Studies in Antarctic System Science

Winter Break 2007-08

December 16, 2007 – January 5, 2008

Sponsored by the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the College of Natural Science

Arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA)

What's this program about?

Students will have the opportunity to experience and learn about earth system science in the unique setting of Antarctica – the only continent on Earth governed by a multinational treaty that promotes peace, advances scientific understanding and international collaboration. Biological and physical processes in Antarctica are fundamentally important to global phenomena such as climate change. Understanding these processes and linkages to global phenomena including the impact of humans is critical to managing for a sustainable Earth. Specifically, the program will focus on:

• Processes and interactions among the major components of the Antarctic system and their global impact.
• Current research in marine and terrestrial biology, oceanography, climatology, glaciology, geology and human geography.
• The importance of multidisciplinary research in Antarctic system science.
• The critical role of remote sensing and GIS technologies in Antarctic research.
• Early exploration of the world’s coldest, windiest, driest and highest continent.
• How science in Antarctica is being pursued by over 45 nations in a spirit of international cooperation and collaboration, not competition.
• Lessons learned from the history of four eras:
• Early whaling/sealing
• Exploration
• Science and international politics
• The current climate of tourism/adventure/environmental research.

Where does it take place?

After students spend a few days undergoing orientation and a preliminary lecture series in the southern Argentine city of Ushuaia, the expedition-style ship will pass through the Beagle Channel and across Drake Passage south of Cape Horn to the Antarctic Peninsula.

During this two-day ocean passage the schedule on-board will include a series of lectures, audiovisual presentations and briefings on Antarctic science topics. It is expected that this schedule will be interrupted frequently with sightings of seabirds, whales or icebergs.

During the several days in and near Antarctica, the program will include zodiac landings at many sites (exact locations depend on weather and ice conditions) to explore the unique Antarctic landscape and wildlife (penguins, seals, plant life etc), as well as to investigate the history of human occupation and current scientific work being conducted.

The return crossing of Drake Passage will provide an opportunity to recap the extraordinary experiences gained first hand from the most remote continent on Earth. Upon return to Ushuaia, there will be time to explore some of the beauty and wildlife of the Tierra del Fuego National Park and Beagle Channel.

What can I study?

Students will learn from lectures by MSU faculty, presentations by naturalists, interactions with on-site researchers, field trips, reading assignments, journals, and written reports.

Students will be required to enroll for six (6) credits from the following courses:

What are the requirements?

Students must be in good academic standing, with a grade point average of at least 2.00 at the time of application. Meeting this minimum grade point average does not, however, guarantee admission.

Applicants’ participation may be denied or their participation approval may be revoked if their conduct before departure raises doubts as to their suitability for program participation.

Where will I live?

Accommodations in Ushuaia, Argentina will be in local tourist-class motel facilities.

The remainder of the time, housing will be on-board an expedition-style ship that is partnered to the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), an international member organization that advocates and promotes safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic.

Meals will be provided on-board.

Inflatable boats will be available for ship to shore transfers and for closer views of wildlife and icebergs.

Who can tell me more about this program?

Dan Hayes
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
334C Natural Resources Building
Phone: (517) 432-3781

Mary Bremigan
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife
2D Natural Resources
Phone: (517) 432-3831

Do I need a passport or visa?

U.S. and non-U.S. citizens need a valid passport both to enter other countries and to return to the United States. If you already have a passport, make sure it is valid until at least six months after your return date. If you must apply for or renew a passport, APPLY EARLY, since a minimum of five to six weeks are usually required for processing. During peak travel seasons, more processing time is required. Passport forms are available at many federal and state courts, probate courts, some county/municipal offices and some post offices. They can also be downloaded from the Web.

For more information about passports visit the web page.

A visa is official permission granted by the authorities of a country where you will study or travel that allows you to enter and remain in that country for a specific purpose. The visa itself is frequently a stamp in your passport, not a separate document. You will need a passport before applying for a visa and the passport plus visa process may take several months, so start early. It is your responsibility to inquire about visa requirements for all countries you plan to visit while abroad; this includes countries that you plan to visit before or after your study abroad program.

For more information about visas visit the web page.

Are there special health issues?

As part of your acceptance you will complete a Student Health/Emergency Treatment Authorization. It is your responsibility to ensure that your routine immunizations are up-to-date; inquire whether there are recommended and/or required immunizations for the country/countries you will visit (including any countries you will visit that are not part of the study abroad program’s itinerary); and review educational issues relevant to your personal health and safety.

See the "Health Issues" section of the Student Handbook for further health information and recommendations.

How much does it cost?

The program fee is $7,219 and includes the following:

• application fee ($100)
• deposit ($200)
• pre-departure orientation
• accommodations
• meals on-board the ship
• accident and sickness insurance
• field trips

Amounts not included in the program fee for which participants will need to budget include:

• MSU tuition and fees*
• airfare
• additional meals in Argentina
• books and supplies
• passport application fee ($100)
• visa application fees (if applicable)
• pre-departure doctor visits
• pre-departure immunizations (if applicable)
• personal spending money

Students may request a cost sheet which estimates these additional expenses not included in the program fee by contacting the Office of Study Abroad at (517) 353-8920.

Approximately two months before the program’s departure date, students will receive an e-bill from the MSU Student Accounts Office for the study abroad program fee. Students will also be e-billed for tuition and fees, based on the number of credits taken, once they have enrolled in courses. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)

*Check Student Accounts for current tuition, fees and taxes. MSU students pay the same amount they would pay to study at MSU; non-MSU students pay the Lifelong Education rate, regardless of state of residence.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.

How can I get help to pay for it?

Financial assistance is available to students who make appropriate arrangements with the Office of Study Abroad (OSA) and MSU’s Office of Financial Aid.

If you are an MSU student and indicate on your application that you plan to use financial aid to pay for your study abroad experience, OSA will forward an estimated cost sheet to the MSU Office of Financial Aid for processing. This form will include all anticipated costs associated with the program, including airfare.

If you are a non-MSU student, please request financial aid from your home university. If your university is unable to award you financial aid, contact the MSU Office of Study Abroad to apply for loans only and you will be provided with instructions on how to proceed.

For further information about financial aid, visit the Web page.

Additionally, MSU students applying to any credit-bearing study abroad program are eligible for OSA Scholarships. Some scholarships are based exclusively on academic performance; others are based on a combination of academic performance and financial need. Requirements are listed in the scholarship application. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is October 15th for winter break programs.

A generous endowment from the MSU Federal Credit Union, as well as additional resources provided through the Forest Akers Endowment, MSU Alumni Association, the Australia-Pacific Council, Eleanor and Charles Greenleaf Sr., Brigitte and Thomas Huff, the Georges Jules Joyaux Memorial Fund, the Kellogg Foundation, Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, and contributors to the Overseas Study Endowment provide funding for these OSA scholarships.

The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources also offers its students special study abroad scholarships. Check with Rhonda Crackel or the Office of Study Abroad for further details.

For even more MSU scholarship opportunities through individual colleges or external scholarship possibilities (including funding for Multicultural students) visit the web page.

How do I apply?

You can apply online or download an application form.

Applications must be received in the Office of Study Abroad by October 15th for winter break programs. We strongly recommend that you apply early as this program may fill to capacity prior to this deadline.

Selection of applicants is done on a rolling admission basis - that is, applications are accepted and students are evaluated and considered for admission throughout the academic year. Please remember that applying early and meeting the minimum eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission.

A $100 application fee is required. Students will receive an e-bill for the application fee that is applied to the cost of the program and is non-refundable once a student has accepted admission into the program. Students who have accepted admission may also be billed for a non-refundable and non-transferable $200 deposit, also applied to the cost of the program.

Students who wish to withdraw their application are required to notify the Office of Study Abroad, in writing, that they no longer intend to participate.

Acceptance to all programs is based, minimally, on a faculty review of your transcript and a review of the Judicial Affairs Office records (MSU students) or Dean of Students Reference (non-MSU students).

Details about the admissions process, pre-departure information, what to know while you’re abroad, and information about returning home can be found in the Study Abroad Student Handbook that will be sent to you with your acceptance letter.

Program fees, dates, and arrangements may be subject to change due to unexpected circumstances.