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CLASSROOM
AT SEA
NAUTIC HORIZONS -
YOUR YEAR ABROAD IN 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 an eye on their school leaving certificate.
Nautic Horizons makes this dream a reality.
Unlike a traditional student exchange or exchange year in Canada, Australia, New Zealand , the USA , or England, you won't be living with a host family , but on a traditional sailing ship. Your classroom floats – and every morning you'll wake up to the sound of the sea.
"Overcome your inhibitions and do things you wouldn't normally do. Live your life!"
– Leona, 15, participant
LEARNING AND LIVING - YOUR YEAR ABROAD AT SEA
Lessons according to the German school system
On board the Regina Maris , experienced teachers provide instruction according to your school system .
Your school days continue, your academic career remains secure, and you can specifically prepare for your Abitur (university entrance exam) or the next school year .
In addition to mathematics, German and English, you can expect exciting practical subjects:
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Navigation & Boat Technology
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Meteorology & Oceanography
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Marine Biology & Marine Conservation
This is how you collect school achievements that your home school recognizes – regardless of whether you attend G8 or G9.
YOUR SHIP - YOUR FLOATING HOME FOR A TEMPORARY TIME
Your accommodation during your year abroad is the Regina Maris , a traditional, 48-meter-long sailing ship.
Here you'll not only learn for school , but also how real shipboard life works. Instead of staying in one fixed location 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 cozy – your accommodation will quickly become your home. Together with other students, teachers, and crew, you'll form a shipboard family . Sailing itself becomes part of your school experience and a real alternative to the traditional student exchange program.
This system combines lessons, adventure and wanderlust – a choice that will shape you far beyond your high school graduation.
THE ROUTE - YOUR WAY ABROAD
A year abroad in 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 the journey will bring you new topics for school and exciting encounters that go far beyond a typical exchange year.
While other students do a student exchange in England or even in the German federal states, you choose the sea – and broaden your worldview in the best way.
The accommodation on board is your constant companion, whether you're learning math in class or enjoying a sunset on the beach.
OUR MISSION - WHY WE ARE RETHINKING THE Gap 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.
Your year abroad opens doors to countries, cultures and topics that you would not experience during a normal school year in Germany.
We believe that students aged 14 to 17 benefit most from such experiences – in any case, a year abroad strengthens your personality and your opportunities for life. Even if you are in the G9 system, your academic 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 classic student exchange.
ADVENTURES INSTEAD OF CLASSROOMS
Imagine you are learning vocabulary while dolphins appear next to the ship.
A stay abroad at sea gives you experiences that no high school program or classic language trip can offer:
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Protecting sea turtles in Costa Rica
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Intensive Spanish language course in Mexico
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Surfing on the Algarve coast
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Encounters with indigenous cultures in Panama
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Jungle hikes, volcano climbs and tropical expeditions
Every journey brings new culture , language, and everyday experiences .
You learn to adapt to changing conditions and develop intercultural competence – an advantage for studies, training and later career.
COMMUNITY INSTEAD OF HOST FAMILY, SAILING INSTEAD OF AU PAIR
Instead of a host family , you can expect a close-knit community of crew, teachers and students on board.
You sail through nights and storms, cook together, keep watch and keep the ship on course.
Strangers become a real "shipboard family" that supports and challenges you.
This time strengthens team spirit , self-organization and perseverance – skills that go far beyond a normal overseas adventure .
THE CREW - YOUR COMPANIONS ABROAD
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
A year abroad is more than just classes – on board the Regina Maris, school, leisure, and adventure blend into a unique everyday life. Every morning, the class starts with regular lessons, so you can stay focused on your studies and your goal of graduating from high school. Unlike a traditional student exchange in Germany or a year abroad as an au pair, you'll share your accommodation with other students. This helps the group quickly bond into a strong community. From the age of 14, you're in the middle of a phase where stays abroad offer the best opportunities for personal growth. While an exchange year often focuses on just one country, on the ship you'll experience the world in all its facets – from tropical coasts to exciting cities. Whether you're in the nine-year Gymnasium program (G9) or another school year, every student will find their place on board. And if you're wondering how it all works, we'll give you tips and are always there to support you with our experience and expertise. Just ask us directly! ... This will make your year abroad more than just a trip – it will become a decision for life.
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.
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who are between 14 and 17 years old ,
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who are planning a year abroad in 10th grade or directly afterwards,
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who have a desire for an extraordinary adventure abroad and
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who are ready to discover new opportunities and take on responsibility.
YOUR NEXT STEP – HOW TO START YOUR YEAR ABROAD IN YEAR 10
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Get informed – Schedule an online appointment and learn everything about the route , costs, funding programs and the best times for your trip.
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Apply – Send us your application via the website or by email.
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Preparation – Together we plan your trip, lessons and your return
WHY NOW?
You only experience a year abroad during 10th or 11th grade once.
Whether you later plan to take your A-levels , study, or spend a year as an au pair – the experiences at sea will give you self-confidence, language practice, and a network for life.
Take advantage of the opportunity before the next school term begins and start your personal year abroad with Nautic Horizons – the school at sea that will help you grow.