Advertising student Eddie Schneider participated in a voyage around the Atlantic rim last fall. He sailed aboard the MV Explorer with more than 600 students, faculty and crew. The ship sailed to 14 countries in Europe, Africa, and South America in 107 days. At Semester at Sea, students have the opportunity to network with professionals, faculty and peers, from all over the world. Schneider met Crocs founder Scott Seamans and astronaut Kathy Thornton. He spent Thanksgiving dinner sailing up the Amazon River with Thomas Shannon, the U.S. ambassador to Brazil.Semester at Sea, run out of the University of Virginia, offers seminars, workshops and events so students can learn from a multitude of influential people. “It’s truly incredible to learn with some of the world’s most brilliant minds,” Schneider said. “There is always someone on the ship to mentor you no matter what field you are interested in.” The classes on the MV Explorer were geared towards the ports of call. Each class required students to participate in one field lab. One of Schneider’s labs was in Rio de Janeiro where he met with executives from Petrobras, the seventh largest company in the world. During lunch, executives gave students tips on getting jobs overseas. Participants in the Fall 2012 voyage also had to complete a research project incorporating primary and secondary sources from six different countries. Schneider’s group researched and created a video production on global communication titled “Connecting People, Connecting Culture.”Their work granted them a spot in a national exhibition.“The experience has opened my eyes to a world with shrinking boarders,” he said. “Communication and technology are to thank for that. I am excited to see where my degree and experience take me.” 

From left, Edward Schneider, Mrs. Shannon, Ambassdor Shannon