Global Nomads Group Brings U.S. & Vietnamese Students Together via Polycom Video Conferencing for Discussion on HIV/AIDS; High School Program Offers Students Worldwide a Forum to Discuss the Epidemic and Its Consequences Across the Globe.

NEW YORK -- International organization Global Nomads Group (GNG) and Semester at Sea today announced the Vietnam segment of CURRENTS 2005, an international education initiative bringing together students from around the world via video conferencing for a cross-cultural examination of HIV/AIDS. The initiative is a three-month global youth discourse on contemporary issues and obstacles associated with the AIDS pandemic. For the complete CURRENTS itinerary and to learn more about this program log on to http://www.gng.org/currents/. The program was officially launched in Brazil in early September and is sponsored by video conferencing leader, Polycom, Inc. (NASDAQ:PLCM).

CURRENTS Town Hall meetings revolve around the specificities of HIV/AIDS from country to country and address the social stigmas associated with being HIV positive, the economic consequences of the disease, and access and obstacles in securing treatment for patients.

"AIDS is without a doubt one of the most significant global challenges facing humanity," said Global Nomads Group's Executive Director Mark von Sponeck. "We want to be able to give students a sense of the scale of the AIDS pandemic, then channel that knowledge into action."

How it works: On November 7, 8, and 9 at 9 a.m. EST, students in the United States, Alpha Academy in Houston (TX), Scarsdale Middle School in Scarsdale (NY), and 10 other schools in the New York City Area, will use video conferencing to interact with their peers in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam, about the HIV/AIDS crisis.

--Nov. 7: The first video conference will primarily be a cultural exchange between participants. It will be live webcast at the following link: http://www.gng.org.

--Nov. 8: The second exchange will be broadcast live from an HIV center and will present innovative HIV/AIDS programs being developed in Vietnam.

--Nov. 9: The third follow-up exchange will bring together the young participants for a final discussion on how youth can mobilize against HIV/AIDS.

More about the CURRENTS 2005 Program

A GNG team on board the Semester at Sea ship is circumnavigating the planet, stopping in nine port cities to organize international "town hall" meetings using video conferencing equipment provided by Polycom. Thousands of students have the opportunity to "travel" the world through video conferencing and gain a true sense of the scale of the HIV/AIDS epidemic throughout the world by speaking with students their own ages in host countries.

About Polycom

Polycom, Inc. is the worldwide leader in unified collaborative communications (UCC) that maximize the efficiency and productivity of people and organizations by integrating the broadest array of video, voice, data and Web solutions to deliver the ultimate communications experience. Polycom's high quality, standards-based conferencing and collaboration solutions are easy to deploy and manage, as well as intuitive to use. Supported by an open architecture, they integrate seamlessly with leading telephony and presence-based networks. With its market driving technologies, best-in-class products, alliance partnerships, and world-class service, Polycom is the smart choice for organizations seeking proven solutions and a competitive advantage in real-time communications and collaboration. For additional information call 1-800-POLYCOM (765-9266) or [phone], or visit the Polycom website at http://www.polycom.com.

About Semester at Sea

Semester at Sea is a cross-cultural global studies program administered by the Institute for Shipboard Education, with undergraduate academic credit certified by the University of Pittsburgh. Since 1963, nearly 40,000 have participated in the program. Semester at Sea provides opportunities for the exploration and study of many of the people, places and cultures around the world. Programs are designed for undergraduate students seeking to include an international component to their college experience. A limited number of non-student travelers may also take advantage of the Semester at Sea experience through the Semester at Sea Continuing Education Program. More information is available at http://www.semesteratsea.com.

About Global Nomads Group

Global Nomads Group (http://www.gng.org) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural dialogue and understanding among youth. Using videoconferencing and satellite communications technology, GNG moderates conferences between K-12 classes in different countries, organizes virtual lectures, and conducts remote broadcasts from the world's historical and cultural sites. GNG has produced nearly 100 video link ups between American youth and youth from around the world.