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