Traveling the world, meeting new people, earning college credit. No, it's not a recruitment plug for the military; these are just a few of the benefits of a Semester at Sea.

Semester at Sea is an accredited program of study through the University of Pittsburgh where students earn college credits through the school's College of Arts and Natural Sciences while exploring the world. Students call the S.S. Universe Explorer home and classroom for 100-day fall or spring semesters or 65-day summer semesters. Typically, as many as 650 students from colleges throughout the United States and abroad participate in Semester at Sea each semester.

There are usually 20-30 students per class. Each class is organized so 20 percent of the class time is spent in port studying the local culture and how it relates to the classes. Fall and spring semesters cost $14,000 - $16,000 and summer semesters cost $9,000 to $11,000. Some financial aid is available.

In a recent USA Today report, 56 percent of chief financial officers said they thought international experience was "very important" to "somewhat important" for accounting and financial professionals. However, if the thoughts of a Semester at Sea make you a little sea sick, there are many different types of international study programs available for University of North Florida students.

Annually, as many as 120,000 students participate in study abroad programs. While independent studies and exchange programs are available to UNF students, more than 80 percent of the university's study abroad programs are faculty-led programs and have grown from 12 last year to more than 20 this year. Classes are available in general education and major-specific areas.

Dr. Donald Graham, UNF's study abroad coordinator, said student participation in a study abroad program helps students gain a greater understanding of other cultures, a taste of other cultures and make life-long friends and business contacts. Also, many colleges hoping to attract American students offer courses in English and tailor their schedules for the convenience of most universities. "Plan a couple of years ahead. Come see us [in the International Center] early and work with your academic adviser," Graham said.

Jessica Boylan, senior studying graphic design and Spanish, said her independent study in Spain during summer 1999 made her want to go abroad more and extend her Spanish studies. "Go open-minded. Don't expect it [traveling in another country] to be like the United States. Expect the unexpected," Boylan said.

Hector Alvarado, senior studying international business, contrasted the classroom experience and the experience he gained from his internship with the European NFL in Amsterdam. "Outside the classroom you learn everything you wanted to learn," Alvarado said. "Study the subjects you love and enjoy. You get a lot of experience out of it." For more information about independent study abroad programs through UNF, contact the International Center at intnctr@unf.edu.