WFU/Antarctica: Antarctica through Animal Eyes (Fall Short-Term)

Antarctica Through Animal Eyes is an immersive academic and research experience culminating in a 13-day expedition to Antarctica. Students will explore the remarkable diversity of Antarctic wildlife while considering how animals perceive and interact with a world very different from our own. Inspired by Ed Yong’s An Immense World, the program will encourage students to look beyond a human-centered view of the environment and consider the unique sensory worlds of penguins, seabirds, seals, whales, and other Antarctic animals. Through the curriculum, students explore the continent’s history and natural systems, analyze the effects of human activity and climate change, and participate in hands-on research projects.

Ushuaia, Argentina; South Shetland Islands; Antarctic Peninsula

PSY 358: Research in Psychology (3 hours) / Pre-Reqs: PSY 151 and PSY 211
And/Or
CGS: Discover Antarctica: Human Impact on a Fragile Environment (1 hour)

Research in Animal Behavior: Students will learn how scientists study animal behavior, with an emphasis on developing research questions and designing systematic observational studies. Throughout the fall semester, students will develop projects that, when feasible, will culminate in collecting observational data on Antarctic wildlife during the expedition.

CGS: Discover Antarctica: Human Impact on a Fragile Environment: This hybrid course, taught by experts in Antarctic studies, will introduce students to Antarctica as a unique and fragile environment and examine the ways human activity has shaped—and continues to affect—the continent and its ecosystems. The course will provide broader scientific, environmental, and human context for what students will encounter when the program departs for Antarctica on December 16.

Melissa Maffeo
Teaching Professor
Email: 

Dr. Maffeo is a Teaching Professor in the Psychology Department and the Associate Director of the Neuroscience Program. She specializes in innovative teaching of undergraduate students in psychology and neuroscience, and is the author of the book Science of the Supernatural: Critical Thinking for the Mind and Brain.

SH Minerva: 

• Twin or Triple staterooms (includes TV, mini fridge, tea/coffee, towels, toiletries, air conditioning, and safe)
• 152 passengers / 117 staff
• 9 decks with 76 staterooms
• Observation lounge, stargazing deck
• Restaurant, club lounge, pool bar & grill
• Expedition laboratory, library, card room
• Sauna, jacuzzi, pool, gym, spad

Excursions in Ushuaia (before boarding ship):

• Tierra del Fuego National Park
• Ushuaia guided city tour

• Good Academic Standing
• Interest in subject matter
• Open to all majors

Program Fee – $TBD
Airfare (estimated) – $TBD
Personal Expenses (estimated) – $TBD
Estimated total cost – Range between $16,000-$17,000

*Non-WFU students will also pay an additional WFU Tuition cost

Scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies
However, please note that students will need to financially be able to support the cost of this trip prior to the help of any scholarships.  Scholarship awards will not be determined until well after registration and deposit for the program.  Scholarships will also be minimal. 

Passport Information
Students need to check their passport’s expiration date and ensure that it will be valid for at least 1 year after the program’s end date.
US passport holders who need to renew their passport should visit the U.S. Department of State’s passport website for information on this process.
Non-US passport holders who need to renew their passport should refer to their home country’s passport office.

Visa Information
If you are a US citizen, you most likely will not require a visa for your short term abroad program. If you do, details will be shared with you by GPS. Non-US passport holders should check with their host country’s embassy or consulate to find out if a visa is required for their program or not.

Melissa Maffeo
Teaching Professor
Email: 

Amanda Batten
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
(336) 758-3194