I am currently living out my childhood dreams of living on a ship like Zach and Cody. Semester at Sea is a program where I will be traveling to eleven different countries and earning twelve credits that transfer to the College of Charleston. Living solely on a ship is completely different then life in the low-country. A part from the obvious of not being on land, maritime culture was a shock, initially. I am only half way through my voyage and have been reflecting on the differences of life at home is compared to here. I have noticed that my perception of time has shifted, my desire for meaningful connections has grown, and the opportunities to learn are endless.

Embarking on the ship for the first time, the biggest adjustment for day-to-day life was training my brain to operate on a 24-hour clock as opposed to a 12-hour clock that I am customary to. The timing of everything on the ship is highly organized and punctual because of all of the moving parts. From strict meal times to daily announcements to meeting/class times everything is to down to the minute. Beyond a day, I do not have a concept of what day of the week it is due to the schedule of the voyage. We have class every day we are on the ship. It does not matter if it is a Sunday or a Wednesday; there are no set “weekends” when we are at sea. My schedule operates depending on when we are in a port and the type of class day it is, A day or B day. Having this mindset has helped me not count down the days, but rather enjoying each moment I have during the day with intent and spending them with people or in places that bring me the most joy.

Living, traveling, and learning with the same people provides a unique experience in itself to say the least. Sharing a meal with your teacher and their family in the dining hall is not only uncommon, but encouraged. The connections that are made on the ship are beyond what I can put into words. Our community consist of staff/faculty, life longer learners, ship kids, and students from gap years to post grad. The environment that we live in fosters this desire to learn and develop these connections amongst the ship. The lack of contact to the outside world by not having internet access is a blessing in disguise. It forces us to put down our devices and make entertainment for ourselves like when we were kids. It has given me some of the best memories and sparked many friendships that I wouldn’t have made otherwise.

I have learned over this past month lessons I will forever be grateful for. Beyond the traditional classroom, each class has a field class in one of our ports that reinforces topics learned. For my religion field class, we were able to go to a synagogue and nunnery in Malta. It was one of the most impactful experiences for me thus far. In a Christian dominated society, the Jewish people are suppressed, but it was inspirational how they maintained their culture and life with this community. In each country, I have been able to talk to locals, which has shifted my views on life, social issues, and stereotypes.

Living aboard a ship for four months while studying abroad is nothing short of amazing. On this Friday night, I am currently sitting on the back deck the middle of the Mediterranean Sea watching the sunset. Students are line dance on a deck above and teachers and staff are in the Chappy laughing and some ship kids are sitting beside me playing a game. This life that I am currently living, I will forever be grateful for. I have grown as an individual, community member, and global citizen. Life on a ship is a once in lifetime experience that I would never pass up, if I was given the opportunity to return.