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 UNDER SAIL - EXPERIENCE SCHOOL AT SEA

The concept of 'classroom under sail' 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. This makes learning 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 have already heard of projects like the High Seas High School, the Classroom Under Sail (KUS) with the Thor Heyerdahl, or Ocean College. Nautic Horizons builds on this tradition – but deliberately goes a step further:

Individual support for different curricula (most come from Germany)
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 use platforms like "Auf in die Welt" or "weltweiser" to find information about student exchange programs. While programs like the High Seas High School or Classroom Under Sail (KUS) have established partner schools, Nautic Horizons offers a flexible alternative: curriculum tailored to various plans, a combination of school, sailing, and intercultural projects, a focus on personal development, teamwork, and responsibility, and a family atmosphere on board thanks to its family-run operation. This transforms a year abroad on a ship into a unique adventure at sea and ashore – 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

A year abroad on a ship not only provides valuable experience, but also, of course, comes with costs. But participation shouldn't be a financial obstacle: Together with sponsors and partners, Nautic Horizons offers targeted support for committed young people.

To further ease the burden on families, we offer 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 recruit supporters and organize their own sponsorships. This not only provides financial support for the families but also allows the young people to 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 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