Office of Communication and Public Affairs

Semester with SEA
Andrew Hapke ‘05

A new study abroad program will be available to Villanova students in the coming years. The Woods Hole Sea Semester offered by the Sea Education Association or SEA in Woods Hole, Mass., has been recognized by the Office of International Studies as an approved program for Villanova students. Students will be able to apply their Villanova financial aid package to the costs of SEA Semester.

The purpose of the Sea Semester program is to educate students not only in the classroom, but also in the dynamic and challenging setting of the ocean. SEA has a campus in Woods Hole, on Cape Cod where students live and study for the first half, "Shore Component," of the program. The second half of the program, "Sea Component," is held aboard one of SEA’s two tall ships. SEA offers an 8-week summer program and several 12-week academic year programs. The education started on shore is reinforced in real world terms aboard a ship when students get to conduct independent research projects (planned on shore and supervised by staff scientists aboard ship), as well as become responsible for the daily workings of a large sailing ship. Cruise tracks involve work in the tropics (Caribbean and Pacific) and in northern Atlantic waters during the summer.

Dr. Jacqueline Webb, associate professor of biology here at Villanova, and also a SEA alumna said “This program is for any Villanova student interested in a life changing experience.” The rigorous curriculum, which has been in existence for 30 years, has its foundations in maritime studies and oceanography; liberal arts students as well as science majors fill the ranks of SEA alumni. The unique opportunity to study on board a functioning sailing ship will not only provide hands-on marine science research experience, it will teach students the intricacies of maintaining and sailing a tall ship, for which they will be responsible for by the end of their voyage.

Both of the sailing ships owned and operated by SEA are 134 ft. steel-hulled brigantines, and world-class research vessels. The SSV Corwith Cramer operates in the Atlantic. SEA's newest ship, the SSV Robert C. Seamans, operates in the Pacific. It was launched in 2001, has a library, computer lab and a wet/dry laboratory, and is the most sophisticated research/sailing school boat ever built in the United States. Sea Semester classes are accredited Boston University courses. Students receive 17 credits for completing the academic year SEA Semester program, or 12 credits for the summer program. Dr. Webb and the International Studies Office are working on identifying those courses for which students will receive transfer credit.

For any student interested in an education that floats beyond the confines of the Villanova campus, SEA offers a one of a kind experience bound to open minds and fill sails.

	Blueprints - May 2003 Edition
Homepage Back Archives	Blueprints - May 2003 Edition

		Semester with SEA Andrew Hapke ‘05 A new study abroad program will be available to Villanova students in the coming years. The Woods Hole Sea Semester offered by the Sea Education Association or SEA in Woods Hole, Mass., has been recognized by the Office of International Studies as an approved program for Villanova students. Students will be able to apply their Villanova financial aid package to the costs of SEA Semester. The purpose of the Sea Semester program is to educate students not only in the classroom, but also in the dynamic and challenging setting of the ocean. SEA has a campus in Woods Hole, on Cape Cod where students live and study for the first half, "Shore Component," of the program. The second half of the program, "Sea Component," is held aboard one of SEA’s two tall ships. SEA offers an 8-week summer program and several 12-week academic year programs. The education started on shore is reinforced in real world terms aboard a ship when students get to conduct independent research projects (planned on shore and supervised by staff scientists aboard ship), as well as become responsible for the daily workings of a large sailing ship. Cruise tracks involve work in the tropics (Caribbean and Pacific) and in northern Atlantic waters during the summer. Dr. Jacqueline Webb, associate professor of biology here at Villanova, and also a SEA alumna said “This program is for any Villanova student interested in a life changing experience.” The rigorous curriculum, which has been in existence for 30 years, has its foundations in maritime studies and oceanography; liberal arts students as well as science majors fill the ranks of SEA alumni. The unique opportunity to study on board a functioning sailing ship will not only provide hands-on marine science research experience, it will teach students the intricacies of maintaining and sailing a tall ship, for which they will be responsible for by the end of their voyage. Both of the sailing ships owned and operated by SEA are 134 ft. steel-hulled brigantines, and world-class research vessels. The SSV Corwith Cramer operates in the Atlantic. SEA's newest ship, the SSV Robert C. Seamans, operates in the Pacific. It was launched in 2001, has a library, computer lab and a wet/dry laboratory, and is the most sophisticated research/sailing school boat ever built in the United States. Sea Semester classes are accredited Boston University courses. Students receive 17 credits for completing the academic year SEA Semester program, or 12 credits for the summer program. Dr. Webb and the International Studies Office are working on identifying those courses for which students will receive transfer credit. For any student interested in an education that floats beyond the confines of the Villanova campus, SEA offers a one of a kind experience bound to open minds and fill sails.