SEA: Environmental Studies at Sea

Program Details

Program Location Multiple Ports, Multiple Countries
Sponsor Sea Education Association
Program Type Co-sponsored
Course # SA 30035
Duration Semester
Upcoming Program Dates
To Be Announced
Current Program Dates
Fall 2024 08/26/24 to 11/18/24
Fall 2024 08/26/24 to 12/06/24
Past Dates
Spring 2024 02/19/24 to 05/18/24
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

Sea Education Association (SEA) is an internationally recognized leader in undergraduate ocean education. Since 1971, SEA has equipped students with the tools to become environmentally literate leaders prepared to address the defining issue of the twenty-first century: the human impact on the environment.

SEA is based on Cape Cod in the oceanographic research community of Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Program participants spend 5+ weeks in Woods Hole before setting sail on one of SEA's two research vessels.

Purdue students may participate in any of SEA's voyages that includes at least one international port stop, such as in Fiji, New Zealand, non-U.S. territories in the Caribbean and Pacific, and French Polynesia.

SEA offers multiple programs each semester. Please check the SEA website for its current offerings, dates, and destinations. Semester-long programs are:

  • Oceans & Climate
  • Marine Biodiversity & Conservation
  • Climate & Society
  • Climate Change & Coastal Resilience
For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:Sea Education Association.

Eligibility

The program is open to Purdue students who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity and a desire to experience another culture.

Purdue students may participate in any of SEA's voyages that includes at least one international port stop, such as in Fiji, New Zealand, non-U.S. territories in the Caribbean and Pacific, and French Polynesia. 

No sailing experience is required to participate in an SEA program. Some SEA programs may have academic prerequisites. Please see the SEA website for details.

GPA Requirement: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: none


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Agriculture] [College of Liberal Arts] [College of Science]

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

Please see the SEA website for each programs' courses and syllabi.


Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss.
 
Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

The Program Fee includes:  Tuition, lab and research fees, and on-site orientation and activities.

The Housing Fee includes: Housing in Woods Hole and on the ship and all meals and/or a food allowance.

Not included:  Students are responsible for all travel expenses (Home-Woods Hole, Woods Hole-Ship, Ship-Home). Flight costs vary widely by program and are therefore NOT listed below. Students should budget accordingly.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Fall 2020

Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $24,800.00
Study Abroad Fee $914.00
Housing $7,100.00
Purdue International Insurance (per month) $32.00
Program Discount for Purdue Students - $5,000.00

Approximate additional costs per semester
To be paid by the student.
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $0.00 - $250.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

SEA works hard to make a wide variety of financial aid available. Merit scholarships, need-based aid, federal loans and grants, and other scholarships are available from SEA. SEA's goal is to make SEA Semester affordable for every qualified and motivated student.

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Fall Semester Programs Mar 1
Spring Semester Programs Sep 15



Returnees Information

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.