SEA | Sea Education Association
Vitals
- GYA Accredited Since: Unaccredited by the GYA. Please see the Standards for more information.
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Enrolling:
Yes - Mission Statement:
SEA is a global teaching, learning and research community dedicated to the exploration, understanding and stewardship of marine and maritime environments. SEA empowers students with life-changing sea voyages of scientific and cultural discovery, academic rigor and personal growth. Our gap programs features an interdisciplinary curriculum and dynamic leadership-development experience at sea aboard tall ships and on shore.
SEA educates and inspires ocean scholars, stewards and leaders. SEA fosters and enhances knowledge about the state of oceans and coastal communities. It also helps shape public dialogue and policy through long-term environmental research, global partnerships and the continued impact of our students, faculty and alumni worldwide. -
Level of Independence/Supervision (mouse-over for definition):
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Attachments
Program Locations
Typical Itinerary
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | |
|
W e e k 1 |
Shore component begins in Woods Hole! PM Orientation + pizza dinner | AM Program Orientation: Learning community and journals PM Field Trip to Quissett Harbor. | AM Nautical Science PM Oceanography: Cruise prospectus and research goals | AM Maritime Studies PM Nautical Science Evening Climate-related movie clips and discussion | AM Oceanography: Physical Oceanography with water mass demo PM Maritime Studies Evening Ice Cream Social | Belated International Coastal Clean-Up and Beach Survey activity | |
| Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | |
|
W e e k 2 |
No programming Time to explore Woods Hole, Martha's Vineyard, free time | AM Nautical Science PM Oceanography: Primary Production and coastal pollution | New Bedford and Buzzards Bay Coalition field trip | AM Maritime Studies PM Oceanography: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Core Lab tour | AM Nautical Science PM Maritime Studies | AM Oceanography: Life in the Sea with plankton lab PM Nautical Science | Little Sippewissett Marsh survey |
The first six weeks of the program are shore-based on our campus in Woods Hole, Massachusetts (Cape Cod), which is what is partially reflected in this itinerary. Students then depart for a six-week sailing research voyage in New Zealand which is not highlighted in detail here.
Program Outcomes
- Written communication skills
- Oral communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Data collection and assessment
- Observational skills
- Principles of tall ship sailing
- Personal growth
- Self-confidence
SEA welcomes applications for selected programs from high school graduates who have deferred their college acceptance or will matriculate in the spring semester and have an interest in understanding the ocean and environmental issues from a variety of perspectives.
Students can choose to earn a full semester of college credit or opt to participate fully on a non-credit basis (i.e. for colleges who do not allow credit bearing programs for deferred students).
SEA gap programs offer any student interested in the oceans the opportunity to study the marine environment through the disciplines of science, marine and maritime history & culture, policy, and leadership.
Program Details
- Program Starts: Fall, Winter, Spring
- Program Duration: Semester
- Typical Program Cost: $18,500+
- Program Financial Aid: Yes
- Other Financial Aid Details:
SEA has limited funds available to assist students who demonstrate family financial need. SEA works closely with applicants during the admissions process to estimate costs, discuss available aid, and consider options, including payment plans. We carefully assess each student’s financial situation based on submitted materials. Applicants are encouraged to submit financial aid materials by their designated term financial aid priority deadline. Notification of financial aid awards are provided after admissions decisions are made.
To be considered for all available SEA funding, students must submit financial aid applications by these priority deadlines:
Fall programs: April 15
Spring programs: October 15
Staff Training and Certification
2020 Winner: Marine Environment Protection Awards - Academies, Harbor Schools and Universities Award
2018 Winner: Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Maritime Education, The National Maritime Historical Society
2016 Winner: National Science Board Public Service Award
2014 Winner: Sea Education Program of the Year, Tall Ships America