.png)
CLASSROOM
AT SEA
NAUTIC HORIZONS -
YOUR YEAR ABROAD IN OR 10TH OR 11TH GRADE ON A SAILING SHIP.
SCHOOL AT SEA – THE REAL ALTERNATIVE TO THE TRADITIONAL STUDENT EXCHANGE
A year abroad after 10th grade is a big dream for many young people: exploring new countries , learning a foreign language , meeting new people and still keeping their school leaving certificate in mind.
With Nautic Horizons, this dream becomes tangible.
Unlike a traditional student exchange or exchange year in Canada, Australia, New Zealand , the USA , or England, you won't live with a host family , but rather on a traditional sailing ship. Your classroom floats—and the sound of the sea will wake you up every morning.
“I never thought I would be studying math in the middle of the Atlantic—and loving it.”
– Lina, 16, participant
LEARN AND LIVE - YOUR YEAR ABROAD AT SEA
Lessons according to the German school system
On board the Regina Maris , experienced educators teach according to your school system .
Your schooling continues, your academic career remains secure, and you can prepare specifically for your Abitur or the next school year .
In addition to mathematics, German and English, exciting practical subjects await you:
-
Navigation & Boat Technology
-
Meteorology & Oceanography
-
Maritime Biology & Marine Conservation
This way you can collect academic achievements that your home school will recognize – regardless of whether you attend G8 or G9.
YOUR SHIP - YOUR FLOATING TEMPORARY HOME
Your accommodation during your stay abroad
This year's highlight is the Regina Maris , a traditional, 48-meter-long sailing ship.
Here, you'll not only learn for school , but also experience real life on board. Instead of staying in one place in Germany or flying to New Zealand or Australia for an exchange year, you'll travel with your classmates from grades 10 to 11 through different countries and climate zones.
The cabins are simple but comfortable – your accommodation will quickly become your home away from home. Together with other students, teachers, and crew, you'll form a family on board . This makes sailing itself a part of your school life and a viable alternative to the traditional student exchange program.
With this system , you combine lessons, adventure, and wanderlust —a choice that will shape you far beyond your high school diploma.
THE ROUTE - YOUR WAY ABROAD
Not everyone wants to spend an entire school year abroad .
That’s why Nautic Horizons offers two models:
-
6-month program – from October to April you sail from Europe via Portugal, the Canary Islands and Cape Verde to the Caribbean , then on to Central America and back to Europe via the Azores.
-
3-month stages – perfect if you prefer shorter periods or want to test it out first.
Whether you plan to start in grade 9 , in grade 10 or during grade 11: you choose the best time to suit your needs , interests and academic performance.
FLEXIBLE PROGRAMS - YOU HAVE THE CHOICE
A year abroad in the 10th grade or directly afterwards means that you not only get to know one country, but experience several countries and cultures .
With the Regina Maris, you'll sail from Germany via Portugal, the Canary Islands, and the Caribbean to Central America . Each leg of your journey will bring you new topics for school and exciting encounters that will go far beyond a typical exchange year.
While other students go on student exchanges in England or even in the federal states of Germany, you choose the sea – and broaden your worldview in the best way possible.
The accommodation on board is your constant companion, whether you're studying math in class or enjoying a sunset on the beach.
OUR MISSION - WHY WE ARE RETHINKING THE YEAR ABROAD
We offer you a year abroad that goes far beyond the usual models. While a student exchange often only shows you one country, with us you combine learning, travel, and adventure at sea and see several countries around the world at once.
Your year abroad will open doors to countries, cultures, and topics that you wouldn't experience during a normal school year in Germany.
We believe that students between the ages of 14 and 17 benefit most from such experiences – in any case, a year abroad strengthens your personality and your life prospects. Even if you study in the G9 system, your school career remains secure.
Our mission is to show you new opportunities abroad, to accompany you, and to open up the world as your classroom – an unbeatable experience compared to any traditional student exchange.
ADVENTURES INSTEAD OF CLASSROOMS
Imagine learning vocabulary while dolphins swim alongside the ship.
A stay abroad at sea gives you experiences that no high school program or traditional language trip can offer:
-
Protecting sea turtles in Costa Rica
-
Intensive Spanish language course in Mexico
-
Surfing on the beaches of Portugal
-
Encounters with indigenous cultures in Panama
-
Jungle hikes, volcano climbs and tropical expeditions
Every trip brings new culture , language and everyday experiences .
You will learn to adapt to changing conditions and develop intercultural competence – an advantage for your studies, training and future career.
TOGETHER INSTEAD OF HOST FAMILY, SAILING INSTEAD OF AU PAIR
School at Sea – your greatest adventure
Three or six months with Nautic Horizons isn't just about learning, it's about an experience that will leave a lasting impression. The journey combines learning, adventure, and friendship with unforgettable projects on land.
And the absolute highlight: two Atlantic crossings that require courage, team spirit, and true seamanship – an experience that transcends all boundaries and strengthens you for life.
You can find all important information about the lessons, the travel route, the onshore projects, and the funding options on our website.
Learn more now and apply directly for your stay abroad on the ship: www.nautic-horizons.com
School at Sea – your greatest adventure
Three or six months with Nautic Horizons isn't just about learning, it's about an experience that will leave a lasting impression. The journey combines learning, adventure, and friendship with unforgettable projects on land.
And the absolute highlight: two Atlantic crossings that require courage, team spirit, and true seamanship – an experience that transcends all boundaries and strengthens you for life.
You can find all important information about the lessons, the travel route, the onshore projects, and the funding options on our website.
Learn more now and apply directly for your stay abroad on the ship: www.nautic-horizons.com
Your year abroad will be shaped not only by your classmates, but also by the crew and teachers on board. They will ensure that you feel comfortable in your accommodations. It's not just about your Abitur or your school years, but also about personal development and responsibility. In this system, you will experience a close-knit community: Each class grows together, tasks are shared, and challenges are mastered. The crew will show you how to set sail, explain technical topics on board, and support you in your decision to make your exchange more than just a lesson. This creates a team spirit that will stay with you beyond your year abroad – the best preparation for life after school.
COSTS, BENEFITS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES FOR A YEAR ABROAD.
A year abroad or a stay of several months is an investment in your future , but it doesn't have to be an unattainable luxury.
Are you wondering if you can explore the world with a scholarship? What options are available for financing your year abroad? Then feel free to contact us about the possibilities.
We provide you with transparent information about costs, price ranges and included services such as tuition, accommodation, meals and on-site programs.
Together we discuss:
Scholarships and sponsorship
Options for installment payments or partial financing
individual arrangements with your home school for the recognition of your achievements
This way you and your parents can find the best solution for your decision .
DIFFERENCES FROM THE CLASSIC EXCHANGE YEAR
In a traditional exchange program, you spend a year abroad with a host family, attend a local school, and immerse yourself in the everyday life of a single country.
With Nautic Horizons, however, you travel through several countries and climate zones – from Europe to the Caribbean to Central America.
You will experience different languages and educational systems, learn to take responsibility while sailing, and gain experiences that extend far beyond a single country.
Everyday life on board – school, adventure and community
Your year abroad will be shaped not only by your classmates, but also by the crew and teachers on board. They will ensure that you feel comfortable in your accommodations. It's not just about your Abitur or your school years, but also about personal development and responsibility. In this system, you will experience a close-knit community: Each class grows together, tasks are shared, and challenges are mastered. The crew will show you how to set sail, explain technical topics on board, and support you in your decision to make your exchange more than just a lesson. This creates a team spirit that will stay with you beyond your year abroad – the best preparation for life after school.
RECOGNITION FROM YOUR HOME SCHOOL
Many young people wonder whether their school achievements will be recognized.
We are in close contact with the school administration and teachers at your home school to ensure a smooth return and the recognition of your year abroad – regardless of whether you subsequently aim for your Abitur or another qualification .
WHO IS NAUTIC HORIZONS SUITABLE FOR?
Our program is aimed at young people
who are between 14 and 17 years old ,
who are planning a year abroad in the 10th grade or directly after,
who are looking for an extraordinary adventure abroad and
who are ready to discover new opportunities and take on responsibility.
YOUR NEXT STEP – HOW TO START YOUR YEAR ABROAD IN YEAR 10
Get informed – Make an online appointment and find out everything about the route, costs , funding programs and the best times for your trip.
Apply – Choose between the full program or a 3-month phase and discuss individual requirements with us.
Prepare – Together we plan your trip, lessons and your return
WHY NOW?
You only experience a school year abroad during the 10th or 11th grade once.
Whether you're planning to graduate , study, or spend a year as an au pair, the experience at sea will give you self-confidence, language practice, and a network for life.
Take the chance before the next school year begins and start your personal year abroad with Nautic Horizons – the school at sea that helps you grow.