I sailed on the Spring 2024 voyage of Semester at Sea, and it 100% changed my life. Until that point, I had never left the country, so this was definitely a full send. I knew I wanted to go abroad and SAS fit a lot of my criteria. There were adults that cared a lot about where I was and how I was doing, there were lots of scholarship opportunities, there was cultural education that ensured we were prepared and respectful in each country, and I had a consistent home (the ship) while seeing the world. However, that is not to say that the process of getting there was easy. I’ll be writing quite a few posts about my experience, but this one is all about just getting accepted.

Step 1: You need to pick your voyage! The next few years of voyages are on the website and they are all pretty similar. Of course, there are differences that may sway your decision, but if you’re like me and just want to see the world, then you’ll be great with any of them. I knew I wanted a Spring voyage because fall semesters are much more fun at my university and the fall voyage ends really close to Christmas. I wanted to come home after this crazy semester and rest for the summer rather than be thrown right into Christmas and then back to school. Also, look at your school’s scholarships and what adventures are non-negotiable for you. Is a specific semester better for you financially? Do you need time to save up? (Image below is me ATV-ing in Morocco, something I didn’t know I wanted to do until I heard about it – SAVE UP!)

Step 2: Hit APPLY! You’ll create an account and then begin the application like any other college or program. It’s all pretty well explained and easy to do. Then, you’ll get to the cabin question. I chose a Standard cabin to save money as the Premium adds $4,000 to your total. With a Standard, you could have any type of room. I got the worst room, a triple with no window, and it was actually the best bonding experience for my roomies and I. I did 1000% have a small freakout when I saw the room, but it turned out to be a blessing. As a heads up, you do not know your room assignment or if you got your requested roommate until boarding the ship. However, if you select Premium, then you are guaranteed a double with a window, you just still won’t be for sure who your roomie is until Embarkation.

Step 3: Pay that $75 application fee and then be ready to keep forking over random amounts of money for the 50 million other things you need to do to be ready.

Step 4: You’ll receive a log-in to a portal that starts updating about 5 months before your voyage. Here, you’ll pay your deposit, register for classes, request a roommate, register for any field programs (optional), upload medical information, and find the scholarship portal. Scholarships are on a separate portal, but it can be found through the overall portal. If you can, find your voyage’s Instagram page or GroupMe to get updates from other people who don’t care to bug the snot out of the SAS staff. My friend Erin and I also held each other accountable with deadlines and sent each other new scholarships we’d found. Super helpful!

Once you’re in the portal stage, check it every day just in case. They are super clear on everything you need to do for visas, vaccinations, and prescriptions, but it is up to you to be on top of it all. I will say, when SAS says something will be out or ready in a range of time, expect it at the end or even past that range. You got this!