Next Monday, I’ll be off on the adventure of a lifetime. I knew I wanted to do Semester at Sea even before I decided which college to attend. Like any parent, my mother was initially inquisitive about the program. After all, a four-month cruise for as much as almost triple the price of in-state tuition was bound to raise some concern. Her first question was, “What do they do if pirates attack?” I laughed it off and forwarded the question to Semester at Sea to humor her. What pirates would want to hijack a vessel filled with 700 American college students? I was optimistic about the trip. We would begin in the Bahamas and travel to Spain, Italy, Turkey and Egypt before heading towards Asia. But one month before we were due to sail, I received an e-mail saying because of the rising risk of pirates in the Red Sea we would be re-routed around the coast of Africa. It was a good reminder to stay flexible.
Since then I’ve realigned my focus for the trip. It won’t be a regular study abroad experience, and I’m not going to be a tourist. I’m going to fascinating places that most Americans only dream about, or at the very least skim the headlines concerning the most recent events affecting that nation. My classmates and I will be affected by world events personally rather than merely reading about them. It will be the opportunity of a lifetime to travel the world, meet new cultures and gain a global perspective. And I couldn’t be more excited.
Semester at Sea offers the unique opportunity to study and learn on location simultaneously. It is a private organization but the University is its academic sponsor. This means = any student may apply for SAS, but the University will administer the academic side of the voyage. Classes are held while at sea between ports. Every class will have field requirements — required practicums students must complete in certain ports. Students may also venture off on their own or do a SAS-sponsored trip when not fulfilling field practicum. My tentative schedule includes a camel trek through the Sahara, camping and star-gazing in Namibia, living in a remote village in India and staying with college students in Beijing. I’ll also be making stops in South Africa, Mauritius, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Hawaii and Guatemala.
I’m not sure what ship life will be like. There are seven decks on the MV Explorer comprising a pool, spa, fitness room, dining room and common areas for classes and social affairs. While on the boat students will share standard ship-size cabins based on price. These range from a quad — one roommate, no porthole and shared bathroom with two others — to a double — one roommate, porthole and private bathroom. The almost $6,000 difference decided the dilemma for me. There will likely be some alternative activities, as well, to keep 700 students entertained for the trans-Atlantic and Pacific voyages.
For the past several days I have been running around trying to get ready to embark on a whirlwind four-month trip. What necessities are crucial during four months? What small gifts from the U.S. should I bring host families? Which electric products will work on the boat? How will I survive with only 250 minutes of Internet for a semester? Which cell phone coverage offers the best international rate? Will I get seasick? When will I need my malaria pills? How much currency for 12 countries should I get? How will I adjust to jet lag if we gain an hour a day? But there’s little time to worry about much more. Wednesday morning I’ll head to the Bahamas with my family for some much needed relaxation after planning this trip and before embarking on it. Then it’ll be a hug, a kiss and bon voyage for a semester.
Katie’s column runs biweekly Tuesdays. She can be reached at k.rember@cavalierdaily.com.
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