WOODS HOLE: Sea Semester
Woods Hole, U.S.
Dates
- Fall Semester - Sept. - Nov. or Oct. - Dec.
- Spring Semester - Jan. - March or Feb. - May
- Summer Full - Late May - Mid July
Application Deadline
- Summer Full - March 1
Description
Study Abroad Coordinator: Colleen Boyle (c.boyle@neu.edu)
A summer Semester with the Sea Education Association (SEA) is unlike any other study abroad program. It combines an intensive four-week shore component in Woods Hole, MA with a four-week sea voyage either in the Atlantic/Caribbean or in the Pacific. (Depending on the time of year, some voyages may go to Nova Scotia). The interdisciplinary course work teaches more than just Maritime Studies, Nautical Science, and Oceanography; it teaches students about team work, cooperation, and seamanship. Students also learn how to sail a boat, from striking and setting sails to navigating and steering.
Note: This program fulfills most Arts & Sciences requirements for the Marine Studies minor. Please consult Peter Rosen in the Geology Department for more information.
Courses
Courses vary based on the specific voyage. Students should work with OISP, your academic advisor, and the Environmental Studies department to determine the appropriate course equivalents for your voyage.
- Students participating in this program are required to take five courses. A student can pay NU's standard undergraduate tuition and transfer back four NU courses, for a total of 16 NU credits. Alternatively, a student may elect to pay a course overload fee, as defined on the NU Registrar's website, and transfer back all five courses, for a total of 20 NU credits. Please note: See Cost section for additional Study Abroad fees.
If you are interested in enrolling in a course not in our database, please send this course for evaluation.
Policies and Process for Evaluations
Host University
Founded in 1971, the Sea Education Association, is recognized as the national leader in education under sail. SEA operates year-round, as do its sailing vessels, which sail as far north as Newfoundland, and as far south as Venezuela. Learning by doing is a powerful elements of SEA's approach to education.
Eligibility Requirements
- 2 completed terms at NU, one of which may be a summer term
- GPA of at least 2.5
- Transfer students and spring admits, please contact OISP for eligibility
Application Procedure
- Completed OISP Application Form
- Completed SEA Application Form
- Personal Statement/ Essay
- Official Transcript
- Photocopy of Passport ID Page
- 2 Letters of Recommendation
Cost
Fall 2013 or Spring 2014: $20,490
Includes: Northeastern University (NU) tuition for 16 NU credits ($20,390), and 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance ($100). Please note that this program requires students to take five courses. Should students choose to transfer back the fifth course, the student will be liable for an additional 4 credit overload fee ($5,100). Students are responsible for all other expenses, including housing and other non-academic costs for which they will be billed directly by the program provider or host institution. Students are also responsible for arranging and purchasing their own flights.
Woods Hole: SEA Semester Study Abroad Program Budget (Semester)
Full Summer 2013: $19,760
Includes: Northeastern University (NU) tuition for 16 NU credits ($19,660), and 24/7 worldwide emergency assistance ($100). Please note that this program requires students to take five courses. Should students choose to transfer back the fifth course, the student will be liable for an additional 4 credit overload fee ($5,100). Students are responsible for all other expenses, including housing and other non-academic costs for which they will be billed directly by the program provider or host institution. Students are also responsible for arranging and purchasing their own flights.
Woods Hole: SEA Semester Study Abroad Program Budget (Summer)
Accommodations
- Students live with other SEA students in cottages on campus in Woods Hole, MA for the first four weeks.
- Students cook together in fully equipped kitchens. While on the research vessel, room and board is fully provided.
Destination
Students spend the first 4 weeks at Woods Hole, a village on the southwestern tip of Cape Cod. This hands-on program combines classroom lectures, lab work, small group discussions, and field excursions. The next 4 weeks are spent sailing on the boat, visiting ports along the way on voyages either in the Atlantic/Caribbean or in the Pacific. For example, cruise tracks in the past have been Papeete, Tahiti to Honolulu, Hawaii. Honolulu, Hawaii to San francisco, CA. Woods Hole, MA to St. Croix, USVI. San Diego, CA to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Key West, Fl to St. Croix, USVI.