What inspired you to go abroad?
My previous travels to Haiti inspired me to seek other study abroad opportunities. When I went to my school's study abroad office, I had no idea that Antarctica was even an option!
Looking for penguins. Some are especially curious and will follow the kayaks around.
Why did you choose AUIP?
Antarctica is so mysterious, not many people go! This would probably be my only opportunity to travel to the bottom of the world! Plus, I wanted to learn more about the continent and this was the perfect chance to do so.
What was your favorite part about Antarctica?
Antarctica is the most beautifully wild place on this planet. Nothing compares to it's wonder and beauty. I enjoyed being immersed in an environment that’s so wild.
What made your experience abroad unique?
IT'S FREAKING ANTARCTICA. I've been there and I still don't believe that I actually went. Maybe I blacked out from pure happiness. Plus, being 50 feet from humpback whales while in a kayak was the best day of my life. You are intimately close with the world's largest, most adapt, and most wild animals.
How did local staff support you throughout your program?
The staff was super prepared, fun, and educated on the environment. They made the trip that much more amazing.
What's one thing you wish you would have done differently?
I wish the trip was longer—but I can't really do anything about that!
Posing with some chinstrap penguins on an iceberg.
Describe a typical day in the life of your program.
After the wake up call, we ate breakfast and then got ready for our first excision (either on land, on zodiacs, or on kayaks). After the first excursion, we came back onto the ship for lunch and a short break. After lunch was the second excursion of the day at a different location. We then ate dinner and had free time to hang out in the lounge, do homework, write, and play games organized by the staff. There were also occasional education classes that were either optional or mandatory sprinkled throughout the day.
What did you enjoy doing in your free time?
Spending time with the students, teachers, and staff in the lounge. Everyone was super cool and really interesting to get to know. I also spent a lot of time on the bow of the ship, watching the wildlife and embracing the environment.
What was your accommodation like? What did you like best about it?
I shared a spacious double room on the top deck of the ship. We had a private bathroom. Not many people were on the top deck so we had a lot of privacy, which I liked. We ate meals in the dining room. Breakfast was buffet style. For lunch and dinner, we chose from different options on the menu. The food was really good.
Leaving Ushuaia and heading for Antarctica! Truly elated.
What is one thing every participant should know before participating in your program?
The people are amazing, don't worry if you don't know anyone—you will make friends very fast!
What was the hardest part about studying abroad in Antarctica?
The seasickness on the Drake’s Passage was not fun. I found that listening to music via headphones, being outside on the deck, and taking good medication is helpful (I wore that patch behind my ear for the whole trip and I took Dramamine at night before bed).
What surprised you most about Antarctica?
How massive it is. The mountains, the animals, the weather conditions. It is very humbling.
What is one thing you wish you would have known before studying abroad in Antarctica?
I honestly don’t know. I think the program is really well set up. There were lots of opportunities to ask questions and I felt prepared.
What do you feel the biggest benefit of studying abroad is?
I am always seeking out new opportunities and experiences. This has made me a more open and well-rounded student/human being.
Do you have any packing tips for individuals headed to Antarctica?
I did a lot of independent research on what to bring to Antarctica (on YouTube and Pinterest). This definitely helped me pack. What I learned: lots of layers. Bring clothes that are sturdy but can be layered (ex: leggings, sweatpants, Under Armor, fleeces). One of my favorite articles of clothing I brought was a Patagonia ¼ zip—I brought one with me and I also bought one while on the ship. I would also suggest investing in a good pair of gloves (and glove liner) and good socks. I bought most of mine on “Black Friday” for the really good sales. Definitely bring polarized sunglasses, a good rain jacket, and good seasickness medication.
Now that you're home, how has your program abroad impacted your life?
I have embraced Antarctica's motto of "Peace and Science." I want to base my life on this. I hope to get the opportunity to travel back to Antarctica and continue my knowledge and appreciation of the continent.
Would you recommend AUIP to others? Why?
Absolutely!! This is truly the trip of a lifetime! I can say with confidence that these were the best 14 days of my life.
