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Class Afloat is a one-of-a-kind academic program that lets students live and study aboard a tall ship while sailing to ports around the world. Offered in partnership with West Island College International, the program combines high school and first-year university courses with global travel, leadership development, and hands-on adventure.
Here’s what makes it special:
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🌍 Students sail to 20+ ports across four continents during a nine-month school year
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📚 Earn Grade 11, 12, or first-year university credits through Acadia University and other accredited institutions
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🧭 Learn subjects like Marine Biology, Art History, and Global Citizenship in real-world settings
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⛵ Participate in shipboard duties like setting sails, standing watch, and navigating
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🧑🤝🧑 Engage in volunteer work, cultural exploration, and leadership training at each port
To join, students must first be accepted into the Class Afloat program through West Island College. Once accepted, they apply to Acadia University to enroll in selected online courses suited to the shipboard environment.
📘 Helpful Definitions:
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Class Afloat: An international experiential education program combining academics and global travel aboard a tall ship
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Partner program: A collaboration between institutions to offer specialized learning experiences
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Shipboard learning: Education that takes place while living and traveling on a vessel
📎 Suggested Links:
📝 Special Notes:
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Students must apply through West Island College International before registering with Acadia
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Courses are selected based on the ship’s itinerary and learning environment
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Class Afloat alumni often continue their studies at Acadia or transfer credits to other universities
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The program emphasizes academic excellence, global citizenship, and personal growth