The Scholar Ship brings together students and staff from around the world to form what we call a ‘third culture.’ Program participants each bring their culture with them; the ship and its environment has its own culture; and together, a third culture is created that is unique to each voyage. The Scholar Ship, in essence, gives ‘intercultural immersion’ a whole new meaning.
Aboard The Scholar Ship, individual cultural backgrounds, beliefs, values, and prior life experiences form the basis of our transnational learning community. This onboard community integrates academic, cultural, and social experiences in programs that enhance students’ personal and professional development. Members of this internationally diverse community grow together, learn from one another, and develop lifelong friendships reaching the far corners of the world.
Residential Community Groups
To support the goals of our transnational learning community, students are matched with roommates who are from other countries and cultural backgrounds. Staff assist roommates in developing congenial and dynamic relationships with each other.
Every student belongs to a small residential community group. Residential communities congregate throughout the voyage for discussions and community-building activities that support the learning outcomes and important social aspects of the program.
Accommodations are comfortably furnished, same-gender cabins with en-suite private bathrooms. Upgraded cabins may be available upon request for an additional fee.
Intercultural Resident Counselors (IRCs)
Specifically selected for their experience in working in multicultural residential environments, IRCs lead small residential communities of students. IRCs reside in cabins nearby their groups so they are easily accessible when assistance and support is required. IRCs serve as coaches and mentors to guide students in making the most of their experience living aboard the ship. They also participate in port programs to help make the connections between activities onshore, classroom instruction and life onboard.
Through their leadership, IRCs develop students’ awareness of their similarities and differences to others as well as their understanding of how they can foster a sense of community despite these differences.
Health and Wellness
Participating as a member of this dynamic multicultural community promises to be an extraordinary and life-changing experience. Maintaining a balanced life is essential to a successful experience. To ensure students’ wellbeing throughout the journey, The Scholar Ship provides a broad range of support services such as a medical clinic and fitness center, and skilled staff such as a recreational specialist and a mental-health professional.
Leadership and Community
While at sea, students spend their free time outside the classroom in both organized and non-organized activities. In addition to a variety of recreational activities, there are cultural celebrations that serve to build awareness, understanding and appreciation of the many cultures represented on the ship. A variety of social and special-interest gatherings are organized as well as venues for theater and musical expression.
Leadership opportunities are available through involvement in Student Council and other student organizations, which for example, organize service projects that make a positive impact on the ports we visit.
There is also time and space for spiritual and religious observances. Of course, there will ample opportunity for informal interaction and quiet reflection. And what students don’t find onboard already, they can plan and create themselves.
Additional Services and Facilities
Our oceangoing campus offers an array of services and facilities to ensure an enjoyable voyage for all, including:
- an academic support center
- a convenience store
- a learning resource center
- recreation and activity rooms
- a snack bar
- a sport deck
- a student pavilion
- three swimming pools
- a theatre
- wash-and-fold laundry service
- wireless network throughout ship