About Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea is a global study abroad program operated by the non-profit Institute for Shipboard Education (ISE) in Charlottesville, Virginia. The University of Virginia is the program's academic sponsor.

Semester at Sea takes a global comparative approach to study abroad using a ship as its traveling campus and sailing to between eight and thirteen destinations on each voyage. Built in 2002, the MV Explorer is one of the fastest, safest, and most technologically advanced passenger ships afloat. More than 45,000 students from colleges and universities around the world have studied with Semester at Sea. Notable alumni and contributors include Nobel Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and many other world leaders and global thinkers.