Scholar Ship Arrives In Auckland
News Release
First Ocean-going Academic
Programme for Multi-cultural Student Body
Arrives in
Auckland Wed. 7 November as part of Global Voyage
More Than 200 University Students from 35 Countries, Aboard The Scholar Ship, to spend Six Days' Academic Field Study and Travel in NZ
Auckland – 6 November 2007
– The Scholar Ship, the first ocean-going study abroad
programme developed exclusively for a multi-national student
body, will arrive in Auckland on Wednesday as part of its
inaugural 16-week voyage to four continents.
Some 200 undergraduate and postgraduate students from 35 countries will spend six days in New Zealand. Local academic and business leaders will welcome students and faculty at an onboard reception on Thursday 8 November 19. The ship departs Auckland for Sydney on 13 November.
The shipboard programme immerses students and faculty in a unique intercultural living and learning environment while the ports of call, including Auckland, provide extensive educational opportunities through programmes of academic field study and independent travel.
In New Zealand, academic topics include conflict studies (including Treaty issues), global cultures and social change, sustainable development (including looking at the experience of Waitakere City as the country's first eco-city), art and culture, international business and communications and international development.
Travel options range from a few hours exploring the Waitakere Ranges and west coast beaches, Maori art, Auckland's fashion industry, to visits to tourist spots like Rotorua and Waitomo and multi-day trips discovering coastal islands or the scenic highlights of the North island.
There's even a five day trip through the South Island to Dunedin led by Shore Excursion Manager and tourism industry personality, Kim Newman, the sole Kiwi on board.
The Scholar Ship, a 201-metre ocean liner specially
equipped for its role, is backed by Royal Caribbean Cruises
Ltd and seven international universities.
It embarked
from Athens on 5 September on a westward course for Lisbon,
Panama City, Guayaquil (Ecuador), Papeete and Auckland. From
here the ship sails on 13 November to Sydney, then on to
Shanghai, Macau and finally Hong Kong.
The international universities that serve as The Scholar Ship’s “Academic Stewards” include the University of California Berkeley, Macquarie University (Sydney), Fudan University (China), Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico), Cardiff University (UK), Al Akhawayn University (Morocco); and the University of Ghana. Macquarie University has been designated to award academic credits to students who successfully complete the programme.
Senior executives of major corporations
such as Fuji Xerox, IBM, InterContinental Hotels, KPMG,
Microsoft, and HSBC Bank have helped ensure the programme
learning outcomes are relevant and practical for students.
The Scholar Ship’s introduction reflects an increased
interest and extraordinary growth in enriching study abroad
programmes worldwide.
A scholarship fund to the value of NZ$2.5m (US$2m) has been established for the 2007/2008 academic year to broaden the availability of the programme to students from diverse backgrounds. Scholarships are awarded based on academic merit and economic need.
Ends