Center for International Studies

Study Abroad - Programs

Winter 2005
Antarctica
December 28, 2004 - January 19, 2005

Photo courtesy of 2004 student participant, Leslie Lloyd.

Please note that this program has an early application and first deposit deadline of April 30, 2004.

Program Overview

Spend this Winter Session on ice--in Antarctica and Argentina.

Sail aboard an ice-class scientific exploration ship, see the region's wildlife, learn about Antarctica's scientific and military outposts, hike and camp overnight on the polar ice, take small-boat excursions from the ship to shore, and kayak on the Antarctic seas, and document it all--for credit!

While on the ship, you'll meet its Russian crew as well as the scientists and regional experts who are frequently aboard. You'll hear them speak on zoology, ocean science, polar history and ornithology and on the area's residents: whales, seals, penguins, other bird life, and much more. You'll also develop an understanding of Antarctica's geopolitical importance, and the role it played in the Cold War.

You'll see the region's wildlife, and learn the journalistic and photographic skills to document your adventure-the program directors are Professors Jon Cox, a well-published photojournalist, and Ralph Begleiter, a career CNN foreign affairs correspondent. Together, they'll help you develop and polish your picture-taking and writing about your Antarctic adventure.

You can explore a variety of subjects, from environmental issues (such as wildlife, global warming, scientific exploration at the poles, the ozone layer) to the politics of the continent, including its military and scientific significance. Plus, students' pieces will be published on a University of Delaware website and, perhaps, in other publications, or could be used for a broadcast production related to the experience.

To view a few moments from the 2003 Antarctica program, check out these brief movie clips (clip 1 and 2).

Courses

Students must enroll in all courses for credit and a grade; pass/fail and audit registration is not permitted.

Honors credit may be available. Check with the faculty director and the Honors program for prior approval (before departure).

All students must enroll in 6 credits, as well as the 0-credit UNIV course.

COMM319 - Topics in Politics and Broadcast Journalism: Geopolitics of Antarctica (3 cr.)
In developing an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of journalism, students will be exposed to political and scientific issues they may never have considered, and will come to understand why global problems often require complex international agreements. Expected focus on Antarctica as a political football during the cold war.

ENGL409 - Topics in Journalism: Antarctica Photojournalism (3 cr.)
Students will discover the difference between writing concisely to accompany their photography and writing more extensively for a special-interest audience. Possible topics include: environmental issues (such as wildlife, global warming, scientific exploration at the poles, the ozone layer) and the politics of the continent, including its military and scientific significance.
Satisfies the following requirements:
Second Writing

ENWC367 - Topics in Wildlife Photography: Antarctica Photojournalism (3 cr.)
Students will plan, prepare and execute a photojournalism project, perhaps in pairs or a small group. Students may use conventional or digital camera equipment, or may choose to create a broadcast video production.

POSC319 - Topics in Politics and Broadcast Journalism: Geopolitics of Antarctica (3 cr.)
Cross-listed with COMM 319.

Requirements

Applicants should have a G.P.A. of at least 2.0 (on a 4.00 scale). We encourage freshmen to apply! For all participants, a formal application is necessary, including a deposit, one transcript (non-University of Delaware students only), and one recommendation. An interview may be conducted in person or by telephone.

Study abroad at the University of Delaware is highly competitive. See here for an overview of the acceptance process. If you are not selected for your first choice program, we recommend moving your application and deposit to another program (by emailing your request to studyabroad@udel.edu).

Antarctica Program Costs

Participants in the Antarctica program will be charged University of Delaware tuition for one Winter Session and the program fee. The program fee usually covers round-trip airfare, housing, and all excursions but does not include transportation to/from the group's initial departure airport. Your specific program fee may or may not include these and other items, check with the faculty director for details.

A $200 deposit towards the program fee must be paid by no later than April 30, 2004 , although we recommend that you pay your deposit within three working days of submitting your application. The deposit is non-refundable if you are admitted into the program. The program acceptance list will be available approximately two weeks later. See below for additional program fee and tuition payment deadlines.

UD students pay all program fee deposits by direct bank transfer via this website: http://www.udel.edu/studyabroadpayments. Non-UD students should send a check, payable to the University of Delaware, to CFIS, Elliott Hall, 26 East Main Street, Newark, DE 19716. Credit card payments are not accepted.

DE Resident Non-DE Resident

Final Tuition based on current year 1184 3002

Final Program Fee 7200 7200

UD Registration & Activities Fee 25 25

Final Total 8409 10227

Please note that final program fees are subject to change until the group's departure date. Final program fees may be increased due to airline taxes, fuel surcharges, exchange rates, or changes in the group size.

Scholarships

Need- and merit-based scholarships are available to UD undergraduates on a competitive basis. For more details and to apply for a scholarship, go to our scholarships page (and be sure to submit scholarship materials by the deadlines).

Deadlines

All payments and application materials are due by 5:00pm on the dates listed below:

Application and $200 deposit deadline: April 30, 2004
$800 deposit deadline: May 21, 2004
$1200 deposit deadline: September 10, 2004
Final program fee balance due: November 5, 2004
Tuition and Registration Fee due: mid-December, 2004

Contact Information

Jonathan Cox
Faculty Director
Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology
108 Townsend Hall
Phone:(610) 347-6671
Email: joncox15@comcast.net

Ralph Begleiter
Faculty Director
Department of Communication
235 Pearson Hall
Phone:(302) 831-2687
Email: Ralph.Begleiter@udel.edu