Sea|mester is the ultimate gap year adventure, where students live aboard a sailing schooner, exploring islands and continents while earning up to 12 college credits in leadership, marine biology, and nautical sciences from the University of South Florida. Build hands-on skills, gain sailing and scuba certifications, and experience true adventure-based learning. With Sea|mester, the ocean becomes your classroom in a life-changing journey that goes way beyond academics.
Sea|mester is adventure-driven learning at its finest. Imagine earning college credits while living on a sailing schooner, where each day you’re immersed in real-world education—diving into topics most students only read about. Study marine biology through hands-on research dives, learn geology by trekking across remote landscapes, and master navigation as you chart a course between islands.
This is active, experience-based learning that builds a stronger transcript and unforgettable life skills. Each day, you’re not just earning credits; you're testing your limits, gaining confidence, and building lifelong connections with your crew. Sea|mester is education that goes beyond academics, bringing your studies alive and inspiring growth and self-discovery in ways a classroom never could.
We run multiple voyages throughout the year. Please visit the voyages page of our website for accurate information on the dates, destinations, and tuitions for our upcoming programs.
This trip was truly life-changing. The friends I met, the places I visited, and the experiences of living aboard a ship have forever changed what I want my future to look like and the path I am going down. From the minute I stepped on board S/Y Vela I felt welcomed and encouraged to be myself and learn as much as I could. From living in a small bunk in the fo'c'sle to the oceanography lectures, raising sails, and coming into port, I will remember every day as one of the best days of my life. To anyone who wants a program to challenge themselves, create lasting memories with lifelong friends, and in search of adventure, I cannot recommend this program enough.