A consortium of universities led by Macquarie University of Sydney has embarked on a voyage of discovery on a five-star cruise liner called the Scholarship that is part of a drive to encourage "intercultural learning".

The first Royal Caribbean Cruise vessel is due to leave Athens for a 16-week voyage with 700 or so passengers forking out US $19,500 (A $25,000) for a voyage that will visit eight countries and five continents.

The university considers this a unique opportunity to expose its' students to the global market, according to Tony Adams, Macquarie's international pro-chancellor.

Professor Adams termed this as a first for the university. No one before had done "a university level program that's studying issues of global concern, whether it's cultural matters, international relations, politics or the environment.

"All sorts of issue are discussed in a hothouse environment aboard the ship. Then, when they go to port they'll be involved in activities which will support the subjects on the ship".

As well as the serious stuff, recreation will also be available aboard to make it an interesting voyage for all the students.

This voyage is also part of a major public relations exercise according to Profesor Adams as it pursues internationalisation of its' curriculum.

From all the universities participating in the consortium, Macquarie will be the sole degree issuing institution.   

Applications are being sought from students throughout February and academic staff are also being recruited.

By Neil Rao