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FAQs: Costs, Applications, and Contact Information
Do I need to be a U. Maine student to participate?
NO. Students from across the country and from dozens of institutions have participated in SEAmester. Since U. Maine is our accrediting institution, U. Maine students will find it easier to navigate the paperwork for credits and funding, but any student may participate. Even students not currently enrolled or in the process of transferring schools may participate. To discuss credits and how to go about transferring them, contact U. Maine Program Director William Ellis at wge@umit.maine.edu or (207) 581-4360.
Do I need sailing experience?
No. You will learn all you need to know once you board, though you should familiarize yourself with the Seamanship Manual as much as possible, and bring a copy with you on board. As crew voyaging on a traditional schooner, you will learn about navigation, seamanship, and sailhandling, but more importantly what it takes to harness those skills as a crew: teamwork, leadership, confidence, and hard work.
How many students will be on board?
How many students will be on board?
There will be a maximum of 20 students on the voyage. There will be two professors and eight professional crew (Captain Smith, three mates, thee deckhands, and a cook), bringing the maximum ships complement to 30 people.
How much will it cost?
It depends on where you go to school and your state residency status. There are two fees for SEAmester: (1) Tuition, paid directly to the University of Maine, and (2) a "Voyage Fee" paid to Ocean Classroom. Tuition is paid to the University of Maine based on U. Maine rates. Ocean Classroom Foundation charges a $12,000 "Voyage Fee" which covers the operation costs of the vessel, shore excursions, room, and board. A semester sailing with SEAmester is financially comparable to a semester studying and living on campus. Most forms of Federal and State financial aid can be applied to SEAmester. Ocean Classroom is willing to work with you and the University to make SEAmester an affordable part of your undergraduate experience. Please email Susan Hodder at OCF to discuss your financing possibilities or call her at 207-633-2750.
Who do I contact with questions?
It depends on where you go to school and your state residency status. There are two fees for SEAmester: (1) Tuition, paid directly to the University of Maine, and (2) a "Voyage Fee" paid to Ocean Classroom. Tuition is paid to the University of Maine based on U. Maine rates. Ocean Classroom Foundation charges a $12,000 "Voyage Fee" which covers the operation costs of the vessel, shore excursions, room, and board. A semester sailing with SEAmester is financially comparable to a semester studying and living on campus. Most forms of Federal and State financial aid can be applied to SEAmester. Ocean Classroom is willing to work with you and the University to make SEAmester an affordable part of your undergraduate experience. Please email Susan Hodder at OCF to discuss your financing possibilities or call her at 207-633-2750.
Who do I contact with questions?
Questions about the voyage or ship contact John Petrillo, OCF Director of Undergraduate Programs and the shipboard Humanities Professor at jpetrillo12@gmail.com. Questions regarding applications and "voyage fee" finances go to Susan Hodder at the Ocean Classroom Foundation at shodder@oceanclassroom.org or 207-633-2750. Questions regarding academic credits, registration, tuition and enrollment go to William Ellis, Programs Director at U. Maine at wge@umit.maine.edu or (207) 581-4360.
How do I apply?
Application materials are available at seamester.net on the left-hand column. All applications will be reviewed first by Ocean Classroom Foundation, and then enrollment and registration will be handed over to the University of Maine.
