Asia Pacific University Hosts Its First #APUAbroad Study Tour

Check out APU’s amazing learning experience in the Maldives on its first #APUAbroad study tour.

Updated 20 Apr 2020

Asia Pacific University Hosts Its First #APUAbroad Study Tour - Feature-Image

Embarking on its maiden #APUAbroad study tour in the Maldives from 11 to 17 June 2019, Asia Pacific University (APU) has successfully created some insightful and memorable study experience for 29 students. The aim of the programme is to nurture an interest in environmental and sustainability studies, exposing learners to the archipelago of Maldives' tourism and economic growth, while immersing themselves in the local culture and community.

The study tour, which has received immense support from the Maldives National University (MNU), Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA), Bodulfolhudhoo Islan Council and Lagoon View Maldives, includes a vast range of educational activities such as lecture classes, school visitations, cultural exchange sessions, beach cleaning outings and workshops as well as unique tourism experiences like coral reef snorkelling, fishing trip, dolphin tour and other water sports activities.

The #APUAbroad group comprised students and employees of various backgrounds and nationalities from Indonesia, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Egypt, China, Australia, India and Pakistan. Not only that, close to 100 Maldivian alumni joined the Minister of State for Higher Education, Mohamed Hashim in welcoming the #APUAbroad Study Tour group at the Welcome Dinner cum Alumni Dinner Gathering.

The primary takeaways from this trip include a substantial increase in awareness and knowledge about environmental conservation, a better appreciation of cultural difference, deepened understanding of challenges facing marine preservation and new discovery of hidden potentials of the Republic of Maldives.

It goes without saying, the study tour programme has left unforgettable memories for all the 29 participating students. Vice-Chancellor of APU, Professor Ron Edwards further expressed that the Maldives study tour was a great opportunity for their students "to meet APU alumni who completed their degrees and are now in senior positions, as well as senior government, university and business leaders, to gain insights into the Maldives that is normally unavailable to foreigners," he reiterated.

Currently, APU houses more than 250 Maldivian students amongst its international community of 12,000 students who come from over 130 countries.