An early morning, watching the sunset with calm waters, watching dolphins swim by. Semester at Sea- the opportunity of a lifetime.
Also known as SAS, Semester at Sea is a unique, transformative experience. SAS is one of the many routes students can take after graduation; the program is considered a study-abroad option. Students live on a cruise ship, “My World Odyssey,” which is a 590-foot, seven-deck cruise ship. It contains amenities like a library, two dining halls, three snack bars, a wellness center, and an outdoor pool. Residents also obtain schooling while on the ship, while traveling to at least 10 various exotic countries. The trip is 100+ days, and students earn 12 to 15 academic credits from Colorado State University. Housing on the ship is unique, with small cabins around 90-240 square feet, where the student also has a roommate. It is essentially like a cruise, but to many, it was not just a long, simple vacation; it was more.
SAS involves traveling to countries one might have never been to, meeting and making friends from around the world, and finding a community that they will cherish forever. SAS’s website states that 97% of voyagers say SAS was their most significant college experience, and 73% of voyagers experience a long-term positive impact. LHS alumna, Elise Poe, recently returned from her travels on voyage 136.
“Semester at Sea really changed my life; seeing the world firsthand gave me experiences I could have never imagined in a classroom,” said Poe.
Poe traveled to over 10 countries in the span of six months, opening her eyes to different cultural experiences and seeing firsthand the worldwide diversity in different countries. On SAS, schoolwork is a requirement, and students continue to focus on academics while on board.
“School could be a little tricky sometimes, because of the schedule. A week at sea, a week in port, plus classes on the weekends and holidays. It took some planning, but the work itself wasn’t too difficult, and the professors were really helpful and understanding,” said Poe.
While on a SAS, students quickly gain fast friendships and make lifetime connections with other students from all over the world.
“The community was incredible, everyone was supportive and friendly. The professors were amazing, and the people we met in other countries were always kind and generous,” said Poe.
The world is a diverse place with countless different cultures and differences. SAS is a perfect opportunity to get out in the world and see what it has to offer.
“Semester at sea opened my eyes to how diverse and unique the world really is. I saw how different communities live and realized that people with very little can still be some of the happiest,” said Poe.
Thousands apply for SAS, but a select 400-550 get the opportunity to actually go. Making the trip and opportunity more special and rewarding. One obtains schooling, travels the world, and most of all, makes lifetime friendships. While on the ship, students see familiar faces, make friends, and then, sooner rather than later, it eventually becomes a community, including the staff.
“I would recommend SAS to anyone; the experiences you have, the friends you make, and the places you see are unforgettable. I would do anything to go back,” said Poe.
Even though Poe had to ‘wave’ goodbye to SAS, future students still have a chance to apply, and travel around the world and ‘sea’ what the world has to offer after high school.
