The Daily O’Collegian

Imagine taking a world cruise while getting class credit.

Four Oklahoma State University students did just that. Tara Schooley, Tessa Evans, Jessica Potts and Marissa Awtry participated in Semester at Sea during spring 2008 in which they visiting 13 countries in a little over four months.

Starting in the Bahamas on Jan. 23, the students visited hit 13 destinations including Brazil, China and South Africa. The students returned to Miami, Fla., on May 9, 2008.

All four students said South Africa was their favorite stop.

“We ported in Cape Town, South Africa, which was the most beautiful waterfront we visited the whole semester,” Potts said. “We visited the vineyards in Stellenbosch, went on a safari in the eastern cape of South Africa, visited townships and went to the top of Table Mountain.”

Some of the students felt the Asian countries, particularly China and India, were the most difficult to navigate and explore because of the language barrier and culture differences.

“My least favorite place was India because it was hard to adapt to the culture,” Evans said.

Awtry said Semester at Sea got her thinking outside of state and national issues.

“I now pay more attention to world news having a greater interest in what is affecting our world rather than just the United States,” Awtry said.

Awtry said seeing other countries and their situations in light of the United States can be enlightening, but also upsetting.

“I witnessed a lot of hate towards our country and it made me very sad and ashamed at times,” Awtry said. “But at other times it made me very proud to be from a country that prides itself on freedom and equal opportunities.”

Schooley said the trip opened her eyes to the rest of the world.

“I began to fathom how much goes on in the world beyond what I experience every day in Oklahoma,” Schooley said. “It is important to be able to look beyond your own culture.”

Potts said the thought of her trip still amazes her.

“Looking back on the semester leaves me in awe,” Potts said. “I can’t believe I literally got to see the world.”

Awtry said the trip offered her a unique experience.

“I think it is very important to gain a new perspective outside of the small world we live in and explore other cultures, taste new foods, and have experiences you could never have in the U.S.,” Awtry said.

Schooley said she encourages other students to take part in Semester at Sea because of how much they will learn and the impact it could have on their lives.

“This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Schooley said. “I encourage other OSU students to strongly consider taking part in a future Semester at Sea voyage. You will learn so much and it will impact the rest of your life.”