Multi-Country • Fall oR Spring
What is an Individualized Study Abroad Program?
This external program type allows you to study abroad and transfer credit to ArtCenter to fulfill major and/or H&S requirements with approval. You may also use state/federal aid if you are eligible through FAFSA.
What is Semester at Sea?
A semester-long study abroad program on a ship. Students sail to 10–11 countries across three or four continents, taking classes on board between ports and spending several days exploring each country through field trips and independent travel.
How to Apply
Step 1 — Submit application to ArtCenter Global Programs portal
Step 2 — Once approved by Global Programs, apply directly to Semester at Sea
Step 3 — Forward your study abroad program acceptance notification to Global Programs
For a detailed breakdown of the full process, visit this page.
Application Timelines
Submit ArtCenter Global Programs application by:
February 1 — Summer or Fall term abroad
September 1 — Spring term abroad
Study abroad program deadlines vary but are typically due one term prior to your term abroad. Check your program for exact deadlines.
Academics
Majors
Students of all majors are eligible to apply.
Credit
Transfer up to 15 credits to ArtCenter
Students seeking transfer credit must complete the course approval process with their department/H&S and ArtCenter’s Global Programs.
Schedule
Dates and ports change with each voyage. Please check the voyage page for exact dates and itinerary.
Fall Term: September – December (typically Europe to Asia)
Spring Term: January - April (typically Asia to Europe)
ELIGIBILITY
• Have completed at least one term at ArtCenter.
• Have at least one term remaining at ArtCenter after returning (to allow time for your credits to transfer).
• Must not have previously participated in an individualized program.
• Not be on academic or disciplinary probation at the time of application or participation.
• At least 12 college credits completed.
• No language requirement.
• Must be 18 or older by the start of the voyage.
If you are not sure if you meet all the minimum eligibility requirements, you are still welcome to apply.
COST
Administrative fee
Pay a $250 fee to ArtCenter’s Global Programs to confirm your participation.
Tuition
Participants pay tuition, housing, and program fees directly to Semester at Sea. The cost depends on the voyage and the cabin you choose (standard or premium). The program fee covers tuition, housing in a shared cabin on the ship, meals, required field classes, travel health insurance, and the fuel fee. For more information, visit Semester at Sea’s program fees page.
No ArtCenter tuition will be due for this program. Students take a leave of absence for the term.
Additional estimated expenses to consider
• $75 application fee, plus a $1,000 deposit due within 30 days of acceptance (applied to your program fee)
• Flights to the starting port and home from the final port
• Passport: $135
• Visas for countries on the itinerary
• Vaccinations, as needed
• Textbooks
• Optional Field Programs and independent travel in port
• Snacks between meals and laundry on board
• Possible fuel surcharge, if fuel costs rise before the voyage
Financial Aid
• ArtCenter institutional scholarships and grants are not available for this program.
• State and federal financial aid may be used if you are eligible through FAFSA and take a minimum of 12 credits towards your degree requirements.
• About 60% of voyagers receive some form of aid. Semester at Sea offers scholarships and need-based grants, including:
– Need-based grants of $250–$10,000 (open to all students)
– Pell Grant Match for students receiving a Federal Pell Grant
– Alumni Support Scholarships of $500–$10,000 (3.0 GPA or above)
• Additional scholarships may be available from outside sources: artcenterstudyaway.com/pay-for-study-away
About The Program
Since the 1960s, Semester at Sea has turned a ship into a campus. Students live aboard the MV World Odyssey, taking classes on sea days and exploring each country in port, often for several days at a time.
Every student takes four courses, including the required Global Studies course, which connects the countries on the itinerary. The other three are chosen from about 70 courses each voyage, across subjects like art, film, photography, music, business, and engineering. Many courses include required field classes in port, so a class on global art might visit museums or artists in the countries you sail to.
In each port, students can join optional Semester at Sea Field Programs or plan their own travel. Upcoming voyages visit 11 countries each, from Vietnam, India, and South Africa to Brazil, Morocco, and Sri Lanka.
Learn More
Semester at Sea website - Voyages, life on board, and admissions.
Explore upcoming voyages - Itineraries, dates, and ports for each semester.
Browse frequently offered courses - Courses that run on most voyages.
Review program fees - Costs by voyage and cabin type.
Find scholarships and grants - Funding options and deadlines.
Check admissions requirements - Eligibility and how to apply.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
Use our online calendar to schedule an appointment!