Essential Eligibility Criteria

Essential Eligibility Criteria

Essential Eligibility Criteria

For SEA high school, gap, and undergraduate programs

SEA high school, gap, and SEA Semester undergraduate programs are experiential educational programs that take place both on shore and at sea aboard SEA’s sailing research vessels*. The safety of all SEA program participants and staff is among our highest priorities. As an oceangoing program, SEA operates in environments that are remote, dynamic, and physically and emotionally challenging. These environments coupled with the educational focus require students to be fully committed to and capable of working hard, physically and academically; taking responsibility for themselves and others; and working and communicating effectively within a tightknit living and learning community.

The predominant language used in all SEA programs is English. Fluency is not required, but the ability to understand instruction and directions, particularly when it comes to safety, is necessary.

Qualified students are those who can meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria (EEC) for participation in an SEA program (below) and successfully complete the admissions process.

*With the exception of our shore-only SEASCape: SEA Science on the Cape high school summer program

General 

Each participant must be able to…

  • Manage all necessary self-care, including maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration, dressing appropriately for environmental conditions, and maintaining personal hygiene.
  • Tolerate and function effectively in conditions that are of a standard potentially different from that to which you are accustomed including different standards of:
    • Diet
    • Accommodations
    • Communications
    • Sanitation
    • Sleep patterns
  • Tolerate and function effectively in an outdoor environment, which may potentially include warmer or colder temperatures, dust, tropical sun, air pollution, and insects.
  • Tolerate and function effectively in an environment that may have predominating cultural constructs that may be very different from your own in regard to:
    • Communications
    • Time Personal
    • Space
  • Tolerate, function effectively and behave in a respectful manner in an environment that may have predominating cultural values and views that are very different from your own in areas that may include:
    • Gender Roles
    • Sexual Identity
    • Religion
    • Individualism
    • Politics
  • Tolerate and function effectively for limited periods of time in an environment where you may not speak the language or where you are not culturally competent.
  • Tolerate significant levels of ambivalence and ambiguity that naturally occurs when one encounters a different culture than one’s own.

Physical Capability Requirements

Each participant must be able to…

  • Maintain your balance on slippery, unstable or uneven surfaces.
  • Climb up and down steep or vertical ladders and stairways.
  • Manipulate mechanical devices using manual and digital dexterity and strength.
  • Lift, push and carry a load up to 40lb. for a short distance. • Crouch, kneel & crawl through confined spaces.
  • Stand on feet for up to six hours with minimal rest periods.
  • Distinguish objects and shapes at a distance.
  • React to audible/visible alarms and instructions and follow emergency response procedures.
  • Make verbal reports or call attention to emergency conditions.

Day to Day Living, Travel and Accommodations

Each participant must be able to…

  • Navigate and travel independently to and from program destination.
  • Navigate and travel independently within the program country utilizing primarily public transportation.
  • Manage your own banking and finances.
  • Shop for food, cook, keep campus housing premises tidy, etc.
  • In the case of injury or illness, communicate such injury or illness clearly and punctually with program staff.
  • Be responsible for all your belongings.

Health, Safety and Security

Each participant must be able to…

  • Understand and apply all provided health, safety and security information and directives.
  • Comply with all program policies related to health, safety and security.
  • Be responsible for your own behavior.
  • Maintain a reasonable level of situational awareness appropriate to circumstances.
  • Manage any prescribed medications without oversight; including adhering to required prescribed dosages of medication for the duration of the program.