Preparing for Semester at Sea is not something that happens overnight, this is a process that takes many many months in advance. Between all the applications, travel logistics, finances, and just mentally getting ready to leave everything familiar, there is a lot that goes into it. Here is a real look at my timeline and was I have already done to prepare and what I still have ahead of me.

Decision making

This is where everything starts. Before you can do anything can be planned, I had to make decision to actually go on SAS. That meant researching the program, figuring out my path for college, and deciding if I was ready for a semester of travelling the world.

Once the decision was final, I:

• fully applied and made first deposit
• chose my rooming preference
• did more research

This stage was very important because once this decision was made everything else started falling into place.

6-8 months out

This time is mainly about getting ahead before the deadlines come up.

Here is what I focused on:

• signing documents posted on SAS student portal
• looking at scholarship options and financial aid
• getting passport submitted
• getting all medical forms printed and ready
• looking at the travel logistics seeing how and where we want to fly

4-5 months:

This is when the prep becomes more detailed and little more real.

This is where I am currently and what I am doing now:

• made final details and booked flights
• got required vaccines
• made primary care appointment
• got all required health forms filled out and submitted
• made sure I have my yellow card
• applied to scholarships and scholarships were rewarded
• registered for classes
• completed embarkation orientation
• started thinking about what I need to pack
• Ordering visas (I only need 3 since i hold a US passport

I also began doing research on each country I will be in to figure out what I want to see, do, and experience.

1-3 months

I am not currently this close to my voyage yet but I have an idea of what is left.

What I’ll be doing:

• booking excursions
• ordering the things I know I NEED and do not already have
• making copies of important documents
• finalizing packing
• getting foreign currency (not required but I have seen many people say it was way easier so you do not have to wait at an atm or currency exchange right away)
• getting final details together

Final weeks

I will be:

• double checking everything (SAS emails, deadlines, packing lists, documents, passport)
• preparing for long travel days
• making sure I have right things in my carry on versus my suitcase
• setting goals
• getting excited

What I am learning through this process

If there is one thing I am learning this this preparation is not about checking the boxes. It is about gradually stepping out of comfort zone and slowly stepping into the next chapter.

There is a balance between planning and just trusting the experience, and right now I am learning how to do both.

Whether you are just starting to think about SAS or already counting down the days, just know that you do not have to have it all figured out all at once and that it all comes together step my step.

✈️🌊