LUNENBURG, NS, April 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ - Class Afloat- West Island College International is celebrating a rich 30-year history of life-changing experiential education for youth with an academic voyage that covers 18,000 nautical miles (33,000 km). The school's 2014-15 student crew will explore some of the world's most interesting and diverse cultures and natural settings in Europe, the Mediterranean, West Africa, the Caribbean and South America.

Founded in 1984, Class Afloat is a private school based out of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada that offers one of the most unique and powerful youth experiential education programmes in the world. For Class Afloat students from around the world, a tall ship becomes both their school and their home as they live and attend classes at sea. During the 2014-15 academic year, students will sail to 22 ports on 4 continents where they will experience cultural traditions, visit historic sites, participate in voluntary service projects and engage in exciting outdoor activities.

The year will begin in September 2014 in London, UK followed by visits to European ports and a passage through the Gibraltar Strait to the Mediterranean. The ship will then make stops in West Africa, including an extended stay in Senegal where Class Afloat partners with local organisations to engage students in volunteer service projects. The first semester ends with an Atlantic crossing to Bermuda.

Class Afloat's second semester begins in January 2015 with an exploration of countries in the Caribbean and South America, followed by a second Atlantic crossing to historic European ports. The year culminates with a grand arrival and graduation in Amsterdam in May 2015.

The 2014-2015 academic year will take place aboard the Dutch ship Gulden Leeuw, a majestic 230-foot three-mast topsail schooner. For more information about the voyage and Class Afloat, please visit www.classafloat.com. Downloadable images of Class Afloat's ship and programme can be found at www.classafloat.com/media-room

SOURCE Class Afloat - West Island College International

Image with caption: "Class Afloat Celebrates 30 Years with a Voyage of Education, Culture and History (CNW Group/Class Afloat - West Island College International)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140429_C5443_PHOTO_EN_39691.jpg