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