STUDENTS ON ICE ARCTIC YOUTH EXPEDITION 2013 July 14-28, 2013   Click here to view our 2013 Arctic Expedition brochure. The Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2013 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 14 and 28, 2013. It will involve 70 international high school students, 14 to 18 years old, a team of 35 world-class scientists, historians, artists, explorers, educators, innovators and polar experts, and 30 public and private sector leaders. 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. 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.   Planned expedition route and schedule (subject to change)     How to participate   We are looking for high school students between the ages of 14-18 years old who can demonstrate a passion for and interest in the Polar Regions, adventure, education, and the environment. The selection process for our expeditions is competitive so applicants should be able to demonstrate qualities such as a record of academic achievement, environmental interest, leadership potential, community involvement, and/or a strong desire to make a difference and become a youth ambassador for change. We accept applicants from any country in the world.   Participation fees for the Arctic 2013-14 expedition are $10,000 (plus GST) departing from Ottawa. Fuel surcharges may apply and expedition fees do not include travel to and from the city of departure.     Scholarships and fundraising   Some students participating on Students on Ice expeditions are funded through scholarships provided by our partner organizations. Interested students can download an application form here and submit the form with all required documentation to the Participant Coordinator by email, fax or regular mail at the coordinates below. Students on Ice also provides a toolkit to help students raise funds in their local communities to cover some or all of the participation fees.   For more information on the application details, visit our Participate Section or contact the Students on Ice office. There is no firm deadline for the submission of applications but as there are a limited number of spots available, we encourage students to submit their applications as early as possible. The Students on Ice participant selection committee meets regularly to review applications. Successful applicants will be notified of their acceptance within two weeks after receipt of your application.     Application submissions: Participant Coordinator Students on Ice Natural Heritage Building 1740 chemin Pink Gatineau, Quebec, Canada J9J 3N7 Toll free: 1-866-336-6423 Tel: 819-827-3300 Fax: 819-827-9951 Email: apply@studentsonice.com     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 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? The Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2013 will inspire young leaders to make a difference at home and around the world!   To retrace the steps of the Students on Ice Arctic Youth Expedition 2012, click here...