 “Look at the pictures from outer space…look back at Earth. Do you see any lines? Are there borders drawn anywhere? No! This is one planet. It’s all one humanity.”

Four time Semester at Sea Voyager, Paul Meyer, shares his journey from Staff Photographer to Lifelong Learner, exploring how the experience provided him with the environment to connect with different communities and perspectives on board the ship and around the world.

Learn more ➡️ https://staging.semesteratsea.org/social-evergreen-landing-page-llls/

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