Mary-Kate Russell
How did you learn about these programs?
I first learned about the Antarctica travel course through a campus tour while I was still in high school. As soon as I got to campus my first year, I inquired about the program through the CALS Study Abroad Office and applied in the Spring of 2023.
I first learned about the International Student Teaching Program through the Iowa State Study Abroad Fair my first year at Iowa State. Since then I continued to follow up and get more information about the program and applied in the Fall of 2024.
Can you describe a typical day-in-the life on these programs? 
A typical day in Antarctica would start with a wake up call from our expedition leader. Then, we would have breakfast and head out on our morning excursion, either a landing or a Zodiac cruise. We would have 3-4 hours for our expedition and then go back to the boat for lunch. In the mid-afternoon, we would head out for our second expedition of the day, either a landing or Zodiac cruise. We would be back on the boat for dinner and then have an evening briefing of our next day’s plan.
A typical day in New Zealand started with breakfast. I would get ready to walk to by 7:45 each day. I would arrive at school by 8:15 for our day to start at 9:00. We had morning tea everyday at 10:30. Lunch was at 1:00 and school finished at 3:00 everyday. Each school day had four periods and most teachers only taught 2-3 classes each day. Every Friday we left for our weekend, traveling right after school.
How has participating in these programs been beneficial to your career plans?
Participating in these programs has been vital to my future career. The most beneficial aspect has been the broadening global perspective. I have met many people through these programs who are very different from me, but through conversations I have grown as a person and as an educator.
What were your favorite places to travel to?
My favorite place I have been in New Zealand is Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. During my time there, I went on a scenic flight through the Southern Alps and it was such a breathtaking view of New Zealand South Island.
My favorite place I have been in Antarctica is Charlotte’s Bay. During my time there, I saw several pods of Humpback Whales bubble feeding and swimming. We stayed on our Zodiac boats for 4 hours just watching the whales in their natural habitat.
Any advice you would like to share?
My one biggest piece of advice would be don’t be afraid to do things alone. If there is an activity you really want to do, just go for it. Doing things by yourself can absolutely be terrifying, but stepping outside your comfort zone and doing it anyway is always worth it.
