frequently asked questions
Semester at Sea
What is Semester at Sea?
The answer to this question has its own page. Click here.
Wouldn't it be better to do a study abroad where I live in one country the whole time?
No, not really. Any study abroad is a fantastic opportunity, but when else in your life will you have the chance to travel to such a vast array of places and experience so many cultures all on one trip. The way I looked at it was, I can always go live in another country for a year or two, but would I actually be able to go to all of these great places that Semester at Sea offers? I mean, without Semester at Sea, I probably would have never gone to Vietnam or Japan, two countries I absolutely love (I've since been back to Vietnam for another trip and lived a year in Japan!) Of course, the best case scenario is if you can do Semester at Sea and a semester of traditional study abroad.
Did you get credit for your courses?
Yes. Since Semester at Sea is run by the University of Pittsburgh, most universities will transfer all of your credits. When they sent me the list of courses for me to sign up, I took them to my university's academic/transcript people and told them, "I'm thinking of taking these classes and wanted to make sure they would transfer." They all did!
What classes did you take?
Most of the courses offered on the ship are humanities courses (a couple were biology, I think) and the courses change from semester to semester (because the professors change too). Though I was getting a Bachelor of Science degree, I planned ahead and saved my humanities course for this trip. I took the "Core" course which is required for everyone and teaches you all about the countries (good for a geography credit!). I also took "Religions of Asia," "Foreign Film," and "Cultures of Africa" which was an anthropology course.
Is it true that Semester at Sea is a booze cruise?
Not really. Even though the international drinking age is 18, I found that only a small group of students (say about 20%) regularly partied it up on the ship. Unfortunately, that 20% is probably the most visible group and so it seems like more. Every voyage is different, but that's my story.
Did you get sick?
Of course. But the better question is: Was it worth it? You bet. I got the flu in India and a couple of stomach things from some crazy food, but nothing too serious. If you manage to get yourself pretty sick, there is a doctor on board and ready to take care of you.
Did you get seasick?
Not a once. I'd say about 1/3 of the passengers got seasick and most of them got over it in a day or two. Personally, I found the motion of the ship rather soothing, making sleeping a more likely option than studying.
Did you have to get shots for the trip?
Well now, you don't have to do anything. But yes, I did. Let's see, I got Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever shots. I also took Malaria pills. Check with the CDC to see what they recommend for your semester's countries. Just think, a few days of a sore arm and 8 years of care-free travel!
What was your favorite country?
This is a tough one and the one most often asked. I'd say I liked India the best because it was the country most different from the U.S. Vietnam was great, too...and Brazil...and Kenya.
How much does it cost?
Ahh, yes. The mother of all questions. I'm not entirely sure how much it costs now, but when I went, the tuition and board was around 10,000. Now hold on, before you totally write it off, I should say that I qualified for financial aid (which I didn't have to work for or pay back) which cut my cost down to 6,000. Normally, I wouldn't qualify for financial aid but because so many people that do participate in Semester at Sea can afford to go, I was considered worthy. There are also work study programs which cut the cost even more. While in the countries, you can do what you want which includes optional tours. I spent about 2,000 on these tours and independent travel. Also, you have got to get yourself to the ship and back which for me meant a plane ticket to the Bahamas and one back from Seattle (about 600). Don't be discouraged! Contact Semester at Sea and find out the whole story!
When should I go?
Is that "When should I go: spring or fall?" or is that "When I should go: sophomore, junior, or senior year?" For the first question, I'd say take a look at the countries to help you decide. I thought the spring voyage had a more diverse lineup which was what I wanted (anyone can go to Europe on their own). Also I think the spring trip has more laid back students (you know, less on the ball types). For the second question, I was one of a few sophomores on the trip which wasn't really a big deal until I got back after having this amazing experience and had to spend two more years in Oklahoma before I graduated. I'd recommend going as a junior so that you don't have to worry about your university's graduation requirements (i.e. the last 30 hours cannot be transfer credits).
My Semester at Sea Website
Why did you make a website?
Initially, I made the website to share my pictures with my relatives and friends. Then I started getting emails from people interested in going on Semester@Sea. To this day, most of the traffic on my site is for Semester@Sea. Not too long ago, I finally decided to update the look of the site - you know, to bring it into the 21st century. Here are links to old incarnations: v2.0
How did you make this site?
Okay, no one really asks this question, but I'll tell you anyway. This site was made with Transitional XHTML and CSS. It's even 508 compliant for sight-assisted people! I know... I'm a dork. (See below)
Did you take all the pictures?
Most of the pictures on this site were photographed by me, with the exception being the majority of pictures in the "Favorite Photos" section and a few others here and there. These pictures have the photographers' names by them.
Can I use your picture?
Awww, shucks. I'm honored. But seriously folks, please don't use these pictures without the photographer's permission. We're nice people... Don't be afraid to ask.
Me
Are you a computer nerd?
Aren't we all computer nerds, really, in our own way? But, yes, I am. I program computers for a "living."