For the past four months, the Mays Business School and Dr. Flint from Texas A&M have been preparing us to embark on this study abroad to Antarctica. We have heard multiple lectures from AUIP, based out of New Zealand, to inform us of the history and current state of Antarctica. We have also been preparing for our presentation on board the SH Vega, during which my group will talk about the potential economic and political future of Antarctica, as well as its resources.
When we first arrived in Ushuaia after a day of traveling, my first impression was of how small the town was. This makes sense, considering its isolation and cold climate; however, I still find it interesting to see a small port city. The town is definitely geared towards tourism, though, with plenty of shops, parks, and museums dedicated to the history of both Argentina and Antarctica. I noticed in particular several monuments to the Falklands War of 1982.
Tierra Del Fuego was a very interesting national park, especially for me, as I have never been to one outside the United States. The plant and wildlife were incredible to see, and one curious Crested Caracara came very close to our group. The weather also held up for most of the trip, which made our hiking around convenient.
So far, I have enjoyed this trip. My main purpose for coming on this study abroad was to travel to another country and two new continents, which I have never done before. The reason I specifically chose Antarctica was that I wanted to see how human interaction with the isolated continent is changing it, something I hope to get a better understanding of on the ship.
The main differences that I have noticed so far between American and Argentinian culture is that there seems to be a much greater trust in the government in Argentina, specifically in the government’s ability and will to effect climate change through policy.
