SEAmester: When the Boat is Rockin’, They All Come Knockin’!!

Application Information

Now accepting applications for Spring/Fall 2013:

Dates are as follows:

Spring 2013 -
Board: 3/5/2013- St. Thomas
Disembark: 5/15/2013 - New England

Fall 2013 -
Board: 9/27/2013 - Gloucester, MA
Disembark: 12/9/2013 - San Juan, Puerto Rico

{Note: Program dates for all voyages may change by a few days as we adapt our schedule throughout the season. Dates and locations will be confirmed by early enrollment deadlines.}

Talk to Alyson Graham at Ocean Classroom (207) 633-2750 about making SEAmester an affordable part of your academic experience.

But really, in all seriousness, this isn’t a rant about our very eventful passage or the frequency of wake ups while we were underway.. This instead is a small way in which I would like to recognize the strength of our ship & fellow shipmates. This past passage from Fernandina Beach to Samana, DR was not easy but the Captain and crew did all in their power to make it as safe and comfortable as possible, which in the end was quite a safe voyage involving no personal injuries. Accompanying us on this passage was our "super cargo", Ms. Amanda Madeira, who aided us in all aspects of the trip. It was truly wonderful to have such a brilliant mind and steadfast personality onboard.

The ship herself, Spirit, is a miraculous vessel, carried us away from a gale and a safe distance from a brewing tropical storm with minimal damage to herself. The crew worked day and night, actually now to think of it, I doubt they had a wink of sleep over the 11 days that we were underway. Throughout, spirits were maintained at healthy levels despite the copious amounts of seasickness and fatigue. The captain threw an all hands “crossing of the Tropic of Cancer” party complete with a tropical smoothie. The students and apprentices put aside petty differences to help each other cope with the taxing environment. A special thanks to our cook, Ms. Lizzy Loomis, who despite the extremely rocky environment managed to cook first class delicious meals (apologies to my sea sick mates who missed out a few of these..). All in all, we definitely made the best of the situation we had at hand. I am truly amazed by the strength and patience of Captain Flansburg, Ms. Amanda Madeira, mates, Ms. Whitney Ciancetta, Mr. Ryan Moore, Ms. Jen Buttery and deck hands George Pilgrim and Tom Klodenskii. These, along with 11 other students and apprentices and my co-educator, Ms. Anna Myers, are amazing folks and I am very grateful to be on this trip with each and every one of them.

To these fellow individuals and this brilliant ship, I shall always be in debt.

-MAHIMA JAINI, educator

Spirit of Massachusetts

What is Seamester?

SEAmester is the original 10 week college semester at sea. Fully accredited by the University of Maine, you can earn 12 university credits all while sailing over 3,000 nautical miles as part of the crew aboard a traditional wooden schooner. The courses are fully integrated into the voyage and focus on the diverse environments, both cultural and natural, we will visit along the way.

SEAmester has been sending college students on the adventure of their lives for over 30 years. The program was born at Southampton College under the guidance of Professor Douglas Hardy, where it thrived as the college's marquee program until the campus was closed during a budget crisis by Long Island University. The Ocean Classroom Foundation and SEAmester are ecstatic to have found such a strong partner and new home in the University of Maine.

College students wishing to earn credit while living, studying, and working in a dynamic new environment may apply. Those outside the U. Maine system can transfer credits to their home institution, and students not currently enrolled or are in the midst of transferring may apply as well and earn credits toward their future academic record.

Working on Application

Working on your application? Have some questions or concerns about getting started?
Contact Alyson Graham, Education Director at Ocean Classroom, with any questions or concerns throughout the process. All application materials can be downloaded from the column on the left. If you are having problems doing so, contact the Ocean Classroom Foundation office and they'll send some your way.
With any questions regarding coursework, UMaine credits, or how to fit our curriculum into your academic future, contact William Ellis, Programs Director at UMaine School of Marine Sciences.

A complete application includes the application form, two recommendation forms (at least one one should be from a recent teacher), the medical questionnaire, and a $50 processing fee. You may send in forms as they are completed, but your application will not be evaluated until all materials are submitted.

Photos Fall 2011

Application Information

Apply here

In the Press:

When the Boat is Rockin’, They All Come Knockin’!!

iboat track

What is Seamester?

Working on Application

Video from past SEAmester trips

Enrolled Students

Photos Fall 2011

Application Information

**Apply here**

In the Press:

When the Boat is Rockin’, They All Come Knockin’!!

iboat track

What is Seamester?

Working on Application

Video from past SEAmester trips

Enrolled Students

Apply here