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WFU/Antarctica: Human Impact on a Fragile Environment (Fall Short-Term)

Multiple Countries
Language of Instruction: English GPA Requirement: 2.5

Discover Antarctica: Human Impact on a Fragile Environment

The “Human Impacts on a Fragile Environment” program is a hybrid study abroad experience that aims to provide students with a deep, interdisciplinary understanding of Antarctica. It combines a preparatory fall course led by various experts with an in-person, two-week field course in Antarctica. 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, such as seabird observation and oceanography. The program also encourages collaboration between students and faculty from different universities.

On-campus Academic Portion 2026: August 24th – December 7th, 2026
Abroad Portion: December 16th – December 30th, 2026
 

Program Information

Overview

Discover Antarctica: Human Impact on a Fragile Environment

The “Human Impacts on a Fragile Environment” program is a hybrid study abroad experience that aims to provide students with a deep, interdisciplinary understanding of Antarctica. It combines a preparatory fall course led by various experts with an in-person, two-week field course in Antarctica. 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, such as seabird observation and oceanography. The program also encourages collaboration between students and faculty from different universities.


Location

Map of Multiple Countries

Ushuaia, Argentina; South Shetland Islands; Antarctic Peninsula


Program

CGS: Discover Antarctica: Human Impact on a Fragile Environment


Faculty

Paul Jones, PhD
Associate Professor of Chemistry
336.758.3708
jonespb@wfu.edu


Accommodation

TBD


Excursions

Planned excursions to be announced. 


Selection

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

Costs

TBD

  • Program Fee
  • Airfare (estimated)
  • Personal Expenses (estimated)

Program Fee
Airfare (estimated) –
Personal Expenses (estimated) –
Estimated total cost –


Scholarships

Scholarships are available through the Center for Global Programs and Studies


Visa & Passport

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.


Contact

Paul Jones, PhD
Associate Professor of Chemistry
336.758.3708
jonespb@wfu.edu

Amanda Batten
Study Abroad Advisor
Center for Global Programs and Studies
(336) 758-3194
battena@wfu.edu


Program Dates

Term Application Deadline Program Start Program End
Fall Short-Term 2026 January 2, 2026 August 24, 2026 December 7, 2026

Additional Details

Destinations
  • Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica
  • South Shetland, Antarctica
  • Ushuaia, Argentina
Courses of Study
  • Contemporary Global Studies
Terms
  • Fall Short-Term
GPA Requirement 2.5
Class Status 2 semesters completed
Language of Instruction English
Open to non-WFU Students Yes
Program Term Short Term