Semester at Sea?

[Anonymous]

My daughter has just been accepted to the Semester at Sea program. We love the idea but don't really know anything about it. We don't know anyone who has done it. I'm looking for any information that DCUMer's might have regarding the program. Did you do it and when? Do you know anyone who has done it? What where your (their) experience with it? Would you recommend it to others? Are you glad you did it and why? Any information would be greatly appreciated! TIA

[Anonymous]

Back in the 80s it was a superficial way for richer kids to cruise around the world and get cursory glance at many countries. Not comparable to a semester studying in a single location. I don't think it's changed much since then from what I hear. It's probably great for certain kids but not in-depth enough for others. I imagine it would be useful to spark a kid's interest in future travel.

[Anonymous]

I know two people who did it and really liked it - those people are around 39 now!

[Anonymous]

I was too poor to even be aware of such a program when I was in college, but it sounds like an intriguing idea.

Hope you get lots of good feedback.

[Anonymous]

My now DH and I went on a summer semester in '05. It was amazing. There definitely were some rich kids treating it as a summer camp/party, but the classes were real and the travel enriching. I recommend it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was too poor to even be aware of such a program when I was in college, but it sounds like an intriguing idea.

Hope you get lots of good feedback.

When I went, it was based out of Pitt where I was already a student. The tuition was the same as if I was taking a semester on campus. No idea if that's the case now that it moved to UVA.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I was too poor to even be aware of such a program when I was in college, but it sounds like an intriguing idea.

Hope you get lots of good feedback.

When I went, it was based out of Pitt where I was already a student. The tuition was the same as if I was taking a semester on campus. No idea if that's the case now that it moved to UVA.

Yep, the only person I know who went (about 15 years ago) was a Pitt student.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back in the 80s it was a superficial way for richer kids to cruise around the world and get cursory glance at many countries. Not comparable to a semester studying in a single location. I don't think it's changed much since then from what I hear. It's probably great for certain kids but not in-depth enough for others. I imagine it would be useful to spark a kid's interest in future travel.

This, but my friend did it in the 90s.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I was too poor to even be aware of such a program when I was in college, but it sounds like an intriguing idea.

Hope you get lots of good feedback.

I'm surprised because they plastered the campus with brochures and flyers back in the day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back in the 80s it was a superficial way for richer kids to cruise around the world and get cursory glance at many countries. Not comparable to a semester studying in a single location. I don't think it's changed much since then from what I hear. It's probably great for certain kids but not in-depth enough for others. I imagine it would be useful to spark a kid's interest in future travel.

This, but my friend did it in the 90s.

Same.

[Anonymous]

It's no longer being run by UVA.

[Anonymous]

From Wiki:

Academic Sponsorship History

Semester at Sea was originally named University of the Seven Seas and later World Campus Afloat before gaining its present name in 1977. On June 1, 2016 Colorado State University located in Fort Collins, CO became the new academic partner for Semester at Sea. Previous sponsors include the University of Virginia (2006–2016), University of Pittsburgh (1981–2006), the University of Colorado (1977–1980), and Chapman University (1965–1975).

[Anonymous]

My friend is a professor on there. She's a high caliber academically, so at least one professor is competent.

[Anonymous]

I knew that name rang a bell. I remember a UVa student was killed a few years ago by a boat's propeller when she was participating in that program. Family is suing. Read the article:

https://www.dailyprogress.com/news/local/uva-semester-at-sea-to-cut-ties-in/article_4de00b9e-f42b-11e3-a421-001a4bcf6878.html

[Anonymous]

The only person I know who did it went to University of Colorado, probably 7-8 years ago.