Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

A new way to study abroad: Traveling by sea
By Erin Patterson
The Georgia State University Signal (Georgia State U.)
12/20/2006

(U-WIRE) ATLANTA — Traveling to nine different countries in 16 weeks aboard a 600-passenger ship all while earning course credit may sound like a fantasy, but it is exactly what students will do on the Scholar Ship — a new program designed to train students from all over the world in intercultural leadership.

The ship will inaugurate its program on Sept. 5, 2007, from Athens, Greece, and conclude on Dec. 23, 2007, after sailing to more than 10 cities in nine different countries.

Participants will take classes with professors from all over the world while aboard the ship. Classes will consist of lectures, assignments and papers, with a curriculum centered around leadership development.

The curriculum is coupled with activities that students will participate in while disembarked in the various locations. Activities vary from art shows and community festivals to leadership lectures by professors, politicians and other country leaders.

The Scholar Ship is open to both undergraduate and graduate students of all nationalities. Georgia State students must check with their academic departments before enrolling in the program to insure that credit is transferable.

Curriculum is set up through "learning circles," where students choose a course track based on area of interest and field of study. Two of the learning circles offered to undergraduates for the Fall 2007 semester are "Conflict Studies" and "Worlds of Arts and Culture."

The application deadlines for the Scholar Ship are April 30 for the fall semester and September 30 for the spring semester.

For admission to the program, undergraduate students must have completed one year of college before the program begins. All transcripts and academic records are taken into account for admission to the Scholar Ship, while proof of being above average is a plus. According to the Scholar Ship Web site, "Applicants should be ready to succeed in a rigorous academic environment."

A similar, but more seasoned, program to the Scholar Ship is known as "Semester at Sea." Similarities include the extensive travel abroad, a traditional on-board campus and extensive sightseeing opportunities.

While the Scholar Ship focuses on intercultural leadership development, Semester at Sea centers on educating students about global issues such as poverty and international relations. Semester at Sea also offers a summer study abroad program, unlike the Scholar Ship.

Find out more about Semester at Sea at www.semesteratsea.com. The Scholar Ship application and additional information are available at www.thescholarship.com.

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