SIT-People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica

Program Details

Program Location Ushuaia , Argentina
Sponsor SIT
Program Type Co-sponsored
Duration Semester
Upcoming Program Dates
Fall 2024 09/02/24 to 12/16/24
Current Program Dates
Spring 2024 02/20/24 to 06/03/24
Page Links
Click here to apply for this program!
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice

Overview

SIT-People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica

Experience the unique environments and biodiversity of Southern Patagonia and Antarctica and examine the conservation challenges posed by the impacts of climate change and human behavior. From your home base in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, you’ll discover the economic and environmental importance of this region. Learn how to apply scientific research tools and methods as you examine how climate change affects the region’s marine biodiversity.

Through site visits to the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego National Park, northern Tierra del Fuego, including Chile, you’ll see southern Patagonia’s biodiversity, ecology, and conservation issues firsthand. You will also learn about scientific research methods and environmental monitoring systems as well as the complexities of managing shared natural resources.

With the knowledge and content learned during the program, you will explore the last pristine region of the world on a 10-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula with guided landings and zodiac cruises.

For more program information, please visit the program website. This program is sponsored by:SIT.

Eligibility

SIT-People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica

Previous college-level coursework or background in environmental studies, ecology, biology, or related fields. Three recent semesters of college-level Spanish or the equivalent and the ability to follow coursework in Spanish, as assessed by SIT.

The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture.

GPA Requirement: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
Language Requirement: 3 Sem Spanish


Purdue Credit

Direct Credit available from the following: [College of Agriculture] [College of Liberal Arts] [College of Science]
Specifically from: BIOL (SCI) and SLC (CLA)

Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.


Academic Program

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to: 

  • Demonstrate familiarity with key conceptual tools and skills for field research in climate change, ecology, conservation and society. 
  • Describe the recent geological history, biodiversity, and ecosystems of southern Patagonia and Antarctica with a focus on impacts of climate change on these environments. 
  • Analyze the complexities of environmental conflicts at different levels (local, national and international) from ecological, political, and social perspectives. 
  • Interpret geologic and ecological patterns, as well as main concerns for species in southern Patagonia and Antarctica. 
  • Articulate a sound research project and conduct ethical research with relevant methodologies. 
  • Synthesize the learning on the program in research papers in Spanish in collaboration with local networks in southern Patagonia.
More information about coursework can be found HERE.

Excursions

Excursions include:

  • 10-day excursion to Antarctica
  • Puerto Almanza & Estancia-Harberton
  • Four-night excursion in Cabo San Pablo, Río Grande & Por venir, Chile

Housing

Live with a local family for approximately eight weeks over the course of the semester and experience the vibrancy of the southernmost city in the world. The capital of Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is surrounded by striking landscapes — the Andes mountains in the north and the Beagle channel in the south. Here, you will develop your Spanish skills through daily practice and gain valuable exposure to Argentine traditions and cultures. Most host families are middle class and live in apartments or small houses across the city.

Other accommodations include shared cabins on a polar vessel, hostels, or small hotels.


Estimated Program Costs

Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. 

Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program.

Program fee includes the cost of tuition and excursions.

Housing cost includes all accommodations throughout the duration of the program and all meals.

Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are for: Fall 2024

Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue and Co-sponsor
Program Fee $21,387.00
Study Abroad Fee $914.10
Housing $7,956.00
Purdue International Insurance (per month) $32.00

Approximate additional costs per semester
To be paid by the student.
Books and Supplies $100.00
Travel Documents (passport, photos) $175.00

Financial Aid

More information about SIT scholarships can be found HERE.

Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should

NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.

Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.


Application Deadlines

For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.

As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.

Program Application Deadline
Most Fall Semester Programs Mar 1
Most Spring Semester Programs Sep 15



Returnees Information

SIT-People, Environment, and Climate Change in Patagonia and Antarctica

Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in.


Resources

The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed.


For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383 or email studyabroad@purdue.edu.