Study Abroad Programs in Polynesia

Set sail for a great adventure; you'll be making waves studying abroad in Polynesia. With over 1,000 islands spread out across the central and south Pacific Ocean, these communities are no stranger to the sea. Follow the nautical miles of Captain James Cook amid coral reefs and tropical forests, or trek through an equally-diverse human population of histories, languages, and social practices. If you're fishing for a study abroad experience that's off-the-hook, Polynesia will quickly become your favorite catch.

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2 Study Abroad Programs in Polynesia

Seamester Study Abroad at Sea

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Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester is the educational adventure of a lifetime! For more than 40 years, we have offered unparalleled educational voyages where students spend a semester at sea sailing between islands, countries, and even continents. We design our programs to provide engaging learning experiences with real outcomes in ways that are impossible to replicate in the traditional classroom. Living as part of a close-knit team on an ocean-going vessel, our students learn fundamental lessons beyond academics: teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility. They receive academic credit from the University of South Florida, along with PADI scuba certifications and IYT sailing certifications. Our programs are designed to inspire students to realize that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters the most.

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A Guide to Studying Abroad in Polynesia

Locations

Polynesia originates from the Greek words “poly” as in “many” and “nēsos”, meaning “island”. Drawn by the connecting points of Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island, the Polynesian Triangle is comprised of both small and big island communities. The unique geological location in the South Pacific means you can study abroad on archipelagos like Samoa, Tonga, the Cook Islands, or French Polynesia. Whether you choose to island hop or prefer to stay anchored to one shoreline, Polynesia won’t steer you in the wrong direction during your studies abroad.

The 118 islands of French Polynesia stretch more than 2,000 kilometers across the South Pacific. Surrounded by rich coral reefs, white- and black-sanded beaches, mountain peaks, and lush jungles, you'll discover plenty of authentic experiences (or as the Tahitian people say, Mana). The spirit of Mana connects all living things, and studying in French Polynesia will leave you feeling all of the these good vibrations.

Part of French Polynesia, Tahiti will lead you to more than rocking a bikini. Yachtsmen call the “The Coconut Run” (Tahiti to Australia) one of the world's most amazing trade wind sails. The capital of Papeete is an industrial port that doesn't offer much sightseeing, but you'll discover hints of its French charm.

Learn more and more in Bora Bora, located northwest of Tahiti. This island is where you'll explore marine life amid coral reefs, only a few steps away from your front hut door.

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Latest Program Reviews

The Adventure of a Lifetime

May 16, 2024by: Emma Stanley - United StatesProgram: Seamester Study Abroad and Gap Year Voyages

Seamester was the adventure of a lifetime. I went into it not knowing how to sail but wanting to learn, and came out of it not only with that knowledge, but also with memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me so many new things about myself. The staff members were amazing with their teaching and support, especially when times got rough. Their diligence ensured we all made it safely across the pacific. I also loved the places we visited, with my favorites being the Galapagos, Mo'orea, and the Panama Canal. The class schedule could be challenging at times, and waking up for watch in the middle of the night was definitely not my strong suit, but overall I had an amazing semester. I couldn't recommend Seamester enough and I'm so grateful for this wonderful experience.

Everything I've ever dreamed of and more!

May 15, 2024by: Courtney Maddox - United StatesProgram: Seamester: Transpacific, Caribbean to Tahiti - 90 Days

I am so thankful for this once in a lifetime opportunity. This is something I will never forget and will always have this story to tell. However no one outside of this program will ever understand the true meaning because they did not experience it the same way I did. They were not there. I have attempted to explain the jokes or stories we told but very little people understood it like the crew on Argo did. The staff and students were the nicest people I have ever met, I know I made lifelong friends. From swimming with manta rays to midnight watch during a long passage, to cleaning the boat and making her sparkle. We made every moment fun. We always turned something that the staff told us wasn't going to be that fun (for example boat appreciation or clean up after meals) into dance parties. There was never a dull moment.