Write your own ferry tale this summer when you study abroad on a boat! A step above seasonal lifeguard jobs, this educational experience combines vacation, study, and travel into one adventurous package that’ll provide all the colorful IG photos necessary to ensure starting the new school year as master and commander.
Say ahoy to one of the best decisions you’ll ever make!
Other than the fact that high school at sea is just as fun as it sounds, there’s no shortage of responsible gains: invaluable experiences, a global network of friends and connections, personal growth, course credits, environmental education, and a whole treasure chest of professional resume content. See also: starry nights and millions of fish kisses.
Wave hello to those extra blue skies and jump on board!
Do I need a specific major for high school at sea?
Unless you’ve been going to ballet classes three times a day since age two, there’s a big chance that you’re still undecided as to what profession to dedicate your life to. And that’s A-okay.
High school is all about figuring out what floats your boat and, whether you are already a frequent flier member or this is your first study abroad experience, meaningful travel experiences help do just that.
While those with a passion for marine biology, conservation, and natural sciences will certainly get a big step-up content-wise for college studies, a high school at sea program is beneficial for anyone and looks stellar on any type of resume.
What WOW!’s the most is the fact that you decided to invest time meaningfully, expand education voluntarily, and take action rather than just fishing upon a star. Plus, the personal development gained from such an experience is really what’ll separate your admission from the school of low-swimming fishes.
10 benefits of studying abroad at sea
1. Make mother nature your classroom…
No matter where high school at sea takes you, you’ll get some pretty incredible views.
You’re on a boat (you’re on a boat)! What better way to spend a summer vacation than cruising between Caribbean islands and stocking up on that Vitamin Sea? Adolescent life is defined by classrooms and most summer jobs are under fluorescent lights, so break free from the brick buildings and cleanse yourself with a salty sunbath (and, of course, wildly beneficial new skills and personal growth). Movement, outside time, and fresh sea air is great for the soul and body!
2. … while earning college credits!
While you’re being happy as a clam, you’re also stocking up on college credits. That’s right: instead of cramming for big exams, get ahead by devotin’ full time to floatin’. The skills, knowledge, experience, and lessons gained when you study abroad on a boat outshine any lecture and comprehension quiz. And since school on a cruise ship and other types of vessels often happens in the summer, you don’t even need to take any time off from school semesters to rack on your golden starfish to those resumes.
3. Expand your horizons
Bond with your crew and make new friends for life!
Eye-opening experiences and new perspectives are the biggest takeaway from high school abroad programs; this is basically a guarantee when you wake up to a new horizon every morning. Active learning and hands-on discoveries simultaneously develop awareness and place you out of your comfort zone (shark cage diving is not for the weak!), which prepares your mind for all sorts of new data analysis in the future.
4. Fast and furious
High school at sea programs tend to be short: three weeks or less. This is mostly due to operating costs and affordability, (also: 21 days is a long time to share a small space with ten roommates), but there is a big advantage to this compression of education and experience: by packing a punch, you save a lot of time. That means, no time to be bored and maybe extra vacation days around your destination! Pack an additional pair of swimwear, just in case.
5. All hands on deck
Time at sea with a small group of people means new BFFs, clear communication, teamwork, and skill sharing. It takes a team to ensure smooth sailing of daily tasks at sea and each individual has some responsibility to keep the catamaran afloat. Sometimes, it’s a bit of up’s and down’s, as waters may get rough in stormy weather, but the sense of camaraderie that develops and positive pier pressure is beautiful.
Safe, fun, and fulfilling!
6. No icebergs in the Caribbean
Not only is it impossible to follow in the dark footsteps of Titanic, but study abroad at sea programs prioritize safety for all participants. Emergency action plans, intensive staff training, safety briefings, up-to-date risk assessments, and 24/7 access to medical treatment is part of every reputable program. So if you’re afraid of getting seasick, worry not: there is a dock aboard to cure any bouts of low tides. (And there’s enough lifeboats for everyone.)
7. Rite of Passage: the Ring of Fire
A high school at sea program amounts to proving your strength and becoming Sharkbait, hoo ha ha (not literally though!). The soft skills acquired while exploring oceanography first-hand are gonna be a lot more than those acquired by reading a textbook passage out loud in class. New levels of maturity, independence, confidence, and coral reef vocab can all be added to your high school resume after this immersive experience among the water.
8. Save cute animals
High school on a cruise ship or catamaran isn’t all about drinking smoothies out of coconuts and building sandcastles: there are also dolphins to play with and turtles to track. Marine biology and animal preservation form the spine of most school at sea programs and there is no better way to lecture on the importance of aquatic animals than with some hands-on (ethical) playtime, data analysis, and shellfish selfies.
9. PADI certification
Now’s your chance to scuba dive in the name of college credit.
While all of your friends are spending lazy evenings getting pedis, you’re busy jumping to new depths and resurfacing with a couple of PADI certificates. Many study abroad on a boat programs offer sailing or scuba diving certificates at the end of the session. These open the door to more advanced scholastic sessions at sea, as well as to potential work opportunities within the field. Not to mention, that’s one awesome skill to brag about back home!
10. Open your mind, conserve the sea
Last but naut least, there is a big emphasis on environmental education among school at sea programs. These programs are leagues apart from racing around on jet boats at your local lake. Respected programs are investing in the newest clean technologies, teaching the importance of healthy marine ecosystems, and partnering up with research organizations and rescue centers to make a positive difference.
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Study abroad on a boat and cruise into your future
After a summer of school at sea, you’ll come back to your hometown as the big fish in the little pond—and transition into a college dorm as the coolest little fish in the big pond.
It’s aboat time that the classroom expands into a vast, relevant world and lesson plans include majestic sunsets. Whether you need to spice up high school life, your biggest dream is to become a marine biologist, or you want to show off on those work/college applications, study abroad at sea is the correct choice. With a new international network and seven new ways to tie a knot, future academic opportunities have never looked brighter.
What are you waiting for? Sailabrate good times and seas the day!
Browse ALL high school programs abroad on GoAbroad.com
This article was written with help from Broadreach. Established in 1993, Broadreach offers more than 50 meaningful programs to middle school, high school, and college students. Participants of all majors and academic interests can expect safe, fun, and enriching activities and experiences while exploring the world with Broadreach.
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