Written by DIWYY guest writer, Katie, who studied abroad with Semester at Sea.
What circumnavigates the globe at 20 mph, makes 10 different stops in 10 different cultures and is amidst a countless number of languages in a matter of 91 days? The answer: Semester at Sea.
Each semester, the MV Explorer embarks on another journey on the high seas as a ship full of 700 bright eyed students and faculty set out to explore new horizons. Hong Kong, India, Brazil and South Africa are among a few of the stops that my ship sailed to. I was immersed in unusual languages, foods, cultures, sights, smells and time zones for an unforgettable 13 weeks of my life. I learned a wealth of knowledge including learning how to play the “African drums” aboard the ship while the ocean water sprayed our classroom windows. I also learned what it was like to greet new friends with “Ni hao” in China and “Namaste” in India and mastered the art of going to the bathroom in a “squatty potty”. I discovered the value of adapting and inheriting cultures other than my own, and the importance of respecting each human being on this planet as a fellow pilgrim on the journey, seeing how very similar we all are, below our many outward differences. I know I will be forever changed by the people I crossed paths with, the many ports that I sailed to and the teachers aboard the MV Explorer. If you are up for a wild, nonstop, and life changing study abroad experience, I highly recommend checking out Semester at Sea.
Interested in going? Check out Semester at Sea’s Prospective Student page which has information about upcoming trips, how to apply, costs/financial aid, and what types of classes you can take.
Are you a SAS alum? We’d love to hear your story too! Email [email protected].
