Study abroad in Antarctica with AUIP for the voyage of a lifetime

Students observe a whale – Antarctica

Antarctica: Human Impacts on a Fragile Environment

Study abroad in Antarctica with AUIP on this once in a lifetime opportunity, recently named the second-most “Bucket List-Worth Study Abroad Program by the Travel Channel.

Antarctica is a wondrous place, the “coldest, windiest, driest, highest, quietest, most remote, and least understood continent on earth.” It has been an object of human speculation for millennia and a prize for explorers, sealers and whalers, scientists, and geostrategists for more than two hundred years.

With no indigenous people, no permanent residents, and no economy of its own, Antarctica is a place simultaneously fragile to the effects of climate change and powerful in its vast frozen splendor.

A unique scenario of international relations, forty countries collaborate on scientific investigation at research centers in Antarctica, and the continent is protected by the Antarctic Treaty System, a global partnership which supports research and environmental preservation.

Echoing this shared effort, AUIP provide a consortium-style study abroad program partnering universities to travel together in field cohorts. This gives students the opportunity to explore the continent along with their peers from across the United States.

This two part program examines this unique corner of the world and provides a broad overview of its human and natural history. Special attention is given to Antarctica’s physical and ecological systems as well as human activity in the region, sustainable tourism, and use of south polar resources.

Fall semester online component

Students attend weekly live-streamed online lectures and discussions
Lectures are delivered by guest Antarctic experts around the world, many of which are affiliated with Gateway Antarctica in Christchurch, New Zealand
US university professors manage assignments and readings for further academic preparation

Guest expert lecture topics include:

History of Antarctic exploration
Citizen science
Glaciology and ice
Geology
Marine and terrestrial ecosystems
Antarctic birds
Ecotourism and sustainable business
Technology in Antarctica
Antarctic psychology
Antarctic gateway cities and the Drake Passage
The Antarctic Treaty System, territorial claims and environmental management

Study abroad in Antarctica penguins

Winter break field expedition

The two-week field component in December and/or early January typically includes 2-3 days in Ushuaia learning about the natural and cultural systems of Tierra del Fuego and impact of tourism in this Antarctic ‘Gateway’ community.

Then, students depart across the Drake Passage by expedition ship for approximately 10 days on a voyage to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Students complete field course assignments specific to the university course, which have included seabird observation studies, documentation of iceberg abundance and glacial retreat, ecotourism surveys, and phytoplankton citizen science research in collaboration with the NASA-funded FjordPhyto project.

Sample Itinerary

Field course highlights:

Get to know Ushuaia, an Antarctic gateway city, and how tourism has shaped it.
Visit Tierra del Fuego National Park for walks, views, and the geographic and historic context of the region.
Cross the Drake Passage, observing changes in birdlife and icebergs.
From your expedition ship base, journey by Zodiac landing craft on day excursions to the ice and the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Expect to see penguins, seals, whales, icebergs, and a vast, quiet white wilderness.
Take the polar plunge challenge, a refreshing dip in Antarctic waters.

Eligibility and how to apply

The program is available to students who are currently enrolled in a US university. Virginia Tech, Arizona State, Texas A&M and Washington State students apply directly through their home university. Students from other US colleges and universities are invited to apply through the University of Denver or Arizona State as non-degree-seeking students. Application deadlines are typically in January or February for the following winter voyage.

Students wishing to apply through the University of Denver should email both the faculty leader, Erika Trigoso Rubio (Erika.Trigoso@du.edu) and the University Academic Programs office (uap@du.edu) to express interest and request further application instructions. For Arizona State the study abroad advisor contact information is included on the program page.

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Media highlights

Video credit: Virginia Tech’s Department of Geography

Prospective university partners

We welcome interested faculty and staff to contact AUIP if you would like to consider bringing a faculty-led university student group to Antarctica.

The AUIP Antarctica program kickstarted me on a journey of self-discovery and growth that brought me back to work professionally in Antarctica years later. It was a life-changing experience that I recommend to any student.”

Kimberly Kenny, Oregon State University, Antarctica program alumni

You will never feel more insignificant than when traveling to Antarctica. Having the opportunity to study and experience the exquisite environment was something I will value and reflect upon for the rest of my life…. Going on this trip is one of the best things I have ever done.”

Antarctica program alumni

Students

Study in Antarctica

Visit the silent white wilderness punctuated by icebergs and scattered with penguin colonies and pods of whales.

Ready to take the polar plunge and find out more?

Resources

Antarctica video

Antarctica gallery