Studying abroad in Antarctica was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I had never been out of the country before, so going to the southernmost city in the world and then to the Antarctic Peninsula was one of the most exciting yet daunting things I have ever done. Yet, it was an experience I didn't know I needed.

I will never forget the cultural shock I experienced in a different country. Engaging with a culture where the dominant language is Spanish only made me want to learn Spanish to better communicate and understand locals in a place they call home. Ushuaia is a beautiful town with fantastic people and ecological diversity that genuinely made me fall in love with the city. I still think about all the notable locals I met on the program who taught me about the cultural norms and ecological processes in Ushuaia; it was nice to see different social norms than what I was used to.

However, the most significant topic I want to talk about is Antarctica. There is truly no place like it in the world—the different species of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Antarctica is truly a sight to behold. Antarctica gave me a whole new perspective on the world of conservation. Due to the rise of ecotourism in Antarctica, many ecotourism companies, and the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operations (IAATO) have started to come up with more sustainable regulations and practices to ensure we keep Antarctica as a place dedicated to the pursuit of peace and knowledge.

Yet, there is one experience about Antarctica that I wasn't expecting—the hope Antarctica gave me regarding climate change. There is no doubt that the impacts of climate change are affecting the continent. Climate change is a heavy topic for many, including me. As a Fisheries and Wildlife major, climate change directly impacts my career aspirations, so my outlook always tended to sway toward negativity. However, seeing many ecotourism companies advocating for sustainable regulations, seeing educators on our ship sharing their love and passion for Antarctica, and seeing my fellow peers falling in love with a place I have grown to love gave me such an immeasurable feeling of hope.

As a student raised by a single parent, where financial stability has been a challenge, I would never have believed that studying abroad would be in the cards for me. Here I am, reflecting on the fantastic study abroad in Antarctica and thinking about all the fun memories I made, the friendships I gained, and the newfound knowledge I will use for my classes here at Michigan State. This study abroad has fostered my passion for engaging in education and outreach to work with the general public to educate about an ecosystem many don't see or think about. This study abroad has significantly changed my perspective, and I wouldn't trade it for anything else.

Name: Paige Greene
Status: Junior
Major: Fisheries and Wildlife
Hometown: Oxford, Michigan
Program: The Antarctic Ecosystem in a Changing World