Study Abroad Library

SEA Semester: Field Programs in Marine & Environmental Studies

Isn't it worth one semester to study three-quarters of the world? Since 1971, SEA Semester has been a leader in study abroad focused on marine science, environmental studies, and maritime culture. Our interdisciplinary programs challenge students intellectually and physically by combining study of the deep ocean with hands-on research and sailing. Based in the world-renowned scientific community of Woods Hole, Massachusetts, SEA Semester provides undergraduates with the opportunity to study the ocean from a multitude of academic perspectives, and do to it from the platform of a traditional sailing vessel. The program begins with a 6-week shore component in Woods Hole. While at the SEA campus, students engage in academic coursework and develop an original research project which they will conduct at sea. Students then set sail on a 6-week research voyage in the Atlantic, Pacific, or Caribbean on one of SEA's 134' tall ship sailing research vessels. Each student completes his or her research project while acting as a full member of the scientific team and sailing crew. Our four diverse SEA Semester programs are the only full-credit programs in the world that combine an engaging academic and research curriculum with the sailing adventure of a lifetime.