It includes classrooms with closed circuit television capabilities, a library, computer lab, theater, student union and two dining rooms. It also includes a swimming pool, basketball and volley court and a fitness center. Cabins are available in double and triple occupancy for students. Students can choose from over seventy lower and upper division courses in a variety of disciplines. Courses offered are accredited by the University of Pittsburgh and are fully transferable to the student's home institution.
Classes meet daily while the ship is at sea.
The faculty is made up of visiting professors from institutions across the U.S. and abroad. They are internationalists who typically have had resident experience abroad, which enables them to integrate course content with countries on the itinerary. When in port students can choose from a wide range of structured travel opportunities that are developed by the Institute and the faculty. Students may also choose to travel independently. Each class has a field component requirement that the student must complete during the voyage.