World

World Academy: Discover South America, Hawaii, Japan & Beyond

Program No. 22764RJ
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime 131-day voyage onboard the MS Zuiderdam as we explore the world from South America to the Pacific, Asia to the Middle East and Mediterranean Europe.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Are you ready to for an around-the-world adventure like no other? Join us for the ultimate educational voyage onboard the beautiful MS Zuiderdam for a 131-day adventure that leads to South America, Asia and more. Beginning and ending in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you’ll sail to Central and South America, make your way along the Amazon River, transit the Panama Canal, journey to the Pacific to explore Hawaii and the islands of Japan, and continue along for stops in the Middle East and Mediterranean. You’ll enjoy overnight stays in Japan, China, and India allowing for additional time to explore and learn about these fascinating countries. Along the way, enjoy expert instruction and insight from your onboard instructors who offer a look into history, culture and modern life as you make your way around the globe.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
I like to spend much of the day exploring. Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full. Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group.

What You'll Learn

  • Search for new and exotic species as you sail along the Amazon River in Brazil and marvel at modern engineering as you transit the Panama Canal.
  • Enjoy overnight stays in cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Mumbai allowing you additional time to explore and learn about their history.
  • Journey to Jordan’s southwestern desert to thrill at the city of Petra, a series of tombs and temples carved into pink sandstone cliffs.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Brian Carwana
Brian Carwana left a business career to follow his passion for world religious and spiritual traditions. He acquired a practical education by listening to religious leaders, visiting houses of worship, and observing services. He also earned a Ph.D. in religion from the University of Toronto. He is now the executive director of Encounter World Religions Centre, an educational organization promoting religious literacy and informed understanding of cultural diversity.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Brian Carwana
Brian Carwana View biography
Brian Carwana left a business career to follow his passion for world religious and spiritual traditions. He acquired a practical education by listening to religious leaders, visiting houses of worship, and observing services. He also earned a Ph.D. in religion from the University of Toronto. He is now the executive director of Encounter World Religions Centre, an educational organization promoting religious literacy and informed understanding of cultural diversity.
Profile Image of Catherine Skokan
Catherine Skokan View biography
Dr. Catherine Skokan is a professor emerita at the Colorado School of Mines and the first woman to receive a graduate degree from that institution. Her technical interests include volcanoes, geothermal and energy resources, groundwater resources, and humanitarian engineering. Dr. Skokan has traveled extensively with student and adult groups and has led humanitarian engineering projects, visiting all seven continents and some 100 countries, sharing the beauties of this world with others.
Profile Image of Ioanna Christoforaki
Ioanna Christoforaki View biography
Ioanna Christoforaki, born and raised on the island of Rhodes, has lived in Athens for the past 20 years. She studied history and archaeology at the University of Athens and holds a Master’s degree and a Doctorate from the University of Oxford. She has worked at the Greek Ministry of Culture, the Hellenic Open University, and the Academy of Athens. Her research interests focus on the visual and material culture of the Mediterranean during the Middle Ages and cultural interchanges among its people.
Profile Image of Jill Rosenfield
Jill Rosenfield View biography
Jill Rosenfield lives in Jerusalem and works full time as an Israeli official guide and Road Scholar group leader. For the past 25 years, she has led a wide variety of groups. She loves introducing the historical, cultural, and culinary wonders of Israel. Jill grew up in Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, before moving to South Africa to finish her schooling and university. After graduating, she emigrated to Israel and worked for many years as a special education teacher, then changed careers and became a licensed Israeli guide.
Profile Image of Todd Greentree
Todd Greentree View biography
Todd Greentree is a member of the Changing Character of War Centre at Oxford University and teaches in the Global and National Security Policy Institute at the University of New Mexico. A former career U.S. Foreign Service Officer, he served in El Salvador, Brazil, Papua New Guinea, Nepal, Angola, and Afghanistan, as well as at the Department of State. He received his Ph.D. in history from Oxford, and was professor of strategy and policy at the U.S. Naval War College. Todd lives in Amman, Jordan.
Profile Image of Revell Carr
Revell Carr View biography
Revell Carr, one of the world’s outstanding maritime historians, received degrees from Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania, and served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He later taught at the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School. In a 31-year career at the Mystic Seaport Museum, Revell was chief curator for eight years and the museum’s director and president for 23 years. He is the author of two nonfiction books, 'All Brave Sailors' and 'Seeds of Discontent.' He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.





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