- Winter Break 2026 (as called by CMU): December 17-29, 2025*
- ASU's only study abroad program to the world's most remote continent!
- Learn about the history, wildlife, socio-cultural and political dimenstions, and environment of Antarctica in the classroom and in person.
- Combines a 1 or 3 credit course during the Fall semester with a trip to the continent during Winter Break for an additional 2 credits.
- Several days of daily excursions to the mainland and surrounding Antarctic Isles (weather-permitting) to visit wildlife colonies, glaciers, and hike to historic scientific and former whaling stations.
- Opportunities to see orcas, whales, seals, and penguins
- Space is limited. Apply early!
- Please note: Applicants are required to attend an information session in order for their application to be considered for acceptance.
This program offers students a unique chance to challenge themselves and experience the extremes of life at the end of the world. The environment the students will get to experience is simultaneously in peril from human activity and yet still can make human beings seem so small when faced with it. The program will be a unique opportunity to explore the complex relationship between humans and our environment, while being inspired to think and act differently in the world they live in based on what they learn and experience.
*The nature of this program means that the voyage and itinerary are subject to change as they are contingent on a variety of environmental and logistical complications outside of ASU’s control. There is a likelihood that program dates and/or the itinerary will change. If program dates and/or the itinerary do change, participants will be notified through their ASU email address. Participants are expected to be flexible with their travel plans and any withdrawals will be subject to the program’s Payment and Withdrawal Policy.
Course Format
The program will include a Fall Semester Session C program consisting of an in‐person course (online students will be accommodated and can attend virtually) and a travel‐related course. The Session C course will be built around content provided by the program partner/coordinator American Universities International Programs Limited (AUIP), and is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to Antarctica and orientation prior to embarking on the travel portion of the program. The travel portion of the program will draw extensively on the Session C course, and will incorporate research/project activities that are directly linked to the class. Undergraduate and graduate pathways will be differentiated with respect to the assignments, learning objectives, and participation/learning expectations. This structure is designed to enable graduate students to have a learning experience that is more closely aligned with their interests and capabilities/expectations. The core content of the undergraduate and graduate pathways shall be the same.
Faculty Directors
Roberta Martin, PhD
Associate Director of Academics and Associate Professor
College of Global Futures, School of Ocean Futures
roberta.martin@asu.edu
https://search.asu.edu/profile/3403192
Jose Lobo, PhD
Clinical Associate Professor
College of Global Futures, School of Sustainability
jose.lobo@asu.edu
https://search.asu.edu/profile/821421
