Candidate Profile

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EXPERTISE
Dancing & Hosting
Education & Learning
Food & Nutrition
History - General
Languages & Communication
Travel & Destinations
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE WITH:
BIOGRAPHY
Dr Karen Woodman has over 30 years of experience as university professor in Canada, the USA and Australia, with expertise in world languages, cultures and history, as well as online teaching and learning, TESOL, and teacher education. She is an experienced and entertaining cruise enrichment and destination speaker who enjoys sharing her love of adventure and communication to inspire and motivate passengers. Karen has published works on subjects including teaching, culture, managing diversity, the use of technology to learn, and issues in lifelong learning, and has held numerous positions on national and international committees in her field.

An avid tango and social dancer, Karen also enjoys sharing her knowledge of tango and Latin dance cultures around the world, including the physical and psychological benefits of social dance, and the mind-body connection between language, culture and dance. Her presentations offer insights on topics of history, culture, language, food and dance as they relate to the cruise destinations to enrich passenger experience, including connections between language, history, food and dance.

Karen has traveled extensively, including North and South America, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean, Cuba, Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, and South-East Asia. She is experienced in creating presentations and workshops that reflect and enhance each individual cruise itinerary.

PRESENTATIONS
For a list of publications (including books, book chapters, articles), endorsements, summary of professional experience, see:

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/karen-woodman-a2688745
Eprints: https://eprints.qut.edu.au/view/person/Woodman,_Karen.html
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Karen_Woodman/


DESTINATION LECTURES

My destination lectures typically focus on destination ports, with an underlying theme to connect and inspire guests, such as: the unique cuisine(s) of the region; the music and dance traditions of the region; and/or the language and linguistic histories of the region (including basic survival language phrases as appropriate). Some examples are listed below.

Theme 1: Culture, history and geography through exploration of local cuisines
Okinawa: Land of the Ancients - Why does Okinawa have more centenarians? Is it the food, culture, lifestyle, history? We'll explore what it is about Okinawa that makes it 'the land of the Ancients'. [Port: Okinawa, Japan]

Hong Kong: And Yum Cha for all: Exploring the history of Hong Kong through its most famous tradition, Yum Cha, we'll discuss the unique fusions of cultures, languages and cuisines which came together to create this dynamic crossroads where East and West meet. [Port: Hong Kong, China]

Ho Chi Minh: From here to Pho: Exploring the history of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam through its unique dishes, we'll discuss the influence of the Vietnamese, French, and other cultures on the people, country and cuisine. [Port: Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam]

Singapore: Laksa and life: Exploring the history of Singapore through its most famous dish, the spicy soup, laksa, we'll discuss the unique fusions of cultures, languages and cuisines which came together to create this dynamic city state. [Port: Singapore]

Theme 2: Food, dance, music and history
Salsa and salsa: This presentation explores the history of Eastern Mexico through the lens of the mix of Spanish and indigenous cultures which created the music and food we now know. [Ports: Cozumel, Roatan, Harvest Caye]

From cumbia to the Canal: This presentation explores the history of Panama through the lens of the mix of Spanish, American and Afro-Caribbean cultures. [Ports: Cartagena de Indias, Panama Canal]

The real history of Chocolate: This presentation explores the history of the ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures through the history of chocolate. [Ports: Puntarenas, Corinto, Puerto Quetzal]

From tortillas to salsa and salsa verde: This presentation explores the history of Pacific Mexico and Acapulco through the lens of the mix of Spanish and indigenous cultures which created the music and food we now know. [Port: Acapulco]

All about Baja: This presentation explores the history Cabo San Lucas through the lens of the mix of American, Spanish and indigenous cultures [Port: Cabo San Lucas]

The City of Angels: This presentation explores Los Angeles through the lens of the mix of show business, cultures, languages, and cuisines which have made LA one of the most innovative destinations in the US. [Port: Los Angeles]

From salmon to Starbucks: This presentation explores Seattle through the lens of the historical mix of seaport, grunge, and high tech industries which have made Seattle a unique destination. [Port: Seattle]

Two to tango: This presentation explores the history of Argentina through the lens of the mix of European and indigenous languages, cultures and musical traditions which created the passion of Argentine tango. [Buenos Aires, AR]

Cuba, salsa and the music of the latin world: This presentation explores the history of Cuba through the lens of the mix of Spanish and afro-Cuban cultures and musical traditions which created the many different dance styles, such as salsa. [Havana, CU]

Theme 3: Exploring the relationship between languages, history and culture
Turning Japanese: Language, culture and the Land of the Rising Sun: This presentation explores the history of Japan through the lens of Japanese and indigenous languages and cultural practices, focussing especially on the cultures of Northern Japan. [Ports: Aomori, Hakodate, Muroran]

From Russia with love: Language, culture and a shot of vodka: This presentation explores the history of Russia through the lens of Russian and indigenous languages and cultural practices, focussing especially on the cultures of Northern Russia. [Port: Petropavlovsk]

Crossing the Line: Myths and Rituals of the Sea: This presentation explores the history, myths and language related to the crossing of significant nautical milestones like the Date Line and the Equator. [Date Line]

The Europe of the Americas: Exploring the diverse languages and cultures of the Pacific North West: This presentation explores the complex linguistic and cultural history of the Pacific North West through the lens of the diverse indigenous cultures and languages of Alaska, including the impact of the Gold Rush and northern immigration [Seward, Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay/AK, Skagway, Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan]

From Gold Rush to Grunge: The evolution of the West This presentation explores the complex linguistic and cultural history of the Pacific North West through the lens of the diverse indigenous cultures and languages in British Columbia and Washington State through to modern times [Seattle]

Theme 4: Exploring ports through history, language, art and culture
Exploring Athens and the Greek Islands: This presentation explores the exciting and historical ports of Athens, Rhodes and Santorini, with a focus on key destinations, and unique culinary, cultural and other adventures.

Exploring Mykonos and more: This presentation explores the exciting and historical ports of Mykonos, Nafplio and the Peloponnese, and the Ionian island of Cephalonia, with a focus on key destinations, and unique culinary, cultural and other adventures.

A taste of Italy: This presentation explores the exciting and historical ports of Naples and Rome, with a focus on key destinations, and unique culinary, cultural and other adventures.

A taste of Brisbane: This presentation explores Brisbane past and present, including the good, the bad, and the weird that all contribute to the Bris-vegas we know today. [Port: Brisbane, AU]

Retracing the Spice Route This presentation provides an introduction to the myths and reality of the cultures, languages and peoples that make up the country we know today as Indonesia. [Port: Komodo, Indonesia]

Apa kabar: This presentation explores some of the unique language phenomena in some of the languages of the Indonesian archipelago. [Port: Komodo, Indonesia]

It's complex: This presentation explores some of the unique cultural practices of some of the cultures of the Indonesian archipelago. [Port: Komodo, Indonesia]

It's even hotter in Bali: This presentation explores some of the unique cuisines of the Indonesian archipelago. [Port: Komodo, Indonesia]

There be dragons: This presentation explores some of the unique fauna and flora of the Indonesian archipelago, including the famous Komodo dragon. [Port: Komodo, Indonesia]

My Bali: A personal reflection: This presentation reflects on the experiences and perceptions of the presenter's year as a volunteer in Bali. [Port: Komodo, Indonesia]

A taste of Singapore, lah This presentation explores the history, geography and culture of Singapore through the spicy mix of it's famous soup, laksa. [Port: Singapore]

A taste of Sri Lanka This presentation provides an introduction to the myths and reality of the cultures, languages and peoples that make up the country we know today as Sri Lanka. [Port: Colombo]

You, me and the UAE: This presentation provides an introduction to the myths and reality of the cultures, languages and peoples that make up the countries of the UAE, focusing on Dubai and Oman. [Ports: Oman, Dubai]

My Buenos Aires: A personal reflection: This presentation reflects on the experiences and perceptions of the presenter's adventures learning tango and Spanish in the Paris of South America. [Port: Buenos Aires]

My Paris: A personal reflection: This presentation reflects on the experiences and perceptions of the presenter's adventures living in and exploring the city of light, Paris. [Port: Paris]

My Victoria: A personal reflection: This presentation reflects on the experiences and perceptions of the presenter's adventures living in Victoria, BC. [Port: Victoria, BC Canada]

My Rhodes: A personal reflection: This presentation reflects on the experiences and perceptions of the presenter's adventures in Rhodes, Greece. [Port: Rhodes, Greece]

Street art around the world: If the walls could talk: This presentation explores the roles of street art around the world (including graffiti, murals and other public art) based on the presenter's extensive collection of photographs [Port: various]

Street art of Buenos Aires: If the walls could talk: This presentation explores the political and cultural role of street art in Buenos Aires and Argentina (including graffiti, murals and other public art) based on the presenter's extensive collection of photographs [Port: Buenos Aires]

Theme 5: Survival language
Survival French: This presentation provides guests with basic ‘survival’ French for their upcoming port visit, including introduction to language and other travel apps which help them have a great visit. [Ports: New Caledonia, Tahiti, Quebec, France]

Survival Spanish: This presentation provides guests with basic ‘survival’ Spanish for their upcoming port visit, including introduction to language and other travel apps which help them have a great visit. [Ports: Cuba, Mexico, Central and South America, Spain]


ENRICHMENT LECTURES

My enrichment lectures typically focus on issues such as language, language learning, music, dance, culture, education, career development and life long learning, while also reflecting the key ports and destinations of the cruise.Some examples are listed below.

Theme 1: Exploring language, language learning and culture:
Everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask. These presentations explore origins of language and languages, the connection between language and cultures, and explores how we learn and use language, with a particular focus on the languages and cultures of the destination ports (including some basic ‘survival language phrases’; including the South Pacific [Ports: New Zealand, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii], Indonesia [Port: Komodo], Sri Lanka [Port: Colombo]; and the Middle East [Ports: Oman, Dubai]

What is language?: This presentation explores both the myths and reality of the origins of language. What is language? How do languages work?

What does it mean to know a language?: This presentation explores the both the myths and reality of theories of how language and language(s) are similar and different in structure, sound and use, and what it really means to know a language.

Do languages change over time?: This presentation explores both the myths and reality of how languages change over time, with examples from a number of *South Pacific languages showing the relationship between the many cultures of this area. [*or related destination languages and cultures]

What is the difference between spoken and written language?: This presentation explores both the myths and reality of differences between spoken and written language, including the origins of writing, an introduction to the history of written languages, with examples of the many different scripts which have been developed around the world.

What is the connection between language and culture?: This presentation explores both the myths and reality of how languages and cultures are connected, with examples from linguistic and cultural concepts in different *South Pacific languages. [*or related destination languages and cultures]

Do women and men use language differently?: This presentation explores both the myths and reality of gender-based language use in different cultural and language contexts.

Dos and Taboos: How gestures and body language influence communication cross-culturally: This presentation explores both the myths and reality of the ‘hidden dimensions’ of language and communication, including gestures, body language, personal space, and even how we dress.

How do children learn languages?: This presentation explores both the myths and reality of first, or child, language acquisition, including discussions of developmental versus language-specific stages.

How do we learn additional languages?: This presentation explores both the myths and reality of second or additional language acquisition. What does it mean to know a second language? Does learning additional languages have positive benefits to children and adults?

Can new technologies help us learn language(s)?: This presentation explores both the myths and reality of the use of new technologies to learn second or additional languages, by exploring different apps, technologies, and websites to help match the best technologies to tasks (or learning activities and goals).

Creating your dream job: This presentation offers the opportunity for guests to create their ‘dream job’ by drawing on their hobbies, interests, past work or life experience to create an edu-tourism or language course they could teach

Teaching English as a Second Language: It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure: This presentation explores both the myths and reality of teaching English as second or additional language teaching around the world, including different types of qualifications, requirements, teaching opportunities, etc

Life long learning: This presentation explores recent research on the importance of learning throughout the lifespan, including the cognitive benefits of learning and travelling throughout life. Ideas and resources for continuing education are presented and discussed.

Solo travel for women: This presentation explores the opportunities, benefits and challenges for women travelling solo at every age.

My Life as a Global Nomad: This presentation explores my life of a 'global nomad', living in Australia, Argentina, Bali, and other ex-pat adventures.

Stress, anxiety and introversion: This presentation expores recent research on stress, anxiety and introversion, and considers strategies to manage these issues.

Dealing with stress: This presentation expores recent research on stress, and considers various types of strategies deal with stress.

Being an introvert in an extrovert world: This presentation expores recent research on introversion, and considers strategies to deal iwth being an introvert in an extrovert world.

Theme 2: Food, dance, music and life
Two to tango: This presentation explores the history of Argentina through the lens of the mix of European and indigenous languages, cultures and musical traditions which created the passion of Argentine tango. Basic beginner dance workshops can also be given [Buenos Aires, AR]

Cuba, salsa and the music of the latin world: This presentation explores the history of Cuba and latin America through the lens of the mix of Spanish and afro-Cuban cultures and musical traditions which created the many different dance styles, such as salsa. Basic beginner dance workshops can also be given [Cuba, Mexico, etc.]

Dance for life and aging (dis)gracefully: This presentation explores recent research on the physical and mental health benefits of social dancing, including aging gracefully, supporting patients with dementia, and rehabilitation for patients with Parkinson’s disease).
CRUISE HISTORY / EXPERIENCE
Enrichment and Destination lecturer experience:

1) Workshops on Argentine tango (Sea Princess, Sydney to Santiago; January 11-Feb 3, 2017)
2) Destination lectures relating local food to destinations (RC Mariner of the Seas, Shanghai to Singapore; September 1-10, 2017)
3) Enrichment lectures related to language and culture (RC Explorer of the Seas, Sydney to New Caledonia to Sydney; March 5-12, 2018)
4) Enrichment lectures related to language and culture (RC Voyager of the Seas, Sydney to New Caledonia and Vanuatu to Sydney, April 5-16, 2018)
5) Enrichment lectures related to language and culture (RC Radiance of the Seas, Sydney to Honolulu; April 17-May 4, 2018)
6) Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (NCL Jewel, Tokyo to Seattle; May 6-26, 2018)
7) Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (Sea Princess, Sydney to Dubai; June 5-27, 2018)
8) Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (RC Brilliance of the Seas, Amsterdam to Tampa; September 1-18, 2018)
9) Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (RC Explorer of the Seas, Seattle to Sydney; October 5-26, 2018)
10) Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (Sapphire Princess, Rome to Singapore; October 31–November 28, 2018)
11) Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (Viking Orion, Auckland-Sydney; January 27-February 10, 2019)
12) Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (Viking Orion, Sydney-Auckland; February 10-February 24, 2019)
13) Destination lectures related to ports and culture (NCL Sun, Buenos Aires to Miami; March 4- April 1, 2019)
14) Enrichment lectures related to Cuba and Cuban culture (RC Empress of the Seas, Miami-Havana-Miami; April 1-6, 2019)
15) Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (Sea Princess, Honolulu to Sydney; April 23-May 14, 2019)
16) Destination lectures related to ports and culture (RC Voyager of the Seas, Hong Kong - Japan - Hong Kong; July 12-21, 2019)
17) Destination enrichment lectures related to Japan and Korea (Azamara Quest, Circle Japan + Busan, Korea, Tokyo to Tokyo, August 21-September 4)
18)Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (Diamond Princess, Japan, China, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, October 15-30, 2019)
19) Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (Sun Princess, Fremantle to Singapore, November 1-13, 2019)
20) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (Sea Princess, Brisbane to Papua New Guinea to Brisbane, December 8-19, 2019)
21) Enrichment lectures related to language and culture (RC Radiance of the Seas, Sydney to Sydney via New Caledonia and Vanuatu; December 27, 2019 - January 7, 2020).
22) Destination lectures related to language, ports and culture in South America (Silversea Silver Shadow, Lima, Peru to Buenos Aires, February 6, 2020 to February 26, 2020)
23) Destination lectures related to language, ports and culture in South America (Silversea Silver Shadow, Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro, February 26, 2020 to March 7, 2020)
24) Destination lectures related to language, ports and culture in South America (Silversea Silver Shadow, Rio de Janeiro to Fort Lauderdale, March 7 to March 27, 2020) - NOTE: Due to Covid 19 pandemic, this cruise actually ended in Recife, Brazil, with repatriation on March 20,2020).

RECENT CRUISES COMPLETED
25) Enrichment lectures as part of Carnival Cruise Academy of Fun program. (Carnival Splendor, Honolulu to Sydney AU, September 12-30, 2022).
26) Enrichment and destination lectures related to language, ports and culture (Grand Princess, Papeete to Auckland; October 15-25, 2022)
27) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (HAL Zuiderdam, Tonga to San Diego; October 27-November 17, 2022)
28) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (HAL Westerdam, Auckland to Sydney to Adelaide to Sydney, November 20-December, 6 2022)
29) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (Majestic Princess, Sydney to South Pacific RT; December 8-21, 2022)
30) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (Oceania Nautica, Cape Town RT, January 6-18, 2023)
31) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (HAL Zuiderdam, Papeete to Sydney, January 21-February 9, 2023)
32) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (Celebrity Eclipse, Sydney to New Zealand RT, February 16-28, 2023)
33) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (Cunard Queen Elizabeth, Fremantle to Singapore, March 7-17, 2023)
34) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (Diamond Princess, Tokyo Return, April 20-April 29, 2023)
35) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (Diamond Princess, Tokyo Return, April 29-May 7, 2023)
36) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (Oceania Marina, Oslo to Southampton, July 1-11, 2023)
37) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (Regal Princess, Southampton RT, August 12-24, 2023)
38) Destination lectures related to ports and culture (Oceania Riviera, Barcelona to Istanbul, November 19-29, 2023)
39) Destination lectures related to ports and culture (Oceania Riviera, Istanbul to Dubai, November 29-December 19, 2023)
40) Enrichment lectures related to language and culture (Oceania Regatta, Sydney to Auckland, February 8-24, 2024)
41) Enrichment lectures related to language, ports and culture (Fred.Olsen Borealis, Sydney to Singapore, February 26-March 14, 2024)
42) Enrichment lectures related to ports, language, history and culture (Carnival Luminosa, trans-Pacific Crossing from Brisbane to Japan, Alaska and Seattle, April 1-May 1, 2024).

Also see scan copies of letters of appreciation under “My Profile”

Cruises as guest
- Costa Magica - Caribbean (March, 2006)
- P&O Pearl - South Pacific (December, 2014; January, 2015)
- Carnival Spirit - South Pacific (June, 2016)
- Sea Princess (Sydney to Santiago, Chile) (January-February, 2017)
- Star Clipper - Thai Islands (December, 2017)
- NCL Epic - Mediterranean (July, 2018)
- MSC Virtuosa (Southampton to Western Mediterranean RT: UK, Spain, France, Portugal) (July 15-29, 2023)
- MSC Virtuosa (Southampton to Western Mediterranean RT: Spain, France) (July 29-August 12, 2023)
RECENT PAST CRUISES COMPLETED
The following recent Cruise History has been recorded for this candidate.
SHIP REF CRUISE DESCRIPTION NIGHTS SAILING FROM DEPARTURE DATE
Borealis S240102
Sector 5
World Cruise Sector 12 Singapore Thursday, March 14, 2024
Borealis S240102
Sector 4
World Cruise Sector 16 Sydney Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Regal Princess G327N 12-Day British Isles with Orkney Islands 12 Southampton Saturday, August 12, 2023
Marina MNA230701 Vikings, Fjords & Legends 10 Oslo Saturday, July 1, 2023
Diamond Princess M315 8-Day Golden Week Circle Japan 8 Tokyo Saturday, April 29, 2023
Diamond Princess M314 9-Day Northern Japan Spring Flowers 9 Tokyo Thursday, April 20, 2023
Queen Elizabeth Q311 Australia & Asia 10 Perth (Fremantle) Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Celebrity Eclipse EC230216 New Zealand 12 Sydney Thursday, February 16, 2023
Nautica NAU230106 South Africa Spotlight 12 Cape Town Friday, January 6, 2023
Majestic Princess 8245 13-Day Fiji & South Pacific 13 Sydney Thursday, December 8, 2022
Silver Shadow 3004 Grand Voyage Sector 20 Rio de Janeiro Saturday, March 7, 2020
Silver Shadow 3003 Grand Voyage Sector 10 Buenos Aires Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Silver Shadow 3002 Grand Vogage Sector 20 Lima (from Callao) Thursday, February 6, 2020
Viking Orion OR190210 Australia & New Zealand 14 Sydney Sunday, February 10, 2019
Viking Orion OR190127 Australia & New Zealand 14 Auckland Sunday, January 27, 2019
Sapphire Princess H830 Mediterranean & Southeast Asia 28 Civitavecchia (for Rome) Wednesday, October 31, 2018