Semester at Sea
11 Countries | 104 Days | 3 Continents
SAS was a study abroad experience in Fall 2022, where I traveled from Amsterdam to Dubai on a ship. While aboard, I took classes like Global Studies and U.S.-China Relations. Through international exploration and interacting with diverse cultures, I was constantly put outside of my comfort zone!
While exploring Amsterdam for a few days, I noticed most of the homes and apartments shared this similar structure.
I went on a canal tour that showcased views of the city.
While walking back to my hotel, I noticed this castle looking structure and stopped to admire its beautiful architecture. It is now a hotel.
While exploring Amsterdam for a few days, I noticed most of the homes and apartments shared this similar structure.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Embarkation
September 9
The 25 de Abril Bridge is located in Lisbon, Portugal.
The buildings in Lisbon showcased beautiful architecture, including decorative tiles and colorful doors.
Portugal was full of red roofs, which made the country very beautiful to look explore.
The 25 de Abril Bridge is located in Lisbon, Portugal.
Lisbon, Portugal
Port #2
September 16 - September 20
My friends and I rode camels in the Sahara Desert.
I went sand boarding for the very first time!
Reflecting back on my adventures in Morocco, this was one of my favorite countries to visit!
My friends and I rode camels in the Sahara Desert.
Casablanca, Morocco
Port #3
September 23 - September 28
Exploring Valencia was amazing. The architecture of the buildings, statutes, and water under the bridge gave a futuristic view.
Antoni Gaudí is an architect who designed these buildings in Barcelona, Spain.
Fruit at an outdoor market.
Exploring Valencia was amazing. The architecture of the buildings, statutes, and water under the bridge gave a futuristic view.
Valencia, Spain
Port #4
October 4 - October 9
I went on a sunset kayaking cave tour with my friends.
Old Town of Dubrovnik had rustic walls, long ascending stairs, and strips of restaurants. The wall was also walkable and provided a view of the city from above.
This is a drinkable water fountain, known as the Onofrios Fountain.
I went on a sunset kayaking cave tour with my friends.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Port #5
October 16 - October 20
A statue in the Athens National Garden.
The Corinth Canal in Greece is a popular place for people to bungee jump.
Doctor Fish was located in a market in Piraeus. My friend and I placed our feet in a tank of fish.
A statue in the Athens National Garden.
Piraeus, Greece
Port #6
October 25 - October 29
The streets of Limassol gave a homey feeling, on this small island.
The island of Cyprus has more cats than humans.
While exploring Limassol, I stopped by a crepe shop to eat lunch.
The streets of Limassol gave a homey feeling, on this small island.
Limassol, Cyprus
Port #7
November 4 - November 7
The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean and Red Sea together.
The Suez Canal plays a major role in trading for Europe and Asia. Thousands of slaves died due to the harsh working conditions of building this handmade canal.
The Suez Canal connects the Mediterranean and Red Sea together.
Suez Canal Transit, Egypt
Mediterranean & Red Sea
November 9
Petra is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Due to the salinity of the Dead Sea, people can effortlessly float.
I found it fascinating how Elsa wears a hijab in Jordan. This is an example of glocalization, in which a country adjusts a product to accommodate the locals.
Petra is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Aqaba, Jordan
Port #8
November 12 - November 16
53/450 students shaved their heads on Neptune Day. This is the day that we crossed the equator, and it is a tradition for sailors to shave.
23/53 women shaved their heads on the ship.
Not all of my friends decided to shave their heads, and that is more than ok. They continued to support those who shaved, which just speaks for how amazing this shipboard community was.
53/450 students shaved their heads on Neptune Day. This is the day that we crossed the equator, and it is a tradition for sailors to shave.
Crossing the Equator
Neptune Day/Thanksgiving Day
November 24
My friends and I went to a beach in Mombasa, where there was a restaurant. At night, there was a DJ and dance competition.
There were camels on the beach. Local people offered a ride in exchange for money.
Tuk Tuks are a popular form of transportation in Kenya.
My friends and I went to a beach in Mombasa, where there was a restaurant. At night, there was a DJ and dance competition.
Mombasa, Kenya
Port #9
November 27 - December 2
Bollywood is a very important aspect of Indian culture and film.
Interport students would come aboard before entering a country and teach us about their homeland. Riha and Sanjoo became good friends of mine.
Om is a sacred concept and sound in Hinduism, which is the most popular religion in India.
Bollywood is a very important aspect of Indian culture and film.
Mumbai, India
Port #10
December 11 - December 15
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world's tallest building.
The architecture was beautiful and very futuristic.
The Dubai Mall had water fountains, an aquarium, and even an indoor ice skating rink.
The Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the world's tallest building.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Disembarkation
December 22