Study Abroad Programs in Antarctica
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2 Study Abroad Programs in Antarctica
SIT Study Abroad
9.5
16
Experience the unique environments and biodiversity of Southern Patagonia and Antarctica and examine the conservation challenges posed by climate change and human behavior. From your base in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, you’ll discover the economic and environmental importance of this region. Apply scientific research tools as you study marine biodiversity, visit the Beagle Channel and Tierra del Fuego, and embark on a 10-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula with guided landings and zodiac cruises. MONEY MATTERS SIT has given an average of over $1.3 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students in recent years and is committed to ensuring you have the information necessary to apply for such funding. Our program costs include academics, excursions, accommodations, airport transfers, and health insurance. Meal arrangements vary by program. Be sure to discuss how study abroad costs are handled at your school with your study abroad advisor and read the website for more specific information.
AUIP - American Universities International Programs
9.3
10
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 over two hundred years. Examine this unique corner of the world and get a broad overview of its human and natural history. Special attention is given to Antarctica’s physical and ecological systems, human activity, sustainable tourism, and international collaborations. Attend weekly preparatory lectures online with Antarctic experts from around the globe during the fall semester and work on assignments, including a research essay focusing on a topic related to an area of your interest. Spend the winter break participating in a field study project in Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica. The voyage crossing the Drake Passage and exploring the Antarctic Peninsula is a once-in-a-lifetime remote encounter with one of the globe's last frontiers and the scene of important climate, ocean, and environmental study. Non-degree seeking students may now apply for this program through the University of Denver.
How to Study Abroad in Antarctica
Prepare to Study Abroad
Set goals
Before packing your thermal gear and boarding a flight south, setting clear goals will help shape your Antarctic study abroad journey.
- Aim for contribution. Plan to engage in hands-on projects that make a real difference in global scientific understanding.
- Think resilience. Use this opportunity to test and build adaptability by thriving in Antarctica’s harsh and unpredictable conditions.
- Seek collaboration. Many programs emphasize teamwork, so prepare to connect with international researchers and students.
- Plan beyond Antarctica. Consider how this experience will influence your future career, studies, or environmental advocacy work.
Understand the benefits
More than an academic adventure, studying abroad in Antarctica is an opportunity to grow in a one-of-a-kind setting. The benefits stretch far beyond the classroom or lab.
- Contribute globally. Your research supports critical climate change and environmental studies that have a global impact.
- Learn in extremes. The continent itself becomes your classroom, offering unique insights that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
- Expand your network. Work alongside world-class researchers to build valuable professional and academic connections.
- Stand out. Few people can say they’ve studied in Antarctica, giving your resume and personal story a major edge.
Things to know
Heading to Antarctica requires preparation like no other destination. Understanding what to expect will help you thrive in this challenging environment.
- Extreme climate. Be ready for sub-zero temperatures, strong winds, and unpredictable weather, so quality gear is non-negotiable.
- Limited tech. Internet and cell service are minimal, so prepare loved ones for limited communication.
- Stay fit. Strong physical health is essential; most programs require medical clearance before you arrive.
- Environmental rules. Protecting Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem is vital. Strict guidelines cover everything from waste to wildlife.
Popular Providers
Frequently Asked Questions
Antarctica study programs are typically offered through partnerships between universities and research stations. Look for specialized courses through your home institution or search through social media and various online platforms for additional information.
Costs vary based on program length, logistics, and research focus; however, due to remote travel and the use of specialized equipment, expenses can be high. Some universities and grants may help offset these unique program fees.
Studying in Antarctica offers a rare field experience in climate research, glaciology, and marine ecosystems. However, students face extreme cold, isolation from daily comforts, limited internet access, and the mental and physical demands of working in remote, harsh conditions.
Antarctica study abroad programs typically run from a few weeks to several months, often during the austral summer. This is when research stations are accessible, allowing students to participate in field studies, data collection, and environmental monitoring.
Common fields of study include climate science, marine biology, glaciology, and environmental sustainability, with a focus on how Antarctica’s unique ecosystem influences global weather and sea-level patterns.
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