Natural History of Antarctica Travel Course

By: Amanda Fortman

What do penguins, glaciers, and cruise ships all have in common? They were all part of a once in a lifetime experience for seven CALS students who traveled to Antarctica for winter break in 2019. Program leaders, Stephen Dinsmore, Julie Blanchong and Peter Wolter traveled with the students to the world's southernmost region on a fourteen-day travel course.

The program focused on the natural history of Antarctica, through analysis of wildlife, geography, the history of exploration and the impacts of climate change in the region. During the fall 2019 semester, students meet every week to learn more about Antarctica and other background information in preparation for the trip. The students set sail off the tip of Argentina on January 4, 2020 made their way through the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Dinsmore, a professor with the Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management shared that he has had a lifelong passion for travel. He had always wanted to visit Antarctica for the birds and scenery. Dinsmore began the travel course in the fall of 2014, taking students to the continent again in 2016 and 2019.

“It is fun to see students experiencing novel environments, I enjoy sharing my knowledge of wildlife with students, and I try to emphasize the importance of students having a more global perspective,” said Dinsmore.

This travel course was an eye-opening experience for student Carley Krull, a senior double majoring in dairy science and international agriculture, and something she never thought would be possible.

“We were fortunate enough to have humpback whales and leopard seals swim within ten feet of our small boat,” Krull said. “We also got to see killer whales, icebergs, sea birds and so much more, we truly got to see everything in a nearly perfectly natural state. It was truly remarkable seeing our Earth in one of its purest forms!”

For students Sara Chanez, a sophomore in animal science, and Alexis Harlan, a sophomore in animal ecology, this was their first study abroad experience here at Iowa State. “There is nothing quite like seeing wildlife in its natural habitat,” said Chanez. “We might have seen whales, seals, and penguins almost every day of our journey, but every time we got excited to see them.”

“Even on the cruise itself, there was nonstop learning. There were researchers, glaciologists, biologists, geologists and all other sorts of experts aboard the ship that were happy to answer any questions you have,” said Harlan.

Isaac Mattes, a junior in global resource systems, shared that he learned how important it is to travel especially during college and to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to students. “I have always had an interest in traveling to Antarctica and was lucky enough to go on this program,” said Mattes. “There is nothing that can compare to having chin-strap penguins walk right up to you.”

Interested in learning more about travel courses available through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences? Visit www.agstudyabroad.istate.edu or stop into the CALS Study Abroad office in 0018 Curtiss, to visit with study abroad advisers!