Expedition Details

Welcome to the Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2012:

"A voyage of discovery and transformation"

July 29 - August 13, 2012

Click on the placemark icons above to see where the 2012 SOI Arctic Expedition traveled!

View Students on Ice 2012 Arctic Expedition in a larger map

Check out this video recap of the SOI 2012 Arctic Expedition!

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You can watch more videos on the Expedition Videos page!

Thank you to the Canadian Coast Guard from the entire SOI team!
This expedition would not have been possible without your help.

Be sure to check out the students' thank you letters to the Coast Guard -
now posted on our Post Journey Updates page.

Arctic Expedition 2012

The Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2012 represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for youth to expand their knowledge about the circumpolar world, and to gain a new global perspective on the planet, its wonders, and its present and future challenges.

The ship- and land-based journey will explore the eastern Canadian Arctic and western Greenland between July 29 and August 13, 2012. It will involve 80 international high school students, 14 to 18 years old, and a team of 35 world-class scientists, historians, artists, explorers, educators, leaders, innovators and polar experts. Students on this summer's expedition will develop the knowledge, skills, perspectives and practices that will help them to be Arctic ambassadors and environmentally responsible citizens.

The themes of the 2012 Arctic Expedition are Interconnection, Discovery and Transformation. Within this framework, students will learn about the changes taking place in the Arctic environment and how these are linked to broader global environmental changes. They will explore how human and natural systems are inextricably connected and consider how each of us personally relates to the natural world. Students will also examine how personal and societal transformation can take place and they will be asked to consider how their own unique skills and interests can help to bring about positive change to their own lives, communities and the world around us.

Expedition activities will include extraordinary wildlife encounters, educational day excursions, visits to remote Arctic communities and archeological sites, and opportunities to acquire first-hand knowledge and insight into the dynamics of climate change. Participants will likely encounter whales, seals, polar bears, caribou, seabirds, walruses and more. The expedition team will be a part of a powerful cross-cultural experience though which they will gain perspective on the planet and their homes.

Expedition Goals

Expeditions equip youth with vital tools and knowledge that allow them to link local realities to global issues while empowering them to bring about positive change.

CONNECT to the natural world
FOSTER a new understanding and respect for the planet
LEARN about the Arctic environment and northern Indigenous cultures
EXPLORE solutions to our most pressing global challenges
INSPIRE participants to make a difference

Expedition 2012 Themes

A Students on Ice expedition brings together environmental and civic education, cultural immersion, personal leadership development, and plenty of polar adventure.

INTERCONNECTION

...of humans and natural systems

How are we connected to nature and to each other?
In what ways are cultural, social and natural systems related?
How does change in one part of a system have an impact on something else?

DISCOVERY

...the quest for adventure, purpose and meaning

How do we see and understand ourselves and our relationship with the world?
What do you hope to learn on your Arctic expedition? In what ways will this experience affect you and how you see your future?
How can you make best use of your interests and talents to help build the world we need?

TRANSFORMATION

...personal, environmental and social change

Why are the Arctic and the Earth changing?
How can we work to bring about positive changes to our lives, communities and the world?
What changes can/should you make?
How does personal and societal transformation happen?

What is Students on Ice?

The Students on Ice program provides youth from around the world with educational expeditions to the Arctic and Antarctica.

Our mandate is to educate and inspire the next generation of polar scientists, environmental leaders and social innovators – and in doing so, help to provide them with a greater understanding and respect for the planet.

Since 2000, over 1,600 high school and university students from forty countries have visited the polar regions with the Students on Ice program. To learn more about the program visit our main website, studentsonice.com.