- Students enrolled in the final two years of secondary school (Canadian Grade 11, 12), Gap year or first year university.
- Students are generally between the ages of 16 – 19
- Students with a strong academic profile and involvement in their school and community.
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What types of students attend class afloat?
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Can I earn high school credits and a diploma?
- Yes. Students follow a Canadian (province of Nova Scotia) high school curriculum.
- Class Afloat is fully accredited by the Ministry of Education in Nova Scotia, Canada. Credits can be transferred back to the student’s home high school.
- Students who complete the Grade 12 year will issued an internationally recognized Nova Scotia high school diploma.
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If I register for only my Grade 11 year, will my high school credits transfer back to my school?
- Yes. Our experience is that high school credits from Nova Scotia, Canada are transferred to high schools worldwide. Each student must check with their guidance counsellor to ensure proper credit transfer.
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Do you offer university credits?
- Yes. Students who meet entrance requirements can earn university credits through Acadia University in Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s top-ranked undergraduate institutions.
- Upon completion of the programme, these credits may be transferred to a degree programme at a university of the student’s choice.
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Do you offer a gap year programme?
- Yes. GAP Year students take at least two courses (either high school or university level).
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What if English isn't my first language?
- All students must be able to converse in English and complete courses with instruction in English. Each year we have students from many countries who speak diverse languages.
- All courses are offered in English, providing an immersion in the language.
- ESL classes are offered for those looking for extra assistance.
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How long is the programme?
- The academic year is divided into two semesters (September – January and January – May).
- Students may attend a full academic year or one semester. Some students choose to attend multiple years.
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What courses can I take?
- Our high school is outlined here. Our university curriculum is outlined here.
- In collaboration with their guidance counsellor, students submit their course selection preferences to Class Afloat.
- High school students take 3 – 5 courses per semester.
- University students take 2 – 4 courses per semester.
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How many hours of classroom time will I have each day?
- Depending on course selection, students will complete up to 5 hours of class work each day.
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How long does the ship stop in each port?
- Our port stays vary depending on location, but, on average, the ship stops in each port for 3 - 5 days.
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What do we do while in port?
- Land practica activities are scheduled for the students. These activities can include community service projects, museum tours, cultural events, hiking trips, homestays, camping trips, surfing, snorkelling, etc.
- All land practica activities are included in our programme fees.
- Students also have time to enjoy shore leave (free-time) in each port, travelling in groups of four.
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What safety protocols are in place while in port?
- Safety is of paramount concern for Class Afloat.
- Our safety practices and school policies are outlined in our Parent and Student Handbook posted on our website.
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How many ports will I visit?
- Each academic year, we sail to over 20 ports on 4 continents.
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What is the route/itinerary?
- Our itineraries are announced each winter for the following academic year.
- They can be found on our website here.
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How does class afloat choose the itinerary?
- Itineraries are developed based on sailing conditions, climate, safety, political stability, and academic suitability. Class Afloat reserves the right to change or modify ports of call.
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Is sailing experience necessary?
- Not at all! We will teach you everything you need to know to be a tall ship crew member.
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What kind of ship duties are students responsible for?
- Students perform 2 hours of day watch and 2 hours of night watch each day.
- The watch group is responsible for operating the ship, under the direction of the professional mariner crew.
- Duties can include navigation, hoisting sails, climbing rigging, working in the galley, performing maintenance work or standing watch.
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What if there is something a student is not comfortable doing (such as climbing the rigging)?
- Students are not required to climb the rigging. Those interested in doing so must complete a physical fitness test before climbing.
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What is a typical day like on the ship while at sea?
730h: Breakfast and ready for day
800h: Colours
815h: Ship cleaning stations
900h: Classes and day watch
1230h: Lunch and galley duty
1330h: Classes and day watch
1730h: Supper and galley duty
1900h: Study hall, club meetings, special events
2200h: Sleep and night watch
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What are the sleeping accommodations like?
- The ship's air-conditioned dormitory provides sleeping accommodation in fixed bunks
- The dormitory is divided into separate areas for girls and boys
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What are the bathrooms/showers like?
- Heads (washrooms) and shower facilities are modern
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Where can I see pictures of these areas?
- Images of the ship are featured here.
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What is the food like?
- Meals are prepared fresh by our cooks in the a modern, state-of-the-art galley.
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are served daily.
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Can you accommodate special diets and allergies?
- Yes, we are able to cater to most dietary needs. Vegetarian meals are easily accommodated.
- Students with special dietary needs should advise Class Afloat at the time of application to ensure that these needs can be met.
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Who are the crew and staff on the ship?
- A Shipboard Director leads a team of 5 dedicated academic faculty.
- The ship sails with a certified professional mariner crew of 10:
- Captain
- Chief Officer
- 2nd Officer
- Bosun
- Chief Engineer
- AB
- Medical Officer
- Cook
- Cook’s Mate
- More information about our staff and crew can be found here.
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What if I get sick or injured aboard the ship?
- A certified Medical Officer is on duty at all times to provide care in cases of sickness or injury.
- The ship stocks a supply of medications and medical supplies that are available to the Medical Officer.
- In the case of a serious medical emergency, the ship will sail to the nearest port or, if a more urgent need for hospital care is required, perform a medical evacuation airlift procedure.
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Will I get seasick?
- Seasickness can occur during the first week at sea. It happens when the body, inner ear, and eyes all send different signals to the brain, resulting in queasiness.
- Seasickness usually disappears without medical treatment within a few days, as your brain learns to compensate for the movement of the boat and you get your “sea legs”
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Is there risk involved in the programme?
- Safety is paramount in all aspects of the Class Afloat programme, however, there is risk involved in sailing as there are in all types of adventure and sport activities.
- A structured process of training is conducted to educate students about all safety matters and procedures aboard the ship.
- Our management team, faculty, medical officer and professional mariner crew ensure that safety is the first and foremost concern for everyone aboard the ship.
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Where do I find information about applying?
- Detailed information about the application process and all application and pre-voyage documents are outlined here.
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I have more questions. Where can I find more detailed information?
- Explore our website for information about the application process, our curriculum and programme details, as well as videos, pictures and a brochure.
- Please do not hesitate to contact the Class Afloat office - we would be happy to answer your questions.
- If you are interested in talking to an alumni or alumni family member, please contact us and we will connect you.
- You may also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.