World Encounters at Sea | Intercultural Research Institute

World Encounters at Sea^®

What better way to explore the cultures, languages, and environment of the world's largest island archipelago than by boat? The Intercultural Research Institute, dedicated to education through firsthand experience, will soon be able to offer one of the richest educational experiences possible through our World Encounters at Sea^® program, to be based in the astounding diversity that is Indonesia.

The Vessel, once construction is completed, will be 14-16 meters in length, made from locally grown and harvested hardwoods (including jati and teak). It will be handcrafted in the shipyards of Ujungpandang, Sulawesi, where families have built boats for centuries. It will be outfitted with modern communications and navigation gear, as well as full complement of safety equipment, and comfortable accomodations for our students.

The Course Material will be as diverse and eclectic as Indonesia itself, and will encompass topics ranging from cross-cultural communication, to environmental biology, to economics. Tentative course topics include:

Introduction to Indonesian Language and Culture
Tourism and Endogenous Development
Human Impact on Reef Ecosystems
Applied Oceanography
Indigeneous Musical Traditions
Balinese Religious Ceremonies

IRI courses strive to make connections between such disparate topics through an holistic interdisciplinary pedagogy. As the vessel sails from port to port, students will meet with local people, come into personal contact with the realities of modern socio-economic structures, view with their own eyes the underwater environment, and take part in the everyday rhythms of life in Southeast Asia. Coupled with carefully selected readings and moderated discussions, these realworld encounters will form the basis of an educational experience that reaches across the traditional curricula, inspiring a deeper, more complete understanding of the human condition, and the biosphere we all share.

As construction nears completion, we will publish a timetable for the first World Encounters at Sea, and begin accepting applications from prospective students. If you would like to notified when this timetable is posted, please contact us with your request.