Awareness of the environment, and fight against climate change: Plastic pollution is a worldwide problem. The participants experienced and learned how to tackle this challenge during environmentally-focused activities, such as a Do It Yourself (DIY) workshop to make eco-friendly hygiene products, or challenging themselves to do groceries without any plastic used. To be able to inspire others in their network, participants had to see things from a different perspective, have the confidence they could handle any challenges life throws at them, and make a change. The reflection and the setting of goals were essential during this process: The awareness of one's values does help, as all behaviour is directed by a person's values. We did micro-plastic research and beach clean-ups with locals, to raise awareness and incentivize the debate on the theme. The quality of the sustainability-related activities was ensured by the onboard researcher sent by The Ocean Movement, Judith Alkema. Inclusion and Diversity: half of the youngsters on board were living with fewer opportunities (economic, social and medical). Everybody was included in all aspects of life on board: we needed everybody to sail the ship together. Background does not matter when you are sailing. Once confronted by rough weather and seasickness, the “image” that we built about ourselves, and others was gone. Participants bonded more easily in challenging situations, once they understood everyone is important to sail the ship, regardless of experience and background. This is what sail training does it empowers and connects young people and shows them that they are capable of much more than they thought they were. It provides them with essential life skills such as resilience, confidence and leadership. Outside of sail training the trainees share national dishes, games, songs or dances from their country, to share and connect with each other. To be included in all activities, participants needed to be comfortable speaking and expressing themselves. Therefore, there was language support in the preparations of the Exchange for those participants who did not feel comfortable using English as the main language. Moreover, mentors were also there to provide guidance, and the crew did the same during sail training activities. Participation, common values, and civic engagement: The skills required to get people more involved in their communities are very similar to the ones necessary to help build a greener future: self-esteem, confidence, personal development, etc. By implementing a few activities that focused on personal growth and democracy, as well as incentivizing the reflection on those topics, we ensured that participants became more aware of the importance of their civic participation. These topics fit together very well, they amplified each other: to work on sustainability issues, we needed to include everybody and thus needed to understand how to work together. By joining this program participants become better prepared to face the challenges of modern society and life in their community or their professional/academic career and are aware of their ability to make a change.