Sea Education Association: The Global Ocean
- Location(s): Programs at Sea, Multi-Region: Barcelona, Spain: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain: Palma de Mallorca / Mallorca Island, Spain: Auckland, New Zealand: Christchurch, New Zealand: Dunedin, New Zealand: Field Programs in New Zealand, New Zealand: Multiple, New Zealand: Hawaii, United States
- Program Type(s): Study Abroad, Research
Sea Education Association
Humans are tied to the ocean... A humanities and ocean science program that builds from science-based observations and inspires a human-centered approach to solving the challenges presented by global climate change. Global Ocean Hawai’i features a... read more
All Reviews
Very challenging, but an irreplaceable experience unlike any other program out there. Lauren_1499 - Ithaca College View Entire Review
Best thing I have done so far in college. I would love to go back and do it again. Kelsey W - Stonehill College View Entire Review
Yes. We learned about ourselves, to push farther than we thought possible, to try everything, to enjoy anything, to be happy, to care about the world we live in. Shelley K - Colby College View Entire Review
It's a completely new environment, so you learn a lot about yourself by how you react to the different situations. Emily N - Kenyon College View Entire Review
Apart from an extensive knowledge of oceanography and the maritime world which I never before possessed, nor imagined could become so useful, I am perhaps most grateful to SEA for its ability to build character. The grueling schedule and challenging transfer of responsibilities, while daunting and exhausting at first, quickly be... Marina C - Columbia University View Entire Review
SEA has changed my life. I met some of my best friends on the trip, I learned so much about the oceans that most people don't even think about, and I learned a ton about myself. You definitely develop a sense of teamwork and understanding of others. After SEA I have picked up an major in Environmental Studies. It has also lit ... Blais H - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
It was very worthwhile. I learned lots about the ocean, gained friendships that I don't think you can get with other programs, and had a great time. I now have a greater appreciation for the ocean and memories I'll keep forever. Eric S - Syracuse University View Entire Review
Annie F - University of Michigan - Ann Arbor View Entire Review

Most worthwhile decision of my life! You gain a unique appreciation for and understanding of the world and environment around us, through an oceanographic/sailing lens. The only way to travel is by ship. I now plan to work on ships for some time after college and want to go into experiential education because SEA truly changed m... Elizabeth D - Williams College View Entire Review
The program is definitely worthwhile. I just learned so many life lessons, about myself and in general. Living on a boat opens you up to so many new ways of thinking and what you truly appreciate and what is just trivial. There are really no words to describe the experience, it will be different for everyone, but I loved it. Stephanie M - Hamilton College View Entire Review
Very worthwhile, I learned so much about science, sailing and living with small group of people in the middle of the ocean. A student - Hampshire College View Entire Review
It was definitely worthwhile; although it was almost completely irrelevant to my computer science education (and likely career), I knew this going in and I had the time of my life. It was the perfect combination of immersion, classroom education and practical experience that I yearned for at that point in my life. It's such an a... Zachary H - Macalester College View Entire Review
Absolutely worthwhile! I loved every minute of it (yes even when dirty and tired) and I love the way SEA runs its programs. It is rare to find an establishment that runs more smoothly than SEA, I have yet to find one. I really think what they do is amazing and they do it right and hope to come back and work for SEA in future. Mariya O - Drexel University View Entire Review
I understand the sea so much better after my experience. This experience was easily the most worthwile experience of my life thus far. SEA Semester opened my eyes to a world that I thought only existed hundreds of years ago or in fairytales. John C - Northeastern University View Entire Review
I learned how to sail and conduct research on an ocean vessel. I was able to experience the Hawaiian culture, not just as a tourist but with a locals perspective and historical perspective. It was totally worth all the times I didn't want to get out of bed but had to get up for my watch. Heart pounding squalls, beautiful sunsets... Laura K - Eckerd College View Entire Review
I started this program terrified of the ocean. I wanted to conquer my fears and I did. I bonded with a group of 35 people I will never forget. I became a much more confident person, willing and able to conquer challenges. I've seen and experienced people and places that won't ever be erased from my memory. Emma P - Knox College View Entire Review
The knowledge gained on that program was invaluable. I just wish it wasn't so physically, mentally and emotionally taxing. It builds character. Giulia A - University of Washington View Entire Review
SEA Semester will teach you independence and decision-making, in addition to its usual curriculum of oceanography, maritime history, and nautical science. By the end of the program, you're in charge of navigating and conducting research from a 135-foot brigantine sailing through some of the world's most beautiful oceans. Every... Zena C - University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill View Entire Review
Definitely! It was an incredible experience that I learned so much from, academically and about myself. Amanda H View Entire Review
About
Humans are tied to the ocean... A humanities and ocean science program that builds from science-based observations and inspires a human-centered approach to solving the challenges presented by global climate change. Global Ocean Hawai’i features a six-week shore component in Woods Hole followed by six weeks of sailing through the Hawaiian Islands. In Woods Hole, home to world-renowned leaders in climate and ocean science, you will develop your semester-long research project, review essential literature, and design a plan for original oceanographic research. You’ll meet with experts in the Woods Hole science community to discuss a range of climate related issues including migration and displacement, food and water security, environmental justice, and alternative governance and adaptation strategies. Dynamic interactive courses in oceanography, communication, and leadership will prepare you for the sailing and field research phase of the program.The sailing component begins in Honolulu. Through daily oceanographic surveys, classroom discussions, and navigational training while at sea, you will gain a unique and valuable perspective of climate change that links oceanic and terrestrial systems. The cruise track returns to the island of Oahu and a final onboard symposium featuring student presentations of field research and storytelling projects.
Program Type(s):
Study AbroadResearch
Program Length(s):
- Spring
Instruction Language(s):
- English
Relevant Study Subject(s):
- Environmental Studies
- Environmental Science
- Pacific Area Studies
- Liberal Arts, General Studies
- Interdisciplinary Studies
- Maritime Studies
- Marine Sciences
- Social Sciences
- Anthropology
- History
Minimum GPA:
0.0Year Founded:
1971Website
N/AStatistics
Sea Education Association Scholarships
One award per year available to a deserving Journalism major.
$2,500
For Bermuda students enrolled in SEA Semester, SEA will match the scholarship value for any student who receives an award from The National Transportation Board or the Bermuda Zoological Association.
Matched
If you learned about SEA Semester from an alumnus or alumna of our program, you may be eligible for this award.
Up to $2,500
One award is available per each SEA Semester class for a student from one of the five colleges in the "5-College Consortium" (Smith College, Mt. Holyoke College, Amherst College, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Hampshire College).
$5,000
One award per year is available to a resident of Canada participating in a SEA Semester.
Up to $5,000
Videos
Featured Sea Education Association Programs
Pursue a more sustainable relationship with our oceans... Voyage to paradise in this place-based and comparative environmental studies semester. Visit several South Pacifi...
Using the same portable next generation sequencing platform employed on the International Space Station and in both the Arctic and Antarctic wilderness, students enrolled ...
Now accepting applications for Spring 2022!
Humans are tied to the ocean... A humanities and ocean science program that builds from science-based obse...
Take a multi-pronged approach to effective reef conservation… Chronicle the state of coral reef ecosystems...