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, many of which are affiliated with Gateway Antarctica in Christchurch, New Zealand
US university professors manage assignments and readings for further academic preparation

Lecture series topics include:

History of Antarctic exploration
The Antarctic Treaty System and territorial claims
Introduction to gateway cities and the Falklands Islands
Antarctic research: the big questions
Geology
Glaciology and ice
Marine ecosystems
Seabirds
Environmental management
Antarctic psychology

Study abroad in Antarctica penguins

Winter break field component

The two-week field component in late-December to early-January typically includes 2-3 days exploring Ushuaia and the natural and cultural systems of Tierra del Fuego. Then, students depart for approximately 10 days on a voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Throughout both the online and field components, students complete related assignments such as a research essay in the area of their primary interest.

Field course highlights:

Get to know Ushuaia, an Antarctic gateway city, and how tourism has shaped it.
Travel by catamaran to see local fauna and to visit Estancia Haberton, the Anglican mission set up by Thomas Bridges in 1860.
Cross the Drake Passage, observing changes in birdlife and icebergs.
From your ship base, journey by Zodiac landing craft on day excursions to the ice and the Antarctic Peninsula. Expect to see penguins, seals, whales, icebergs, and a vast, quiet white wilderness.
Camp on the ice under the midnight sun.

Eligibility and how to apply

The program is currently available to students who are enrolled at Virginia Tech, Arizona State, Texas A&M, Washington State, and the University of Denver. Application deadlines are typically in January or February for the following winter break.

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