Update on Coronavirus
Please email us with any questions or concerns at covid@sea.edu. Download a PDF
The SARS/Covid-19 illness is a new risk to humanity; while it cannot be eliminated, risk management strategies are effective at reducing the relative risk to program participants.
Vaccination
All SEA faculty, staff, and program participants must be fully vaccinated, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exemptions for medical reasons or personal religious beliefs may be considered, but due to the nature of our programs, SEA may choose to require vaccination for all participants. All faculty, staff, and program participants who are eligible to receive a booster are encouraged to boost.
Program Participants: Pre-Arrival
Program participants must provide proof of full vaccination before arriving to SEA facilities unless otherwise exempted. Additionally, program participants must arrive with a negative PCR test which was taken within 96 hours of arrival on campus. Participants are asked to self-monitor for symptoms for seven days before traveling, and to remain masked while using commercial transportation.
Program Participants: Shore Component
Program participants will be tested on arrival to campus and may undergo surveillance testing during the program. After arriving cohorts have received negative tests, masking restrictions on campus may be relaxed. Local community visits and activities may be allowed, and masking requirements will be communicated to students during the program based on local conditions and CDC guidance for fully vaccinated adults. Prior to boarding the ship, some programs may require further testing, more stringent protocols, and/or a remote shore component to minimize the risk of illness aboard the ship.
Shore Component Response
In the event of positive tests or symptoms ashore, program participants will undergo a subsequent test to ascertain infection status. Other participants or staff may be subject to further testing to determine possible spread. SEA will rely on local medical services for treatment of infection.
Program Participants: Sea Component
Program participants will remain masked during commercial travel to the vessel and may be required to undergo an isolation period in a second shore component location prior to joining the ship. In all cases, participants and staff will self-monitor for symptoms for seven days prior to boarding the ship. Depending on CDC guidance and local conditions, participants and staff may undergo a pre-travel PCR equivalent test as well as a pre-boarding PCR equivalent test.
Sea Component Prevention
During the sea component, programs operate in a variety of locations and environments. In all cases, participants and staff will maintain standard hygiene practices including hand washing, cleaning, and sanitization. Likewise, SEA vessels carry officers with medical training, and have access to remote tele-medicine via satellite communications at all times. The goal for shipboard operations is to reduce the likelihood of illness aboard the vessel via robust testing and, if necessary, isolation before departing near coastal waters.
Sea Component Response
Despite robust preventative measures, there is a risk that participants may become ill underway. In the event of SARS/Covid-19 symptoms underway, program participants will isolate and be evaluated for further treatment or antigen testing. Other staff and participants may be tested to ascertain spread. It is important to note that advanced medical care, proper isolation, and treatment may not be available offshore and is an inherent risk in seagoing programs, despite all preventative measures.
For programs operating near coastal locations, SEA will also rely on local medical services for treatment of infection.
SEA Faculty and Staff Based Ashore
SEA offices are currently open, and all faculty, staff, and participants are fully vaccinated.
How will SEA communicate information about program cancellations or changes?
Enrolled students will be contacted directly by our admissions department. For regular updates and information, please check this page.
How is SEA preparing for programs?
Sea Education Association (SEA) continues to monitor advice from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, helping to guide our thinking during the Covid-19 pandemic. Likewise, we are and will continue to follow all requirements and modifications as set forth by the governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. We will continue to update this page if we modify and amend our protocols and practices as new information becomes available.
Academic Years 21-22, 22-23 Refund Policy
Refund Policies for SEA Undergraduate & Gap Programs, Academic Years 2021-2022, 2022-2023
If SEA cancels the program:
- Program cancellation before the program start = students may apply funds to a future SEA program pending space available. If a future program is not possible, we will issue a full refund.
- Program cancellation after the program start = partial refund prorated based on the week of cancellation.
If a student chooses to voluntarily withdraw from the program:
- Withdrawal 30+ days prior to the program start = 100% refund of total program cost (less deposit).
- Withdrawal 29 to 0 days prior to the program start = 50% refund of total program cost (less deposit).
- Withdrawal after the program start = no refund.
If a sending institution suggests that a student not participate in the program:
- Withdrawal 30+ days prior to the program start = 100% refund of total program cost (less deposit).
- Withdrawal 29 to 0 days prior to the program start = 50% refund of total program cost (less deposit).
- Withdrawal after the program start = no refund.
If a sending institution requires that a student not participate in the program:
- Withdrawal 30+ days prior to the program start = 100% refund of total program cost (less deposit).
- Withdrawal 29 to 0 days prior to the program start = 50% refund of total program cost (less deposit).
- Withdrawal after the program start = no refund.
