“The Best Job in the World” Project
This project offers the job of the tropical island caretaker, and the ability to touch the wild nature with unique flora and fauna. The 6-month contract includes a $150 000 salary, living on the island and keeping the plants, birds and animals safe from tourists.
So what makes them say this is the best job in the world? Essentially, you will be getting paid to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef. Sailing, kayaking, snorkeling, diving, and bushwalking, are just some of the activities that you can do on the island. (Anastacio, 2009)
All you would need to do would be to post a weekly blog, photo diaries, and create video updates to tell the world about the unique experiences available on the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
It is also a great opportunity to see the world, which exists only on the pages of books and biological atlases. The scale of this event from a diplomatic point of view is essential, as all the applicants are in equal positions. The island caretaker’ position was created as part of a three-year $1.7 million marketing strategy by Tourism Queensland. But Tourism Queensland chief Anthony Hayes said the job was not just a publicity stunt. “Yes this is part of a unique Tourism Queensland strategy to promote the islands of the Great Barrier Reef internationally, but candidates will have to go through a genuine recruitment process,” he said. (Cooper, 2009)
Cultural Diplomacy
The value of this event from the viewpoint of cultural diplomacy is essential. The government of Queensland decided to increase the popularity of this island by arranging a worldwide contest. The applicants are not required to have some special skills, however, they should be communicative, be good at English, active and energetic. Thus, the Queensland government allowed the whole world to value the cultural and natural heritage of the Big Barrier Reef Islands, which is the best instance of Cultural Diplomacy for the recent several years.
The diplomatic value of this contest is its worldwide scale. Anyone, from any country, independently of race, religion, the color of skin, political preferences etc., was able to apply. All the applicants are equal, and it is one of the few events which equalize the opportunities of people from all over the world. We will be considering a broad range of experience. But what applicants should have are excellent communication skills, a high level of English and good interpersonal skills (Anastacio, 2009)
Diplomatic Evaluation of the Event
The contest does not have any background which could provide the appearing of some prejudice, there is no politics in this project. It does not have any social background. From the point of view of diplomacy, there is a chance to show people the world they live in, and become friends. In spite of the fact that only one candidate will get job, the others would become popular in their native countries and employers would give preference to them, as they will not wish to miss such enthusiastic workers. Taking into account the world financial crisis and numerous dismissals, this project is able to give hope to lots that everything is ahead, and it is necessary just not to miss an opportunity.
As it has been emphasized, there is no political background of the event. On the one hand it highlights the cultural value of the surrounding life, and represents the notion that the life is not restricted with political sphere, and there are lots of other activities which may change human life. On the other hand some political support could increase the scale of the event in enlarge the diplomatic international value of this event. However, this project may become the brightest example for those governments who wish to preserve some virgin or endangered corners of their countries. “The best job” may not only be on some tropical island, but also in savanna, Siberian forest, mountain valley, volcano foot etc. The diplomatic value of each similar project would be of increasing the international cooperation, and the cultural value – is the preserving and exploring wild and untouched corners of our planet.
Mass Media
The project is widely dealt in Internet, and domestic mass media. TV channels and newspapers announce of the lucks and failures of the candidates. Millions of internet users all over the world vote for applicants from their countries. Thousands of blog services are dazzling with the posts of the “Best Job in the World” and success of the applicants. Youtube short video service is full of applicants’ videos which are close to the top list. (Marks, 2009)
The application is really positioned as the best job in the world, as the obligations of the caretaker will be to discover the island, lead a blog, make reports and do various activities like diving, kayaking, snorkeling, camping etc. The caretaker will be able to take someone to the island who will stay rent-free in a multi-million dollar three-bedroom beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy. The applicant will have the twenty-four-hour internet access and the contract of $150 000. Sounds attractive, isn’t it?
The fact is that, this project will have the cultural diplomatic value even after the final decision of jury. People from all over the world will be able to follow the life of the applicant on the island, and watch his or her video reports. This will be a chance to get distracted from the world financial crisis and problems associated with it, and get into the atmosphere of carelessness.
Conclusion
Cultural diplomacy is the matter of international relations that gives people to realize the genuine values of life and environment. Originally, the cultural events are closely linked with some particular civilization or culture, while “the Best Job in the World” project is beyond any culture, as the beauty of the world is the common value. The cultural event of such a scale may be aimed to unite people from all over the world, and the fact that it is free of any racial, religious or sex prejudice may attract even highly prejudiced people. Currently, there are 50 shortlisted applicants form such countries as Russian federation, China, Korea, India, Kenya, Greece, Germany, USA and Canada. Who could only ever think that people of different cultures will be united in such a contest?
References
Anastacio, Ellen. Get the best job in the world Asiaone Business, 2009. Web.
Cooper, Mex. Island caretaker job offer: get paid $150,000 to swim, snorkel. Traveller, 2009. Web.
Islands of the Great Barrier Reef. The best Job in the World. 2009. Web.
Marks, Kathy. Queensland’s tourism department offers ‘the best job in the world. The independent World. 2009. Web.