Semester at Sea
Semester at Sea is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore up to 15 countries in a single semester.
Over the course of 100-110 days, you’ll learn from leading faculty and international experts, engage in hands-on field experiences and service projects in every destination, and earn academic credit. As a Semester at Sea student, you will:
- Develop a keen awareness and understanding of the complexity and interdependence of world systems
- Hone the key skills necessary to compete in today’s rapidly globalizing world
- Apply your knowledge first-hand in a variety of international settings
- Gain a deeper understanding of and critical perspective on your own culture as you learn about others
- Improve your leadership and communication skills
- Discover new career possibilities
- Join a global network of more than 55,000 Semester at Sea alumni
Key information
Application information
Student experience
Haskayne has uploaded a couple of vimeo videos about Semester at Sea:
Three previous student participants speak about their program.
Useful links
Program details
While each voyage is different in terms of the 70+ courses on offer, SAS does publish a list of courses that are frequently offered.
Each of the courses you take will have a on shore 1 day field class integrated into the curriculum and is included in the course tuition fee. All students will take one course in Common: Global Studies.
Students are expected to take 4-5 courses.
For the Business Course Transfer Database, please contact the Haskayne exchange advisors.
Semester at Sea has 2 voyages per year:
- Fall voyages from September to December
- Spring voyages from January to April
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Costs
Program costs can be found on each voyage's page. See details here.
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Funding
Studentships are offered to Haskayne undergraduate students who have been admitted to an upcoming Semester at Sea semester.
What are the requirements to be considered for a studentship
Haskayne School of Business students interested in being considered for a studentship must:
1. Apply to Haskayne’s Outgoing exchanges and get your approval to apply to the host program
2. Apply directly to Semester at Sea for admission into the program (http://www.semesteratsea.org/admission-aid/)
3. Be admitted to the Semester at Sea program
4. Apply for a Brawn Family International Studentship by writing the following three essay questions (also required as part of your Semester at Sea application) and submitting them in person or by email to the Haskayne School of Business’ Undergraduate Programs Office
- How will your Semester at Sea voyage create (or enhance) your personal global perspective?Highlight your discussion by referencing at least one country on your itinerary and by explaining how your time there will further develop your awareness.
- What are your academic goals, and how will Semester at Sea help you to achieve them? Include at least two examples.
- One 300-500 word personal statement that outlines: What activities you will undertake upon your return to the Haskayne School of Business to promote the program and/or understanding or international/cultural issues amongst the student body and the Calgary community?
Students live on the ship, and it is included in the program cost, based on the room type students choose. Options include Inside triple, Inside double, Outside triple and Outside double.
Haskayne students: please visit Haskayne's eligibility page for more information.
All other faculties: you can apply to Semester at Sea as a visiting student, with permission from your home faculty at the UofC. Please speak to your home faculty academic advisors and Semester at Sea directly for more information. Please note, only students enrolled in the Haskayne School of Business are eligible to apply for the Brawn Family Studentship.
For details on all Fall and Winter (Spring) upcoming voyages, see the posted options here.
The advisor for the program is: Erin Mizzoni
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.