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Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea is now available in the Outgoing Exchange Programmes in 2026-27
(1st Round Selection)

 


Voyages
Eligibility
Courses
Field Programmes
 
Credits
Cost of Participation
Scholarship and Financial Aid		  

 

“The world is Your Campus!”
“Set Sail on the World’s Most Unique Floating College”

Have you ever thought of participating in a study programme at a floating university?  “Semester at Sea” offers you a travel and first-hand study experience like no other. The ship, MV World Odyssey, brings together students and lifelong learners to study with top professors on board and in at least 10 countries across 3-4 continents.  MV World Odyssey will be your home for one semester which offers adventures, communities, and life-changing experiences at different corners of the world. Click here to learn more about the programme.

 

Student Sharing

Curious about what it’s like to participate in Semester at Sea? Discover firsthand experiences, tips, and stories from our student who has been there! It’s the perfect way to get inspired and learn what to expect on your own journey.
[IG Reel | Story]

 

Voyages

Fall 2026 – Epic Explorations to Europe, South America, Africa and Asia

Programme dates: 9 September (The Netherlands) to 22 December (Thailand)

  • 104 Days
  • 11 Countries
  • 11 Cities
  • 4 Continents

Itinerary: The Netherlands, Portugal, Morocco, Brazil, St. Helena, South Africa, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spring 2027 – A Global Education Exploring Asia, Africa and Europe

Programme dates: 5 January (Thailand) to 20 April (Germany)

  • 105 Days
  • 11 Countries
  • 12 Cities
  • 3 Continents

Itinerary: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Morocco, Scotland, Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eligibility

  • Year 2 or above UG students in all majors.
  • CGPA2.5/4.0
  • Students must be 18 at time of embarkation

 

Courses

“Semester at Sea” offers 70-72 courses on a voyage.

Subject area includes:

  • Business
  • Communication, Journalism, and Media Studies
  • Engineering Environment, and Health
  • Literatures and Languages
  • Performing and Visual Arts
  • Political Science, Economics, and History
  • Psychology and Human Development
  • Religion and Philosophy
  • Society and Culture
  • Tourism and Hospitality

 

Students can apply to join a themed learning cohort:

  • Chapman Impact Program (available in both Fall and Spring) – this project is about exploring the positive impact of local changemakers and organizational partners in the port countries.
  • Engineering at Sea (only available in Fall) – 30 selected students will take two engineering courses (Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, for 6 credits), register for one other elective course in business, science or other areas (3 credits), and will be enrolled in Global Studies (3 credits).

 

Field Programmes

When Semester at Sea arrives in each country, voyagers will either explore via required Field Work for their classes (for voyagers enrolled in academic courses), participate in optional Semester at Sea-designed Field Programs, or they can plan their own travel experiences.

  • 200 field programmes are available per voyage, it provides an opportunity to learn about the local culture, explore the city, live like the locals, understand the history and have a glimpse of the local development in different aspects.
  • Students spend an average of USD2,500 on Field Programs during their term.

 

Credits

Students will enroll in 12-15 credits per term.

* Students on Semester at Sea will enroll at Colorado State University as visiting students. Colorado State University will record grades and credits earned on Semester at Sea and issue official transcripts.

 

Cost of Participation

Cabin Type             Standard Cabins Premium Cabins
Billable Expenses (“Programme Fees”) USD34,900 USD39,900
Additional Estimated Expenses (“Non-Billable) USD9,975 USD9,975
Total Cost of Attendance USD44,875
≃HKD349,400		 USD49,875

≃HKD388,300
With C.Y. Tung Scholarship USD25,000 USD25,000
Expected Cost of Attendance USD19,875

≃HKD154,700

 USD24,875

≃HKD193,700

*With reference to Fall 2026 Voyage, please refer to the details of the Cost of Participation here for details. Currency in USD. (Information is subject to change)

 

Scholarship and Financial Aid

Selected students will be awarded a C.Y. Tung Scholarship* (USD25,000) to support their participation in the Semester at Sea. Eligible students may also apply for other Scholarships and Financial Aid.

* Students enrolled in courses and interested in China-U.S. relations are eligible for the scholarship.

 

Enquiry

Ms. Jessica POON

Email: jessicapoon@cuhk.edu.hk

Tel: 3943-1125