Frequently Asked Questions
1. Application Process & Participation Requirements
The complete application must be submitted by 14 May 2025 at 23:59 (MESZ). Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications received after the deadline, regardless of the reason. We therefore recommend submitting your application well in advance to avoid any technical issues shortly before the deadline.
The Farmont Summer School is aimed at young Europeans aged 18 to 25 who are curious about different perspectives, interested in European exchange, and who appreciate Europe's cultural diversity. By "Europeans," we do not exclusively mean citizens of the European Union, but all those who see themselves as part of the European sphere and are willing to actively engage in open, intercultural dialogue.
Applications are therefore welcome not only from nationals of EU member states but also from young people in official EU candidate countries (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, Türkiye, and Ukraine) as well as from the potential candidate country Kosovo. Applications from England and Switzerland are also explicitly welcome.
The key requirement is that you are at least 18 and no older than 25 on the application deadline - 14 May 2025.
Yes, you can still apply. For participation in the Farmont Summer School, the age limit stipulates that applicants must not be older than 25 at the time of the application deadline. The decisive factor is your age on the day of the deadline - 14 May 2025. If you are still 25 on this date, you meet the age requirement, even if you turn 26 by the time of the sailing trip.
Unfortunately, no. To apply for the Farmont Summer School, you must be at least 18 years old – by the application deadline on May 14, 2025, at the latest. For legal and organizational reasons, we cannot consider applications from individuals who are still minors on that date.
Yes, you can apply – the key requirement is that you hold citizenship of an EU member state or a potential EU accession country. Even if you are temporarily staying outside Europe, for example for studies or an internship, you are generally eligible to apply. However, it is important that you are able to travel to and from a European airport during the program dates, as the foundation only arranges and covers flights within Europe. In exceptional cases, an alternative solution may be possible – but this must be discussed with the foundation in advance.I currently live partly outside the EU. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can still apply if you are only available for one of the two scheduled trips. Please make sure to indicate your availability clearly in the application form. However, please note that being available for both dates may improve your chances of being selected, as group composition and scheduling are important factors in the selection process.Can I apply if I am only available for one of the sailing trips?
As a participant, you will face no significant costs - the Farmont Foundation covers the majority of expenses related to the trip. Specifically, this means the foundation organizes and pays for your travel from the nearest suitable airport within Europe to the starting point of the sailing trip and back. In some cases, alternative, more sustainable modes of transportation can be arranged. During the sailing trip, you will sleep on board the ship. If additional overnight stays are required due to travel arrangements (e.g., in a hostel), these costs will also be covered by the foundation. You will receive breakfast, dinner, and snacks and drinks during the day - either on board or as part of joint activities on land. Meals you choose to have on your own during your free time are not covered. In summary, your participation is almost entirely free of charge - you only need to cover your personal leisure expenses and any additional meals you choose to eat on your own.
If you are from a country that requires a visa for entry into Türkiye or Greece (e.g., Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Türkiye itself, or Kosovo), we will gladly support you during the application process with an official invitation or confirmation of participation, which you can submit with your visa application.
Please note, however, that we do not handle the visa application itself and cannot guarantee visa approval. Applying for the visa, scheduling appointments, and communicating with the embassy are your responsibility. We recommend submitting your application as early as possible after acceptance (usually by the end of May) and contacting us if you need assistance with documentation.
Yes, a valid passport is required to attend the Summer School. A national identity card is not sufficient. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. If you do not currently have a valid passport, you should be prepared to pay for a new one if you are selected.
Yes, you can reapply. If you have previously applied and were not selected, you are welcome to try again. In this case, we recommend contacting us before submitting a new application so we can provide personal feedback on your previous application, if possible.
Participants for the Farmont Summer School are selected by a jury consisting of representatives from the foundation, external experts, and former participants. The goal is to assemble a diverse, inspiring, and balanced group. Each application is carefully reviewed based on several categories and evaluation criteria.
A central component of your application is the video you submit via a link. The jury evaluates aspects such as creativity, exceptional effort (whether in content, design, or technical execution), interesting perspectives and approaches, self-reflection, and the personal motivation evident in the video.
Additionally, you will be asked to submit a presentation or workshop idea on a current topic that you would like to present or discuss during the Summer School. The jury assesses the discussion potential of the topic, its depth (whether academic or personal relevance), the specificity of the proposal (e.g., through questions or methodological approaches), and the visible engagement and interest in dialogue.
A key aim of the Summer School is to enable participation for those who typically have limited access to such programs - whether for social, geographic, cultural, or personal reasons. The jury therefore also considers factors such as belonging to a social or cultural minority, limited prior access to comparable programs or scholarships, personal backgrounds or life paths that could bring new perspectives to the group, and the potential added value for the group (e.g., through unique experiences, attitudes, or qualities).
We are aware that many of these aspects are not always directly evident from the application. Nevertheless, we strive to be sensitive to how someone’s personality, background, or story might particularly enrich the group - even if the video or presentation topic is not "perfect."
The selection process is not about finding the perfect application but about choosing people who have something to say, are open to exchange, and can make Europe’s diversity visible. Authenticity, motivation, and a willingness to engage are just as important as professionalism.
Notifications of acceptance or rejection will be sent no later than six weeks after the application deadline, i.e., by the end of June 2025. You will be informed via email - please keep an eye on your spam folder during this period.
2. Sailing Experience & Safety
No, you do not need any sailing experience to participate in the Summer School - you don’t even need to have been on a boat before. Everything you need to know, you’ll learn on board. It’s nice if you can swim, but even that is not a requirement for application. What’s much more important is your openness to trying new things and being part of a team on the water.
The safety of all participants is our top priority at the Summer School. At the beginning of the trip, there will be a comprehensive safety briefing, and throughout the journey, an experienced, professionally trained crew will be on board.
The Summer School is led by Andreas Wolke and Angelika Reinhold - both hold all relevant sailing licenses up to the Sporthochseeschifferschein (SHS), the highest official German sailing license. They own their own sailing yacht, regularly spend time at sea, and have years of experience in offshore sailing. You are in safe hands - even if it’s your first time on a sailboat.
In poor weather, the safety of the crew and all participants takes precedence. In such cases, the route will be adjusted flexibly, or a safe harbor will be sought in good time. You can rely on the crew to regularly check all relevant weather services and plan the route with great care and experience to avoid risks while still ensuring a safe and enjoyable sailing experience
Some people initially feel sensitive to the motion of the boat - this is completely normal. It usually passes quickly and has never led to major problems. If you start feeling unwell, it often helps to stay active: we’ll put you at the steering wheel or give you another task on board. With a bit of adrenaline and focusing on something else, the queasy feeling is usually soon forgotten. If you know you’re prone to motion sickness, you can bring preventive medication.
Although the Farmont Summer School is not a sailing school and the boat could theoretically be sailed by just two people, you'll have plenty of opportunities to learn and actively participate in sailing. If you're interested, you can learn how to set sail, tie basic knots and, if you like, understand the basics of navigation or other seafaring skills.
No one is forced to help. But if you show initiative, ask questions or simply lend a hand, our experienced crew will be happy to share their knowledge and involve you actively. It's a great way to gain practical sailing experience - as much as you want.
Yes, you are insured through the Farmont Foundation during the sailing trip (e.g., liability and accident coverage). We also arrange international health insurance for participants, covering medical treatment in both Greece and Türkiye.
3. Accommodation & Meals
Participants stay in cabins on board the sailing yacht during the trip. The cabins are equipped with bunk beds - one sleeps four, the other two.
You’ll spend most of the time - about 80% of the ten days - on the water: sleeping, cooking, eating, sailing, discussing, reading, relaxing, and perhaps enjoying the starry sky under the open sky in the evenings. Life on board is simple but intense and unique - exactly what makes the experience so special.
If gender-separated accommodation is important to you for religious or personal reasons, you can note this in your application. We handle such requests sensitively and respectfully and will try to find a suitable solution within the limited space on board. Please understand that we cannot guarantee this due to spatial constraints - but we take your needs seriously and will do our best to accommodate them.
Breakfast and dinner are included in the program and are always shared on board or, in the evenings, at a restaurant/tavern - often outdoors under the open sky. When we’re on the move during the day, snacks and light meals are provided so no one goes hungry. When we anchor in a bay or harbor, we gather for snacks and drinks to reflect on the sailing and soak up the new surroundings. The fridge is always well-stocked - including drinks - and you’re welcome to help yourself at any time.
We often eat out together in the evenings, especially when we dock in harbors or small towns. There, we like to share meals family-style so everyone can try different dishes - in keeping with the spirit of community and exchange. However, if we’re anchored in a remote bay or there are no restaurants nearby, we cook together on board. Participants prepare meals in small groups - simple, creative, and always with a view of the sea. Some of the most beautiful conversations and genuine onboard moments happen during these times.
Yes, of course. Special dietary needs - whether vegetarian, vegan, or due to allergies - are recorded in advance and naturally taken into account for meals. We make sure that everyone on board feels comfortable and well taken care of.
4. Sanitary Facilities & Hygiene
Yes, there are two bathrooms on board, each with a toilet and shower. However, water supply is limited, so conserving water is especially important. You’ll quickly learn to shower efficiently and briefly, and you should use biodegradable products to avoid polluting the sea. In some harbors, there are sanitary facilities on land that we use when available. These are typically where we shower and use the toilets. In remote bays, we rely on the onboard shower - part of the adventure and experience at sea.
The ship has a freshwater tank for showering and washing. Drinking water is provided separately, so you’ll always have access to clean water for drinking.
A basic rule on board: Use resources sparingly. Water is limited - and the wastewater tank must stay balanced. If it gets too full, things can literally get unpleasant. This experience sharpens awareness of sustainability - practically and directly in daily life at sea.
Yes, you can hand-wash smaller clothing items in the sanitary facilities at harbors. However, there are no washing machines on board, and they’re usually not available in harbors either. We recommend bringing practical, quick-drying clothing and washing only the essentials - ideally with biodegradable detergent.
Yes, bedding and two towels are provided on board. Please bring your own beach towel - ideally one that dries quickly and doesn’t take up much space. This way, you’ll be well-equipped for daily life on the ship and swimming.
5. Daily Life on Board & Free Time
There’s no "typical" day when sailing - every day is different, and that’s part of the appeal. Generally, we start with a shared breakfast on board before sailing on - to the next harbor, a secluded bay, or a Greek island. Afternoons often allow time for conversations, discussions, and swimming, and in the evenings, we eat together and wind down as a group.
We don’t want to give too much away - because an essential part of the experience is the flexibility and unpredictability that sailing brings. If you’re curious, you can find exciting insights into past trips and impressions from previous groups in our logbook on the website or on Instagram.
We can’t specify a fixed route in advance - that’s completely normal when sailing. We depend on wind, weather, and local conditions. Safety and the shared experience always come first.
Typically, we start in Antalya and end the trip in Finike. If conditions allow, we also sail to the Greek island of Kastellorizo or along other highlights of the Turkish coast.
If you’d like a better idea, check out our logbook on the website or Instagram. You’ll find impressions and travel diaries from previous groups. The website also has a rough schedule showing what a day on board might look like.
whether sailing, cooking, discussing, or going about daily life on board.
While there are quiet spots on board for short breaks, you’ll always be part of the shared living space. You’re literally in the same boat - which can be challenging, especially when limited space and close quarters come into play.
At the same time, this is a central part of the experience: learning to be considerate, contribute, handle conflicts, and actively shape the community. Many participants later say this intense closeness was one of the most valuable aspects of the trip.
No, there’s no Wi-Fi or stable internet on board, and you’ll mostly be offline at sea. Mobile internet is usually available in harbors - but note: EU roaming doesn’t apply in Türkiye, so additional costs may occur.
Also, the Summer School is very intensive, both in terms of content and life on board. It’s not possible to work on other projects (e.g., applications, academic work, or a job) alongside. Life on board is all about movement, closeness, exchange, and constant engagement - and honestly, there’s too much rocking to focus on a laptop.
We recommend embracing this special time free of obligations and fully immersing yourself in the shared experience and offline living. Everything else can wait.
Pack weatherproof clothing, non-slip shoes, a sun hat, swimwear, and a light jacket for cooler evenings. Most important is clothing you feel comfortable in and that can get salty or wet.
Specialized sailing gear isn’t necessary - so don’t worry about extra costs. After acceptance, you’ll receive a detailed packing list to help you prepare and start the trip relaxed.
The boat has a well-equipped first-aid kit, and the crew is trained to handle medical emergencies. If necessary, we can head to a harbor with medical facilities at any time.
Minor issues like seasickness, sunburn, or small injuries can usually be treated on board. For anything else, your safety and health come first - you’re not alone, and in emergencies, we’ll act quickly and responsibly.