Ocean Classroom Foundation and the University of Maine SEAmester sailing partners

The SEAmester Web site, opens with the following quote by Mark Twain: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

Since 1997, the Ocean Classroom Foundation’s SEAmester program for college students has been taking a minimum of 12 and maximum of 20 students to sea aboard a 19^th century schooner for a 10-week experiential education adventure. Twain’s statement could have been penned with the OCF’s programming in mind.

In the spring of 2010, this innovative and successful program will be under sail with accreditation through the University of Maine. UMaine’s School of Marine Sciences, with one of the top programs of its kind in the United States, has been involved with the development of this joint program.

"We’ve built a great relationship with them because they are as excited about Ocean Classroom being an extension of what they already offer as we are having as laudable an accreditation partner as the University of Maine," said Susan Hodder, OCF managing director of the collaborative effort.

In a recent press release, William Ellis, associate director of the School of Marine Science (SMS) at UMaine stated, "We are excited by the synergy between the SMS and SEAmester curricula. Students within the University of Maine system, and from colleges around the country, will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge beyond the classroom.

"Any student who is interested in exploring the natural world, who is excited by physical or mental challenges, or who is looking to take their education to the next level, should look seriously at the SEAmester program."

Hodder noted that other educational opportunities on the sea are out there, but "… they can’t come close to the academic credibility that we have. We take our academics very seriously, as does the University of Maine."

The program is a four-course, 12 credit science and humanities curriculum with leadership training, cultural immersion and a service project in the Dominican Republic added.

The courses of study, history, literature, marine science, nautical science and seamanship, directly relate to the environment and destinations aboard one of OCF’s three schooners, the Harvey Gamage, Spirit of Massachusetts and Westward.

If "Concepts in Oceanography," "Problems in Marine Science: Life at Sea," or "Independent Study in Marine Science; Nautical Science and Celestial Navigation" strike a chord for you, then visit the Web site, www.seamester.net (part of the OCF Web site). Applications are downloadable from the site and must be accompanied by a $50 fee, two teacher recommendations, school transcript and a completed medical screening questionnaire.

Enrollment began in late October. Hodder said there is a 20 percent discount off the voyage fee available for students applying by November 15. The minimum or maximum number must be met by December 15 for the spring semester in session March 7 to May 15.

The curriculum bears UMaine course numbers, but all 12 credits earned will seamlessly transfer to other institutions.

"The kind of students that we’re attracting are the kind of students who are looking for a semester abroad alternative that is going to challenge them personally and prepare them professionally for their chosen career," Hodder said.