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Who can apply for Schola Polaris?
The ideal candidate for this programme is aged between 15 and 17 and eligible to enroll in the IB Diploma Programme. It is a plus if they are in their last year of the IB Middle Years Programme, but this is not a requirement. They demonstrate strong academic performance and are committed to personal growth, open to feedback, and adaptable in dynamic environments. With an adventurous spirit, they embrace new challenges and are eager to step outside their comfort zone.
When can I sign up?
At any time! However, to allow yourself enough time to prepare, we close the application process for the coming school year at the end of June. Sign up for an account and view our exclusive content to learn more about the roadmap to joining our programme!
How can I sign up?
The first step is registering an account on this website and paying the registration fee. You will then get access to much more exclusive content like a virtual ship tour, podcasts about the voyage and information about the tuition fee. More information about the rest of the application process is also available in the exclusive content.
When does the voyage take place?
Every year, our adventure begins in the end of August with eight months of learning and travelling at sea. Around the end of April, we disembark and continue with a two-month land-based programme. The experience concludes late June.
The exact dates will be shared with families that join the programme.
Are there specific health requirements to participate?
Yes. It is important that your child can participate safely and responsibly in all aspects of Schola Polaris. Due to the nature of the ship and the voyage, this programme is unfortunately not for everyone.
As part of the registration process, you will fill out a health declaration. If we have any questions about your answers, we will contact you to discuss these. Please contact us if you already have a specific concern in mind and we will gladly discuss this with you to find out if you are eligible.
Can I join if I have a food intolerance/allergy?
We evaluate this on a case-by-case basis. You will have to provide some information about your case. Then our experienced team (together with a captain and a ship’s doctor) will assess your answers. After that, the team will discuss the case with you and your parents, and together you will decide if it is responsible and safe for your child to embark on the journey.
Are vaccinations mandatory, and if so, which ones?
Some vaccinations are mandatory, such as the yellow fever vaccine. We review this annually, and candidates and participants will be informed in a timely manner.
My child gets seasick easily, can they still join?
Almost everyone experiences seasickness in the beginning. For most people, this passes quickly, and they don’t experience it again for the rest of the trip. If it does persist, we have effective seasickness medication available on board.
What if I get unbearable homesickness?
Everyone experiences homesickness to some degree, either in the first weeks or at some point during the voyage. This is completely normal. Almost always, it passes, and you’ll quickly find your rhythm on board. The crew and your fellow students are there to support you and we have strategies to help you cope.
What destinations does Schola Polaris visit?
We’re always excited to share a glimpse of the journey ahead. More information about the route can be found here. Please note that this is only a plan. Since we will be sailing, the precise destinations we visit depend on the weather, wind and waves. No rights can be derived from the Schola Polaris voyage plan presented here or anywhere else.
Do I need to know how to sail to participate in Schola Polaris?
No, sailing experience is not required. For (almost) everyone, sailing on a tall ship is new, even if they do have prior sailing experience. The first few weeks, we begin with the same basics for everyone. It is literally “learning the ropes”. After that, you continue to build on this foundation throughout the journey and you will learn something new every watch. From basic seamanship such as learning the difference between port and starboard to gradually learning more advanced skills like navigation. Some might eventually step into the role of captain during a ship takeover. This depends on your own interests and capabilities.
Do I need to know how to swim to participate in Schola Polaris?
Before joining the programme, you will need to show that you can swim 200 metres and tread water for 20 minutes. A certified swim coach or lifeguard must confirm this by signing a form. This form can be requested during the application process. If you already have an offical swimming diploma or certificate from previous swimming lessons, then that is also sufficient. These documents must be shared with us during the application process.
How can I be sure my child is in good hands with the crew?
Our core team has years of experience guiding young people during similar voyages. Each year, we supplement this core team with qualified and capable crew and faculty members. All crew and faculty members are required to present a Certificate of Conduct (or similar official document) and other credentials during the hiring process.
Will my religious practices be respected?
At Schola Polaris, we value and respect the wide range of traditions our students bring on board. Wherever and whenever possible, we make time and space for individual religious observances and celebrations.
Unfortunately, not all religious dietary restrictions can be implemented due to the compact nature of the ship, the galley (the kitchen on board) and the voyage itself. Please contact us if you have further questions about this.
What are the sleeping arrangements on board?
Students share cabins with others of the same sex.
Are there showers and bathrooms on board?
Yes. The ship is equipped with several showers for student use. To conserve water, shower days and shower time are scheduled, usually every other day, though this can change depending on the specific ship being used.
Can I join for less than a school year?
No. The programme covers the entire school year. This ensures that we can complete every stage of the voyage and the curriculum, which is essential for your learning and development.
Is there an end-of-term or semester break?
Yes. There is a semester break more or less in the middle of the school year. The location will be confirmed well in advance so parents can plan and book flights. Families are welcome to visit during this period. During this break however, students are not allowed to stay on board. They must go home or go on vacation with their families.
How do families stay connected during the programme?
Internet access is intended for and limited to academic work and online lessons. This creates a valuable and living-in-the-moment atmosphere on board.
Once a week, students will receive an e-mail from their friends and families in order to keep in touch. They will also send a reply once a week. This creates a “letter exchange” where you will always have to wait a few days to hear from eachother. This makes communication more real and also more meaningful.
During free time on land, students can use their phones to connect more freely.
Families and friends can also follow the journey through regular updates shared by our social-media coordinator.
What happens if there is a (medical) emergency at home?
The captain, crew, and faculty have reliable satellite-based communication tools for operational and emergency use. There will be an emergency contact number that you can call in case of an emergency at home. We will then discuss the options with you.
Please be aware that sometimes, depending on the part of the voyage, it might not be possible to (immediately) fly home in case of an emergency at home.
What happens if there is a (medical) emergency on board?
The captain, crew, and faculty have reliable satellite-based communication tools for operational and emergency use. They will contact you if there is something they wish to discuss with regards to your child’s wellbeing.
Please be aware that the crew will not inform you of every aspect of your child’s life on board.
What does my child need to bring?
Once accepted into the programme, each student receives a guide with a detailed packing list and other key information to help them prepare. The Schola Polaris team will also be happy to answer any questions as your child prepares for their learning adventure at sea.
What is the tuition fee to participate in Schola Polaris?
Information about tuition fees for Schola Polaris is available in our exclusive content. For this, you must register an account on this website and pay the registration fee. You will then get access to much more exclusive content like a virtual ship tour, podcasts about the voyage and information about the tuition fee.
Why does my child need to do a fundraising programme?
Through the fundraising programme, your child gathers funds for the community service projects we visit during the voyage. This is an essential part of developing global citizenship. It enables students to actively contribute to meaningful projects, understand the impact of their efforts, and engage with communities in a way that goes beyond just visiting. By fundraising, they’re not only helping to make a real difference, but also demonstrating their commitment and willingness to actively participate in global initiatives that foster positive change.
Is there a minimum fundraising goal that students need to meet?
No, there is no minimum requirement. The goal is not to achieve a specific target, but rather to make an effort and demonstrate a willingness to contribute to the community projects we visit. A student’s participation in the fundraising process reflects their commitment to making a positive impact.
The fundraising programme is also the first step in both their formal and informal education. Reports and reflections about their efforts can be used for the DP core subject Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). Next to that, it will encourage them to step out of their comfort zone.
How much spending money does my child need?
All essentials, like meals, accommodation, expeditions and learning materials are included in the tuition fee. However, students are allowed some extra money for personal treats, souvenirs, or activities during shore visits. This will be limited to a specific amount to make sure that there are no differences between the students. We do not want this to play a role in the social dynamic on board. The maximum allowance will be shared with families beforehand.
Does taking part require the consent or support of my child’s current school?
No, this is not required. Your child will be joining a new school, SEK International School Global Campus, for the duration of the programme. While you will need to provide your child’s International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (or similar education) grade transcripts, your current school is not involved in the Schola Polaris programme.
Are good grades a pre-requisite to joining the programme?
Schola Polaris is a programme for young people who are seeking extra challenges. These challenges, such as watch duties and expeditions, are in addition to regular schoolwork. Together with SEK International School Global Campus, your education will be tailored to you and your needs. It will, however, also require commitment and dedication from you. For this reason, Schola Polaris requires participants to have a pass in all their academic subjects up to the point at which they will be joining the programme.
During the application process, there will be some form of academic aptitude test to check that you are eligible for the IB Diploma Programme.
My child has dyslexia and/or dyscalculia, can they still participate?
Yes. Dyslexia or dyscalculia is not a barrier to participating in Schola Polaris. If your child has dyslexia or dyscalculia, we offer the same support and help as a land-based school, such as extra time during exams.
Where will my child follow their second year of the DP?
After finishing year 1 of the Diploma Programme (DP1) at sea, you and your child have several options for year 2 (DP2). Your child can continue with SEK International School Global Campus and complete DP2 online, either from home or anywhere else in the world. They can also choose to attend a new or familiar shool near your home and continue with DP2 there. The decision is up to you, and we will support you in finding the best option for your child’s academic and personal goals.
Do you also offer a gap-year programme?
No. We offer a DP1-programme because this provides students with a solid foundation in the International Baccalaureate curriculum while offering a unique, hands-on learning experience at sea.
Does my child need to speak English to join Schola Polaris?
Yes, all courses are taught in English so some proficieny in English is required. However, it is not a problem if English is not your child’s first language – we welcome students from diverse backgrounds and are here to support their language development throughout the programme.
There will be some form of language proficiency test during the application process. If you already have proof of language proficiency (a Cambridge C1-level certificate, for example), this test will not be necessary.
Do you offer parent-teacher conferences?
Yes. We welcome conversations with parents at any point during the year. Meetings can be arranged upon request with both the faculty teaching online subjects and the team on board the ship.