Explore the world with Sea|mester just like Destiny

Sea|mester is a one-of-a-kind study abroad and gap year program where students live aboard one of our sailing vessels as they learn to sail around the world, scuba dive, and explore new cultures — all while earning school credit.

Enter your name, email, and phone number on the form at the top of this page to start the process (or click here).

After submitting your information, you will be sent our upcoming voyage itineraries and be able to apply, schedule a call with us, or call a program coordinator immediately. We hope to see you on the next page!

For us, it all started in the mid-1970s when Jim Stoll (founder of the original company) began a high school aboard two large schooners. Twelve years later, with children of his own, Jim moved back ashore to develop motivational programs for young adults. In the mid-eighties he once again headed to the water, to run the teen program ActionQuest. In 1995, Jim was joined by Mike Meighan. A recent oceanography and marine biology graduate, Mike dreamed of creating a truly interactive educational experience. Using the principles of experiential education, Mike developed Sea|mester in 1998.

Over the past 25+ years, Sea|mester has operated more than 113,000 student days, issued over 16,000 academic credits, sailed in excess of 250,000 nautical miles, and circumnavigated the world multiple times.

Most students are typically either graduating high school or in their sophomore or junior years in college, so you can expect ages primarily from 17 through 22. Sometimes we allow students up to 24, depending on circumstance.

As fun as it is being looked at like a full-blown pirate, yes, we try to keep everything above aboard at the customs line by having a valid, up-to-date passport.

Good question! We are a diverse cast of characters, and we come from all different backgrounds – Captains, Marine Engineers, Marine Biologists, Oceanographers. Some of our team came to Sea|mester to study abroad in college and found their way back realizing that their life’s work was here to bring up the next generation. Despite how we all arrived from the disparate places we came from, we can say definitively that we all share a deep desire to reach others, discover new ways and evolve together.

The glorious world wide web is available… but only for special occasions like the ship’s daily blog posts to update friends and family.

Don’t panic, it’ll still be there for you when you get back ashore. We just truly believe in the ever-increasingly “rare” opportunity to unplug and allow yourself to connect with your amazing environment and those around you.

We always maintain a satellite uplink for communications so email can be sent if need be, but the vast majority of your time spent bragging how much fun you’re having will be done ashore via international calls.

In many cases, yes. While the environment we create is appropriate for most, it is not for everyone. Successful Sea|mester students are in good physical and emotional health and have an interest in immersing themselves fully in our community. Sea|mester students are excited to learn new skills, experience new places and are capable of working positively within a close-knit team even when tired. While it’s natural for new students to be a little nervous before joining our team, prospective students should reconsider if dealing with behavioral, motivational, or rehabilitation issues. If you are unsure whether our adventure is suitable, please enter your name and email on the form at the top of the page and you can call the number on the next page to discuss your needs with us, and we will work towards accommodating them if we can.

It is imperative we’re transparent about the challenges of sailing — any program that 100% guarantees safety is selling you a bill of goods. That said, we do everything possible to manage risk and remain fully prepared for any scenario. We make sure to implement the best gear and equipment, employ the best and brightest in the industry, and train rigorously. All of our vessels are carefully maintained and inspected regularly by Britain’s premiere nautical and ocean-going monitor. We also are proud to be partnered with an international emergency response firm, and you can rest easy knowing that we are always with a satellite uplink and radio communications.

We work with International SOS and MedAire to provide integrated emergency services for the remote environments we travel in. These are US-based companies with an international footprint. Through a single point of contact, our Membership extends us world-class medical advice, security services, and evacuation coordination anywhere in the world so we are prepared for any and all scenarios at passage and ashore.

Great question. If you can see yourself excelling in our program then fill out the form at the top of this page and we will send you our upcoming voyage itineraries and their tuition costs.

Read the scholarship FAQ below for more info.

Absolutely! On average 1 out of 3 students who apply receive scholarships.

We offer scholarships up to 40% of your total voyage cost (unfortunately, we cannot offer more.) Please know that offers are based on need and determined on a case-by-case basis. If you have special circumstances regarding your financial needs please let us know in your application essay for us to take into consideration. We can work with your school officers to help navigate your specific situation.

*We also accept any of your existing private grants, GI bills, 529 plans, and more.