Let’s Start Sail With Us!
Learn, Sail, and
Explore Worldwide.
Get To Know Us!
Our Affiliations
A + World Academy Unique School
Fully-Accredited
High School
A + World Academy is a fully accredited international boarding school and gap year (post graduate) program that sails across the Atlantic to cities in multiple countries on 4 different continents on the world’s oldest fully rigged tall ship, the Norwegian Sørlandet.
Gap Year Academic Program.
Pre-University Academic Program
We offer a Gap Year Program, with an American curriculum, including a selection of Advanced Placement (AP®) courses, for students in the last two years or that just finished high school. The instruction happens at sea while sailing to amazing destinations, integrated into rigorous sail training that will prepare students for some of the most elite universities in the world.
Don’t Just Imagine it!
Experience it!
Our Campus Safety and Communication.
Our Sailing Campus is
The Sørlandet
The Sørlandet
The Norwegian world´s oldest 212-foot fully-rigged tall ship in active services (Norway,1927), has the highest possible technical certifications and safety certificates.
Modern Communication
The vessel is equipped with modern communication devices that allow it to maintain continuous contact with the outside world.
Internet Connection
Students will have internet connection only at every port visited, non during sailing.
Academics Learn While Experiencing it
Lessons Come Alive
In this “Living Textbook”
On the Sørlandet, education is not limited to in-class lessons but life lessons learned from every action of daily life and the interaction with different cultures worldwide. Students take part in ship “watches” as part of the maritime crew, participate in cleaning and sharing the duties on board, and learn how to sail the ship.
Ship Life Challenging Experience.
Challenge, Personal Development
Ship life at A+World Academy will develop the utmost potential in students to be successful and conscientious global citizens in the 21st century. They are challenged to become their best selves, and develop global leadership skills such as grit, perseverance, resilience, accountability, and teamwork…that will lead them to success, in both, their personal and professional life.
Students Talked About Us.
Our Students on Their
Learning Experience
Tessa A
A + World Academy Student
“ This year gave me a lesson, actually, many. When I first came and we had 4 hour watches it seemed to be a nightmare. It was hard and it was difficult to be far from home, but it made me realise so many things that cannot be explained in a piece of paper. ”
Vegard S.
A + World Academy Student
“ This year has been the greatest year of my life. With the bag full of experiences, it’s soon time for it to end. Thank you, A+ Academy for giving me this opportunity. At the start of the year, I met a lot of strangers on the dock in Kristiansand. ”
María M.
A + World Academy Student
“ This year has been everything. There is no other way to explain it. It has been the year where I’ve felt the most down but also the most up. It has been the year where I’ve cried the most, but also had the most convulsive laughter. ”
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know is right here at your fingertips. Ask questions, browse around for answers, or submit your feature requests.
What kind of student is A+ World Academy looking for?
At A+ World Academy, we are looking for motivated and mature students who are excited to grow and develop by exploring the world and experiencing different cultures and perspectives. In addition to being open-minded, hard-working, and team-oriented, students should be academically strong in order to meet the demands of our rigorous curriculum. As an English-speaking community, students need to come with a strong level of English and a desire to improve their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.
How many crew members and faculty are onboard the Sørlandet?
There are typically around 18-20 crew members aboard: 10-12 maritime crew members and 7-8 academic crew members. The maritime crew rotates approximately every 4-6 weeks. The deans (Dean of School and Dean of Students) rotate about every academic quarter, with one working on-ship and one working from land. The Ship Medic and teachers remain onboard the entire year. Onshore, a team consists of the Head of School, land-based Dean, and the Admissions team.
What if English isn’t my first language?
Then we are excited for you to improve on your current English abilities! You will be a welcome addition to the international community on board. Every year, we have a multitude of non-native English speakers as part of our community, including many of our crew. However, you will need a certain English level to be successful as all classes are taught in English, and it is the community language.
Do you accept mid-year or summer admissions?
Unfortunately, we do not accept mid-year or summer admissions due to the rigorous nature of the program. We operate on a full academic year basis only, from August to June.
Does A+ World Academy offer Financial Aid?
Yes! Each year we offer six scholarships of up to 50% of the total tuition price. Similar to our enrollment, these scholarships are issued on a rolling basis so that applicants can know at the time of enrollment if they will receive the financial aid. Therefore, the scholarships are “first come, first serve” and are only issued to non-Norwegians, since the majority of Norwegian students have access to the Lånekassen grant.
How many students can attend the school?
The school’s capacity is 64 students, and thus, space is limited. We highly recommend that you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.