Do you need a passport for Semester at Sea?

Yes, a passport is absolutely required for Semester at Sea (SAS), and it must be valid for at least six months beyond the end date of your specific voyage, plus you need sufficient blank pages for all the visas required for the countries on your itinerary, with instructions and requirements provided by SAS about 4-5 months before sailing.

What are the requirements for a Semester at Sea?

Semester at Sea requires you to upload a copy of your official academic transcript from your current or most recent high school. Your academic transcript must note your full name, the name of your high school, your course history, your current course schedule, term GPA, and cumulative GPA.

Can I get a student visa without a passport?

Because visas are stamped directly into passports, you must have a valid passport in order to be issued a visa, which is why we recommend getting your passport ASAP if you do not already have one!

Do you need a passport to travel by sea?

Everyone will need to present an accepted form of identification to board the ship. We strongly recommend that all guests present a passport as their form of ID on boarding day, and for some guests a passport is required. The passport must be valid for six months after the day your cruise ends.

Is it hard to get into Semester at Sea?

No, Semester at Sea (SAS) isn't hard to get into if you meet basic academic requirements, as they aim to make study abroad accessible, focusing on rolling admissions and first-come, first-served for spots, though applying early is key, especially for popular cabin types. Admission is generally straightforward for students in good standing, with a preferred 2.5 GPA, though they review holistically and accept students from all majors, even working with those below the GPA. 

Getting my passport for Semester at Sea! | Prepping and Planning for SAS SP22

What is the #1 hardest school to get into?

There isn't one single #1 hardest school, as it varies slightly by year and source, but Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech consistently rank among the top, often with acceptance rates below 4%, with some lists pointing to Harvard or even Minerva University as the absolute lowest (around 1-3%) due to extreme competition and high standards. 

How much does a Semester at Sea actually cost?

Semester at Sea costs vary by voyage (Fall/Spring) and cabin type, but expect the program fee (tuition, room, board, fuel, insurance, basic internet) to range roughly from $33,000 to $40,000+, with total out-of-pocket costs, including flights, visas, books, and personal spending, potentially reaching $42,000 to over $45,000, though scholarships can significantly reduce this. For example, Spring 2025 was around $32,900 (standard) to $36,100 (premium), while Fall 2026 is priced around $34,900 (standard) to $39,900 (premium).
 

Can I use my driver's license to go to the Bahamas?

You can't go to the Bahamas with just a regular driver's license for air travel; you need a passport, but for cruises from the U.S., a valid driver's license plus an original birth certificate (or other WHTI-compliant ID like an Enhanced Driver's License or Passport Card) can work for closed-loop cruises (starting/ending in the same U.S. port). However, a passport book is always recommended for emergencies or if you need to fly back unexpectedly, as regular IDs aren't sufficient for air travel back to the U.S. from the Bahamas. 

Can I use a REAL ID instead of a passport for a cruise?

No. REAL ID cards cannot be used for international sea cruise travel.

What beach does not require a passport?

U.S. citizens can travel to American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands without a passport.

Can I study abroad without a passport?

To travel abroad, you must have a passport. The E&H Office of International Education Passport Project provides grants for passport fees ($165) for all students who apply for a passport to study abroad. All you have to do is complete a short application and explain why you want a passport.

What is the new rule for student visa?

The new DHS plan eliminates the duration of status, stipulating that F and J visa holders be approved for no more than four years. Students unable to complete their degree in that time period would have to apply for an extension of stay with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.

What country can a US citizen go to without a passport?

You can travel without a U.S. passport to U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands, plus other U.S. states like Hawaii and Alaska, needing only a government-issued photo ID. For international travel, Canada and Mexico are popular options requiring specific IDs (like a passport card or enhanced license), and closed-loop cruises to the Caribbean or Mexico also allow passport-free travel. 

How do people afford a Semester at Sea?

You can pay for Semester at Sea through its interest-free monthly payment plan or by using various funding sources like federal student aid (FAFSA), home university funds, SAS scholarships, private loans, student assistantships, veterans benefits, outside scholarships (e.g., Gilman, Fei), and creative fundraising, with payments made via ACH, credit card, or wire transfer through the student portal. The main cost involves the voyage fee, plus onboard spending and travel, with a deposit required upfront. 

Is it hard to get into seu?

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are. The acceptance rate at Southeastern University is 61.7%. For every 100 applicants, 62 are admitted.

Is a Semester at Sea worth it?

For students looking for more than a typical single-country study abroad experience, Semester at Sea opens up a world of possibilities for academic, cross-cultural, and personal growth.

What can I use instead of a passport for a cruise?

U.S. citizens on closed-loop cruises will be able to enter or depart the country with proof of citizenship, such as an Enhanced Driver's License (EDL), a government-issued birth certificate (issued by the Vital Records Department in the state where he or she was born) or passport, and if 16 or older, a government ...

Can I use a REAL ID instead of a passport?

No, a REAL ID does not replace a passport for international travel; a passport is always required for that, but a REAL ID (or a passport) serves as valid ID for domestic flights and accessing federal facilities starting May 7, 2025, though a passport works for both domestic and international travel, making it more versatile. 

Can I use my birth certificate to go on a cruise?

Yes, a state-issued birth certificate plus a government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license) is generally acceptable for U.S. citizens on "closed-loop" cruises (starting and ending in the same U.S. port, typically to the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, etc.), but a passport is always best, while children under 16 only need the birth certificate; however, hospital certificates, photocopies (unless digital submission for online check-in), and some Puerto Rican birth certificates are not valid.
 

Can I go to The Bahamas with just my birth certificate?

Children under age 16 can use a birth certificate, naturalization certificate or certificate of citizenship IF they are traveling to and from The Bahamas by sea.

Can I get off a cruise ship without a passport?

Yes, for "closed-loop" cruises (starting and ending in the same U.S. port) to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, U.S. citizens can often get off the ship without a passport, using a birth certificate and government-issued photo ID (like a driver's license), but a passport is strongly recommended for emergencies like medical evacuations or missed ship connections, which require flying home internationally. A passport is required for one-way cruises or itineraries visiting certain countries (like Colombia, Panama, Greenland). 

Can I use my birth certificate instead of a passport?

Generally, no, you cannot use a birth certificate instead of a passport for most international air travel, as a passport is required to identify you as a citizen and allow entry into foreign countries; however, some exceptions exist for land/sea travel to Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean islands for closed-loop cruises, where a birth certificate plus a government ID (like a REAL ID or driver's license) might suffice for U.S. citizens under specific conditions, but it's a less secure option and a passport is always best. 

Is it hard to get accepted to Semester at Sea?

No, Semester at Sea (SAS) isn't hard to get into if you meet basic academic requirements, as they aim to make study abroad accessible, focusing on rolling admissions and first-come, first-served for spots, though applying early is key, especially for popular cabin types. Admission is generally straightforward for students in good standing, with a preferred 2.5 GPA, though they review holistically and accept students from all majors, even working with those below the GPA. 

Can I use FAFSA for Semester at Sea?

Does Semester at Sea offer financial assistance? Yes. ISE offers a variety of need-based financial awards. Students who qualify for federal aid and loans can also receive ISE assistance.

Is Semester at Sea all inclusive?

All meals aboard the ship are included — even on days in port. Meals are served buffet-style three times a day. Vegetarian options are made available at every meal. A late-night snack for a quick study break is also available most evenings at sea.