<p>UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA EXPANDS STUDY ABROAD OPPORTUNITIES; BECOMES HOME PORT FOR SEMESTER AT SEA </p>
<p>The University of Virginia will become the academic home for the highly regarded Semester at Sea Program beginning with the 2006 summer session as part of a new partnership between U.Va. and the Institute for Shipboard Education, according to a joint announcement made today. </p>
<p>It's also worth noting that UVa will be offering a 50% discount to 100 UVa students who want to attend the 2006 summer session of Semester at Sea. </p>
<p>Here's Semester at Sea's website:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.semesteratsea.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.semesteratsea.com/</a></p>
<p>From what I understand from a friend who graduated from Franklin & Marshall, semester at sea is the biggest joke, and not worth bragging about having. Serious students need not apply.</p>
<p>looks like i'll be applying...</p>
<p>Haha...you're funny.</p>
<p>I too have a friend (from Syracuse U.) who attended, and she said she had the time of her life. But I'm sure the program will probably change a bit since UVa is more academically rigorous than U. Pitt, the school that previously hosted the program. I doubt UVa will want to lower its academic standards. </p>
<p>Plus, one reason UVa was very interested in acquiring the program is because Semester at Sea's learning environment (if properly cultivated) would be the epitome of Jefferson's "academical village" where students and professors would live and learn together. Essentially, it would be like the Lawn on water.</p>
<p>With UVa strengthening its international outreach to its current level where Virginia students now have access to over 279 foreign exchange/international studies programs, Semester at Sea is a great complement.</p>
<p>Here's a list of the other international studies/exchange programs you can attend:</p>
<p>ah Globalist, words of wisdom as always - alway able to find a way to put a positive spin on everything :-) I wish I was like that. But hey, even if it turns into a rigorous program (cough cough) I wouldn't mind doing it while chillin in the carribbean for 12 weeks - although i'd probably end up flunkin out haha. a 12 week spring break! who wouldn't want it!</p>
<p>i bet they have strict rules concerning alcohol...imagine getting kicked off the party cruise!</p>
<p>Jags86,</p>
<p>Hmmm...we'll have to see how rigorous it will be, but hey, with UVA's "work hard / play hard" ethos, what would be more UVa than a party cruise?</p>
<p>Do they supply dramamine?</p>
<p>very true Globalist, very true</p>