YEAR ABROAD
SHIP

THE SAILING CLASSROOM WITH NAUTIC HORIZONS.

Year abroad on a sailing ship

A year abroad on a ship is far more than a typical student exchange. With Nautic Horizons, the sea becomes the classroom, the school ship the school, and the world a place of learning. Students in grades 10 and 11 spend six months on the traditional tall ship Regina Maris, visiting up to 14 countries and gaining invaluable life experience.

A particular highlight: During the six-month voyage, the young people experience two Atlantic crossings – one from Europe to the Caribbean and one back via Bermuda to the Azores and then on to Europe. This extraordinary trip makes Nautic Horizons unique.

A CLASSROOM THAT SAILS - EXPERIENCE SCHOOL AT SEA

The concept of 'school at sea' brings lessons to life. In addition to mathematics, biology, Spanish, physics, and history, the students take on responsibilities on board: they set sail, stand watch, learn to navigate the sailing ship, and, under the supervision of an experienced cook, prepare the daily menu for the entire crew. In this way, learning becomes hands-on and responsibility a shared experience.

In this way, the sailing ship becomes a unique learning environment. School becomes a hands-on experience, and students develop teamwork, self-confidence, and a sense of responsibility – skills that extend beyond the classroom and are valuable throughout their lives.

This journey offers young people the opportunity to experience school in a completely new way: directly on the ocean, surrounded by nature and in a constant alternation between theory and practice.

LEARNING ON LAND - PROJECTS WITH MEANING

A stay abroad with Nautic Horizons means not only lessons at sea, but also intensive encounters on land. In each country, projects await that broaden horizons and connect lessons with real life:

Animal protection projects in the Caribbean – protection of sea turtles and coral reefs
Hike to the Boiling Lakes in Dominica – Experience natural sciences up close at one of the world's largest thermal lakes
Life in the jungle of Colombia – getting to know the everyday life and culture of indigenous communities
School visit in Jamaica – exchange with local students
Recycling projects in Cape Verde – making sustainability a reality

Each stop on the journey connects adventure, culture, and responsibility. The young people meet people, discover new ways of life, and expand their boundaries – both in their minds and hearts.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TRIP

A SCHOOL PROJECT WITH HISTORY & FUTURE

Many are already familiar with the concept of a school at sea or a stay abroad on a sailing ship.
Nautic Horizons builds on this special form of learning and consistently develops it further:

Individual support for different curricula
Smaller learning groups in a family atmosphere
Two Atlantic crossings
Close integration of teaching, onboard life and land-based projects with real added value

Nautic Horizons demonstrates how a stay abroad can combine school, adventure and personal development.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIFE ON BOARD

NAUTIC HORIZONS - A STAY ABROAD WITH ADVENTURE

Many students and parents research student exchange programs or gap years online. Programs on sailing ships or at schools at sea are particularly popular. While many traditional exchange programs are tied to specific partner schools, Nautic Horizons offers a flexible and practical alternative.

The lessons are individually tailored to different curricula, especially for German students. At the same time, the program uniquely combines school, sailing, and intercultural projects. Personal development, teamwork, and responsibility are central to the program. The family-like atmosphere on board, fostered by a family-run business, creates a special learning and living environment.

This turns a year abroad on a sailing ship into a unique adventure at sea and on land – an experience that shapes students for a lifetime.

WHO IS THIS TRIP SUITABLE FOR?

The opportunity to spend time at sea is aimed at students in grades 10 and 11 who are ready to step out of their comfort zone.

Are you curious about the world?
Are you looking for a special challenge?
Do you want to combine school, sailing and adventure?

Then a year abroad with Nautic Horizons is just right for you.

COSTS, SUPPORT & PARTICIPATION

Together with sponsors and partners, Nautic Horizons offers targeted support for committed young people.

To provide additional relief to families, we organize a sponsorship course on board the Regina Maris as part of our Sea Camp. There, the young people learn step by step how to actively seek out supporters and organize their own sponsorships. In this way, not only is financial assistance provided to the families, but the young people also gain valuable experience in self-organization, communication, and personal responsibility.

Participation therefore depends not only on financial means, but above all on motivation, openness, and courage. Our goal: Every young person should have the opportunity to embark on this special journey – regardless of their background or financial limitations.

ALL INFORMATION & APPLICATIONS.

School at sea – your greatest adventure

Six months with Nautic Horizons means more than just lessons; it's an experience that will shape you forever. 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.

All important information about the lessons, the travel route, the projects on land and the financing options can be found on our website.

Learn more and apply directly for your stay abroad on the ship: www.nautic-horizons.com