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Sea Education Association: The Global Ocean (Outgoing Program)

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  • Locations: Auckland, New Zealand; Christchurch, New Zealand; Dunedin, New Zealand; Wellington, New Zealand
  • Program Terms: Spring
  • Homepage: Click to visit
  • Program Sponsor: Sea Education Association 
  • Restrictions: Middlebury applicants only
  • This program is currently not accepting applications.
Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Program Type: Other Program Options Program Sponsor: Externally-sponsored program
Other Program Option Type: Externally-sponsored Program Language of Instruction: English
Housing Type: University Residence Hall Advisor: Stacey Thebodo
Subjects Offered: Anthropology, Arabic, Arabic Literature, Architecture, Art History, Biology, Business Administration, Chemistry, Chinese, Classics, Communications, Computer Science, Dance, Economics, Education, Environmental Studies, European Studies, Film, French, Geography, Geology, German, History, International Studies, Italian, Italian Literature, Japanese, Studio Art, Theater Studies, Women's Studies
Program Description:

Program Description

A humanities and ocean science semester at sea program that builds from science-based observations and inspires a human-centered approach to solving the challenges presented by global climate change.

Global Ocean Hawai’i features a six-week shore component in Woods Hole followed by six weeks of sailing through the Hawaiian Islands.

In Woods Hole, home to world-renowned leaders in climate and ocean science, you will develop your semester-long research project, review essential literature, and design a plan for original oceanographic research. You’ll meet with experts in the Woods Hole science community to discuss a range of climate related issues including migration and displacement, food and water security, environmental justice, and alternative governance and adaptation strategies. Dynamic interactive courses in oceanography, communication, and leadership will prepare you for the sailing and field research phase of the program.

The sailing component begins in Honolulu.  Through daily oceanographic surveys, “classroom” discussions, and navigational training while at sea, you will gain a unique and valuable perspective of climate change that links oceanic and terrestrial systems. The cruise track returns to the island of Oahu and a final onboard symposium featuring student presentations of field research and storytelling projects.

Cruise Track: Honolulu, Hawai’i >>> Honolulu, Hawai’i


Program Dates
Jan. 3 – March 26, 2022

Jan. 3 – Feb. 15: Shore component in Woods Hole.  Please note that Covid uncertainties may necessitate a partial remote shore component before boarding the ship in Hawaii.
Feb. 16 – March 26: At sea, Honolulu to Honolulu. No planned portstops at this time but this will be evaluated based on current CDC guidance for Covid travel.  

Program Highlights

Examine climate science, policy, literature, and leadership in their human social contexts
Interact with researchers and writers in New England and Hawai'i
Acquire valuable climate leadership and communication skills through coursework, field research experiences, and digital storytelling.

Who Should Apply?

This semester program is designed for students of all majors who are passionate about addressing climate change in an actionable way. It allows students with a limited background in the sciences to explore climate-related issues while gaining science literacy through engaging and accessible research at sea. Open to all majors.

Dates / Deadlines:

There are currently no active application cycles for this program.

This program is currently not accepting applications.