SEA Semester | Study Abroad with SEA Semester: Ocean Science & Sailing Program - Nautical, Maritime, & Oceanography Studies

SEA Semester Schedule

Access the 2011-2012 academic year schedule.

SEA Semester Deadlines

SEA operates on a rolling admission basis; however, we recommend that you apply well in advance for your preferred semesters. We will accept applications on a first-qualified, first-enrolled basis until each class is filled. You should also check with your college Study Abroad advisor regarding specific institutional deadlines for off-campus study.

Merit scholarship award applicants must have completed their SEA Semester application by the scholarship deadline for their preferred semester.

Visiting SEA

We welcome your interest, and we invite and encourage you to visit our campus and the surrounding area. Please call 800-552-3633 x770 to schedule an appointment with the Admissions Office.

How To Apply

SEA Semester operates on a rolling admission basis; we review applications on a first-come, first-served basis until each class is filled. Therefore, we recommend that you apply well in advance of your preferred semester to ensure a spot. Program availability is listed on each program's webpage.

The First Step

To learn which SEA Semester program is right for you, contact your Admissions Counselor! You should also discuss your study abroad plans with your study abroad office and/or academic advisor to make sure of any additional requirements and procedures.

Every semester, SEA Admissions Counselors travel far and wide to visit colleges and universities across the country. Meeting an SEA Admissions Counselor in person is the best way to learn more about SEA Semester, so you should also take a look at our Campus Visits calendar to find out when a Counselor might be in your area!

Meet Your Admissions Counselor

Campus Visits

Application Checklist

Complete an application form. Apply online or download paper application (pdf). If using the paper form, submit via email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), fax to 1-800-977-8516, or mail to SEA Admissions.
Submit the $45 application fee**. Pay online or with a check payable to "Sea Education Association" (please write applicant’s name on the check).
** SEA waives the application fee for students from affiliated institutions.
If you plan to apply for need-based financial aid, download a financial aid application (pdf) and submit it with your application for admission. If you plan to apply for merit scholarships, please note the application deadline for your preferred semester.
Submit two writing samples (500-750 words each):
1. Two-part essay: Why have you chosen to apply to SEA Semester and what do you expect to gain from your experience? How will the SEA Semester program to which you're applying (Ocean Exploration, Oceans & Climate, etc.) complement your education? Be sure to address both questions.
2. Academic writing sample of your own choosing. This should be a reflection of your best written work from a recent course, and applicable to your SEA Semester program of interest (i.e. scientific paper for Oceans & Climate; humanities paper for Colonization to Conservation in the Caribbean, etc.). Please include your name and the context of the sample (course title and brief description of the assignment). Poetry or college entrance essays may be submitted only as a secondary sample.
List your full name on each. Submit via email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), fax to 1-800-977-8516, or mail to SEA Office of Admissions.
Request and submit high school and college transcripts. High school transcripts may be unofficial and sent via fax to 1-800-977-8516 or mailed to SEA Office of Admissions. College transcripts must be official and sent directly from your institution.
Submit two (2) academic references, at least one of which is from an instructor (i.e. professor, academic advisor) who has taught you within the past year. We welcome additional references (i.e. academic, personal, etc.). Access the reference form (pdf) (must be downloaded and saved in order to be completed electronically).
Schedule an interview with your Admissions Counselor. Interviews may be conducted over the phone or in person, depending on the Counselor’s schedule. Topics of conversation may include life at your college/university, academic and extracurricular interests, transition from high school to college, your expectations for life at SEA, and how you learned about our program. The interview is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions about SEA.

Hear from Alumni

Program alumni are some of your best resources for learning more about SEA Semester. We encourage you to read what our students say to hear about the experience from their perspectives!