60 students in grades 11 and 12 live and work on a Norwegian tall ship, ‘Sørlandet’, while studying AP courses and traveling the world.
Live and learn. Explore the world outside of the classroom. In 20 ports around the world, we balance our time between free time (‘Shore leave’) and organised activities (‘Field Studies’) with cultural and academic objectives.
For 10 months you will live alongside students from around the world. Not only will you meet people from other cultures with a variety of backgrounds, but you will learn to live and work closely together.
Our students follow a rigorous academic program based on a selection of Advanced Placement courses. The instruction is traditional and similar to any other school. All instruction, however happens at sea while moving from one destination to the next. Seven international teachers lead, guide, and support our students around the clock throughout the year.
CORE PROGRAM
Students must complete each of the 4 elements of the core programme:
• English
• Mathematics or Calculus
• Physical Education
• Extended essay
ELECTIVE PROGRAM
Students must complete 4 courses from any of the following 9 courses in the 3 fields of study:
Science
• Biology (AP)
• Chemistry (AP)
• Physics (AP)
• Statistics (AP)
Languages
• Spanish
Social Science
• Communication & Digital Arts
• Comparative Government and Politics (AP)
• Macroeconomics (AP)
• World History (AP)
Payment plan
Tuition is paid in three installments: 14 days after acceptance, May 1st and August 1st.
The annual tuition fee includes:
Full boarding, cost of the academic program, field studies and lab work.
Not included are:
Vaccinations, visas, personal medication, insurance (500 €), travel to/from the school, pocket money, meals during shore leave, external exam costs and uniforms.
Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.
Minimum level | Absolute beginner |
Average | 12 students |
Maximum | 19 students |
Age range | 16 - 19 years old |
Average | 17 years old |
A+ World Academy is a boarding school on a Tall Ship. Up to 60 students in grades 11 and 12 live and work the 90-year-old Norwegian Tall Ship, ‘Sørlandet’, while they take AP classes and travel the world.
This high school is challenging, and that’s the point. High School at sea presents real-life political, social and environmental choices. Students live close to one another and must learn to communicate and show consideration. They have to relate to issues like water consumption, recycling, and pollution. They will take part in watches and daily duties on board and develop life skills such as leadership, accountability, and teamwork. They overcome challenges on a daily basis that has shown to strengthen character and confidence.
The best part? They will have the opportunity to obtain a high school diploma with AP courses while exploring the world, having some extraordinary experiences and develop essential life skills that they can benefit from the rest of their lives.
The nationality and age mix at A World Academy varies over different time periods, courses and levels. Throughout the year, the average age is 17.
A+ does not hold classes on the holiday dates below. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.
The school is on a 212 foot Tall Ship.
Student residences are more suitable for an independent student, who is looking for clean, basic accommodation at an economic price. All students must be 18+. Your housing starts on the Sunday before your first day of class and ends on the Saturday after your last day of class, unless otherwise noted. Learn more about student residence accommodation
We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.
Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you.
Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Bern based on your budget, schedule and preferences.
Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.
Have questions? Get answers from A World Academy staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.
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