Program Description

This interdisciplinary study abroad program combines insights from the natural and social sciences in order to deepen students’ awareness of and appreciation for the ocean. Understanding the oceans is an essential component of appreciating how the world works and how we relate to it as human beings. The sea is so complex that it is impossible to comprehend from the perspective of a single academic discipline. With that in mind, this interdisciplinary program combines insights from oceanography, the humanities, and the social sciences with practical skills in seamanship, allowing students to deepen their awareness of and appreciation for the ocean through hands-on research and personal experience. In this semester, students will address and answer some of the most pressing global questions related to the ocean environment.

During an initial 6-week shore component in Woods Hole, academic coursework will prepare students for their research voyage from St. Croix to Key West.  With full access to SEA faculty, guest lecturers, and the world-renowned Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/Marine Biological Laboratory Library, students will design original research projects to be completed at sea. Maritime Studies coursework will complement this research by offering a wider historical and social perspective on the impact of humans on the world’s oceans, and on the experience of going to sea. Finally, Nautical Science coursework will introduce practical seamanship skills and the theoretical background necessary to for students safely operate a tall ship at sea.

As full, working members of the scientific team and sailing crew aboard the SSV Corwith Cramer, students will then spend the next six weeks at sea managing shipboard operations, navigating by the stars, analyzing oceanographic samples, while making a blue-ocean passage from the North Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean. Perhaps most importantly, students will learn to challenge themselves and will develop new skills in leadership, teamwork, and research.

Locations:

Cruise Track: St. Croix, USVI » Key West, FL
Destinations: No planned port stops at this time. Port stops subject to change.


Program Dates:
January 3, 2022 - March 25, - 2022
January 3, 2022 to February 14, 2022 – Shore component in Woods Hole.  Please note that Covid uncertainties may necessitate a partial remote shore component before boarding the ship in St. Croix.

February 15, 2022 to March 25,2022 – At sea, St. Croix to Key West. No planned portstops at this time but this will be evaluated based on current CDC guidance for Covid travel.

Program Highlights

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the world’s oceans
Make a long, blue-water sailing passage on a sustainably powered research vessel
Take your learning out of the classroom and into the field
Develop new skills in leadership, teamwork, and research

Who Should Apply?

This program is open to matriculated college students of all majors as well as gap year/winter start students who have graduated from high school but not yet matriculated at a college or university. This program offers a full semester of college credit.