ARCTIC CIRCLE

SPRING COURSE
The program begins with a spring course establishing foundational knowledge in Arctic systems, polar ecology, climate science, and international conservation frameworks that define circumpolar regions.

ENR 4965 / 5965 Arctic Conservation & Sustainability | 3 credits 

Online Asynchronous, 2nd Block

This spring course is open to all UW students, participation in the field experience is optional.

ENR 4965 / 5965 Field Experience: Arctic Circle | 1 credit

Online Asynchronous, 2nd Block

Required for field program participants. You will receive an Incomplete grade in this section at the end of spring, to be resolved after field program requirements have been completed.

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FIELD PROGRAM
Your journey starts in continental Norway, where you'll engage with leading Arctic researchers and participate in focused discussions. The centerpiece of this experience is circumnavigating remote Svalbard on a liveaboard vessel while conducting field research in marine, glacial, and terrestrial environments.

Field Experience

2027 Dates  To be confirmed: May 18 - June 4, 2027

ELIGIBILITY
Open to all UW students. 

Application preference is given to students in Haub School programs. 

PRE-REQUISITES
None. 

APPLICATION PROCESS
Application and possible admission interview required. Applications will be reviewed and processed in the order they are received.

APPLY NOW

PROGRAM FEE TBD $5500 

The program fee is subject to change. Selected applicants will be able to review program fee before confirming participation. Financial assistance available through scholarships.

What's Included lodging, transportation during the program, entrance fees, instruction, excursions, and most meals.

What's Not Included round trip transportation to Norway, select meals (including travel days), UW Education Abroad fee, and UW tuition/fees for spring semester credits.

SCHOLARSHIPS
Haub School Field & Global Scholarship 

Award amounts vary based on financial need. Application deadline will be determined by program.

Cheney Global Seminar Scholarship

Competitive application process. Deadlines vary, program participants will receive detailed application instructions.

Other Education Abroad Awards

See other funding opportunities.  

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GRANTS

Haub School Research & Creative Activities Grant

Additional research project or creative activity required. Application deadlines: March 15 for summer funding. 

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Contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information about other possible financial assistance options and application deadlines. 

Sail along Isfjord and the western coast of Svalbard to experience the flora, fauna, and frigid environment of the high Arctic 

Join researchers to support the Billefjord Long-term Ecological Monitoring Program to sample phytoplankton, zooplankton, and fish at sea-terminating and land-terminating glacial waters

Visit the Ny-Ålesund Research Station and participate in the ongoing long-term terrestrial monitoring program: Climate-Ecological Observatory for Arctic Tundra (COAT) to monitor oplant-herbivore interactions along bird cliffs and observe pelagic bird nesting colonies as ecological hotspots

Visit the University Centre in Svalbard (UNIS) and join local researchers on field-site visits for ongoing monitoring including the TERRA Project - exploring interactions among permafrost, soil, and vegetation, Bjørndalen reindeer monitoring, and the Adventdalen Snow Bunting Project 

Experience the community of Longyearbyen, including learning how the local economy is shifting from a coal-mining company town to nature-based tourism

Visit the Global Seed Vault on Svalbard

Participate in a beach clean-up with the Folkehøgskole community

This program involves active outdoor experiences in Arctic summer conditions requiring good physical fitness and adaptability to extreme environments.

Participants should be prepared for extended periods on deck in variable temperatures, walking on ice and uneven terrain, moderately strenuous Arctic hiking, and liveaboard accommodations.

You'll spend full days outdoors in Arctic summer environments with variable weather conditions including cool temperatures, strong winds, and rapid weather changes. The program includes tundra exploration, and field research requiring carrying personal gear, adapting to liveaboard accommodations while circumnavigating Svalbard on the expedition vessel.

INFO SESSION
Meet course instructors and learn more about the spring course and the field program: 

Arctic Conservation & Sustainability Info Session

TBD Spring 2027

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QUESTIONS
Contact Field & Global Program Coordinator: 

Melanie Matthews >>> melanie.matthews@uwyo.edu