Dear SEA Family and Friends,
As COVID-19 commands the world’s attention with its continued global spread, Sea Education Association is responding thoughtfully and accordingly. The areas in which we operate remain largely unaffected at this time, but we are alert to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s advice that additional spreading of COVID-19 should be anticipated. We will continue to gather information from the CDC, the World Health Organization, the US State Department and the Massachusetts Department of Health.
Most US colleges and universities have cancelled all study-abroad programs. The continuing response by governments, including border closures, entry restrictions, and quarantines has created an unpredictable environment. We share many of our sending institutions’ concerns that return travel may become further complicated in the weeks ahead.
Like all responsible organizations, SEA is doing all we can to help delay the spread of COVID-19. Out of an abundance of caution and in compliance with government guidance, we have made changes to our spring semester programs, including modifying Oceans & Climate (S-291) and cancelling Marine Biodiversity and Conservation (C-291).
At this time, our summer and fall programs remain on schedule. For ongoing updates and latest impacts, please visit our link on our website: SEA COVID-19 Update.
We have extra protocols in place to keep all of our sea-going students, staff and crew safe and healthy in the face of COVID-19. SEA shore-based employees are encouraged to work remotely when possible to protect all SEA faculty, staff, and students – and, by extension, their communities.
Stay tuned for our bi-monthly newsletter, SEA Compass, in the coming weeks with stories and updates celebrating our students, staff, crew and ships and our important work.
SEA’s values remain as strong as ever. We will continue to stay optimistic about the future and encourage everyone to support each other at such an unusual time.
We here at SEA hope that you and your loved ones are safe, healthy and weathering this challenging time.
With gratitude,
