An unconventional educational programme, which takes students to 25 different countries in the course of a year wants more Bermudians to jump aboard.

The Class Afloat educational scheme, onboard the tall ship SV Concordia, hosted an informational tour while in Hamilton last week in order to get more locals aware of the initiative.

According to Bruce Middleton, Class Afloat director, there was a large market for them in Bermuda.

While explaining the benefits of the programme, he said: "It offers students a great and unconventional way to do their schooling. It gets them to see the world and learn a lot about themselves and working in a community.

"It's probably the hardest thing they will ever have to do, but in the end they are probably better for it."

This year two Bermudians, Clare Buchanan, 17, and Erin Greig, 18, have been onboard taking their regular high school and university courses, while travelling and learning the ins-and-outs of sailing.

"It has been amazing, hard work but it's a good opportunity. It's very awesome to see so many countries in such a short period of time," said Clare.

She left regular schooling in order to give the unconventional programme a try and said: "I wanted a change of routine and it seemed like such an amazing thing to go around the world while still in high school instead of having to take a gap year if I wanted to travel."

Clare has been taking rigorous subjects such as: Marine Biology, Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology while onboard and will graduate next year with a degree from the West Island College International in Calgary.

When asked what she has enjoyed most, Clare said: "I built some amazing friendships, just being exposed to people in such close living conditions – it makes friendships grow so much more quickly than on land."

Similarly, gap year student, Erin has enjoyed her time onboard the tall ship and encouraged others to pursue the programme.

She admitted it was great for people who want to build new relationships and travel, and added: "It's also a good programme if you're looking forward to growing yourself, finding yourself, which people normally do when they go off to travel for a year.

"I found I've grown a lot on this programme, just being in different situations and having to learn from people around you.

"The program may seem like all fun and games, however, both girls admit there have been challenges throughout, including sleep deprivation, regular chores and smaller living spaces. They even have to survive without weekends while at sea, which can last as long as 28 days."

Anyone interested in more information should visit the ship programme's website at: www.classafloat.com.