Adventures of a NECWA Intern, Ashley Bae

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NECWA intern Ashley Bae participated in an Arctic expedition. Here is Ashley's account of the experience. 

Ashley Bae
"Students on ice is an award-winning organization offering unique educational expeditions to the Antarctic and the Arctic. Our mandate is to provide students, educators and scientists from around the world with inspiring educational opportunities at the ends of the Earth and, in doing so, help them foster a new understanding and respect for the planet."



"The ship- and land-based journey will explore the eastern Canadian Arctic and western Greenland. Every day on land and aboard our ice-strengthened expedition vessel will be different. Our approach to expedition learning weaves together exciting shore landings, interpretive hikes, community visits, Zodiac cruises, and exploration.
As always, weather, ice or other conditions may necessitate changes to the itinerary. Flexibility is the key!"



Also, here is the direct link for the Arctic 2012 expedition I participated in, in case you are interested. There are more photos from a professional photographer that followed us on the trip and day to day itineraries posted! http://studentsonice.com/arctic2012/

I had the most wonderful experience up North. We went hiking almost every day and saw spectacular wildlife from polar bears to bowheads to seals to murres to many species of lichens. Although I initially joined the expedition for the science, I was amazed by the resilient Inuit people and their culture as well. In fact, 30 of the 75 students onboard the expedition were Inuit and one girl came from Grisefjord, the Northernmost community in the world.

I loved meeting the Inuit students and embracing their culture-- we got a chance to listen to many of their stories, to play their traditional games, and to meet the elders of some of their communities. I am very grateful for the opportunity I had to visit the Arctic (Baffin Island & Greenland); to see the glaciers calving and retreating right before my eyes was a dream come true, and I now see more than ever why protecting the poles means protecting the planet.

Ashley Bae

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