Antarctica Sustainability Immersion Program:

A once-in-a-lifetime leadership and sustainability journey for senior high school students

From the Classroom to the Ends of the Earth:
Inspiring the next generation of climate and sustainability leaders.

Join a select group of Year 11–12 students on a 3-month sustainability and leadership journey culminating in a voyage to Antarctica aboard the RMS St Helena — a historic and modernised small expedition vessel operated by Terra Nova Expeditions.

This unique program combines:

  • Hands-on sustainability learning and live research

  • Mentoring in corporate sustainability and leadership

  • Climate change and sustainability presentation skills training

  • Career and university preparation with Lee Stewart, CEO of ESG Strategy

Apply Now
Outline of a star with multiple points.

Build a personal Antarctica story for university or job applications

Develop leadership and communication skills

Learn directly from scientists and sustainability experts

Strengthen presentation and interview confidence

Join the Terra Nova Student
Alumni Network

Terra Nova Expeditions Icebird
    • Three live group webinars led by Lee Stewart which will cover the following topics:

      • “What to Expect” orientation, safety and sustainability fundamentals

      • Climate Change and Sustainability presentation skills training fundamental

      • Science and wildlife briefings from onboard scientists

    • 1:1 Online Pre-Voyage meeting with an onboard mentor – expectations, your goals and outcomes you want from this program

    • Intro pack:

      • Includes Copies of physical books and a recommended reading and Netflix Documentaries

      • Your own custom Antarctica Sustainability Immersion Journal - A Personal Learning & Reflection Companion for Students designed specifically for the voyage.

    • Pre-Voyage Group Dinner in Sydney late November – Optional

    • o Real-world research and citizen science projects

    • o Climate Change and Sustainability presentation practice

    • Daily lectures and field learning with scientists and expedition leaders

    • Mentoring and reflection sessions

    • Interview, storytelling and presentation skills training

    • Complimentary one-on-one review call with your mentor

    • Career and university application guidance

    • Support preparing presentations and stories from the voyage

    • Access to our Terra Nova Student Alumni Network – Access to events, newsletters

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

    • 20+ years leading sustainability for billion-dollar multinationals

    • Designed graduate sustainability programs and mentored hundreds of students

    • Trained by former US Vice President Al Gore as a Climate Reality Leader and Mentor

    • Best-selling author of “How to Build Sustainability into Your Business Strategy”

    • CEO of ESG Strategy and Sustainability Advisor to Terra Nova Expeditions

    “I’ll personally mentor each student to help them articulate how this Antarctic journey can open doors — from job interviews to university applications.” — Lee Stewart

MEET YOUR MENTORS

  • Board the expedition vessel in the afternoon, where you'll meet your crew and fellow travellers. After settling into your cabin, the ship sets off along the picturesque Beagle Channel. Relish your first evening at sea as the southernmost tip of South America disappears from view.

  • Start your Antarctic adventure with a crossing of the Drake Passage, a vast stretch of open ocean that marks the Antarctic Convergence, where nutrient-rich waters sustain a vibrant ecosystem.

    While at sea, attend expert-led talks on Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and geology. Head to the open decks or the bridge to spot albatrosses, petrels, and even whales. Adventure activities, including navigation workshops and safety briefings for kayaking and snowshoeing, will also be held.

    By the end of Day 3, the first sighting of icebergs and snow-capped peaks will signal your arrival at the South Shetland Islands.

  • The core of the journey unfolds as you explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, with each day offering a blend of landings, zodiac cruises, and optional adventure activities.

    Highlights Include:

    Kayaking Among Icebergs: Paddle through tranquil waters, drifting past seals resting on ice floes and penguins diving in for a swim. Snowshoeing Adventures: Strap on snowshoes to explore pristine trails and reach panoramic viewpoints, offering breathtaking vistas of glaciers and peaks. Penguin Colonies: Visit expansive rookeries of Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie Penguins, watching their amusing behaviours as they care for their chicks or brave the frigid waters. Wildlife Encounters: Spot Weddell, crabeater, and leopard seals lounging on ice or hunting in the water, with Minke and humpback whales often seen feeding nearby.

    With over 500 diverse landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula, no two voyages are ever the same. Our expert team crafts each expedition based on conditions, weather, and opportunities for the most remarkable encounters. As passenger vessel traffic has increased in recent years, competition for landing sites has intensified—but our deep knowledge of this pristine region ensures you’ll embark on true exploratory journeys, venturing beyond the crowds.

     

    Guided by our experienced crew, you’ll navigate breathtaking ice-choked channels, witness towering glaciers, and encounter extraordinary wildlife in one of the most remote places on Earth. This is not just a cruise—it’s a genuine expedition where spontaneity and discovery define every day.

    Join us for an adventure where the unknown awaits, and every landing is a moment of exploration.

  • As the expedition heads back north, there’s an opportunity for a final landing or zodiac cruise. Weather and ice conditions permitting, explore destinations like Brown Bluff, where towering cliffs and an Adélie penguin colony await, or Paulet Island, home to historic sites and abundant wildlife.

  • Relive your adventures as you cross the Drake Passage, keeping an eye out for seabirds and whales along the way. Take part in final lectures or workshops, and enjoy a celebratory dinner with your fellow travellers as you reflect on the unforgettable journey.

  • Arrive back in Ushuaia in the early morning. After breakfast, disembark with cherished memories of an epic Antarctic expedition and new stories to tell.

ANTARCTIC ITINERARY

Please note: The above itinerary is a general guideline. Our precise route and activities will be adjusted to optimize wildlife viewing and adapt to prevailing weather and ice conditions. The Captain and/or Expedition Leader will make necessary changes to ensure the best possible experience. A daily program will be provided onboard. Flexibility is essential for a successful expedition.

Terra Nova Expeditions Kayaking Expeditions
  • Spacious, newly updated cabins, with ocean views. Modern and well appointed she offers best in class accomodation. All cabins and suites have ensuite bathrooms, and some interconnecting cabins are available in the Twin Odyssey class. Triple and quadruple cabins are perfect for solo travelers or are ideal for families or groups seeking shared accommodations during polar expeditions. Single cabins are also available with no supplement.

  • Her open decks, generous observation lounges, and expedition-ready features provide an ideal platform for wildlife encounters, landings, and immersive exploration.

    • Inviting social spaces and large panoramic observation areas.

    • A relaxed, welcoming atmosphere with an expert team onboard

    • Full suite of adventure options

    • Two Jacuzzis, gym and spa.

    • Full science lab set up, and active science taking place with our resident expert science team.

  • With capacity for 150 but carrying just 98 guests, St Helena blends traditional seafaring heritage with a contemporary expedition experience. Her recent refit in 2022 has introduced refined touches throughout, from modern cabin furnishings to enhanced public spaces, creating an atmosphere of modern comfort and style. Built in the UK the St Helena is a rugged, versatile expedition platform and truly unique in the Antarctic world.

    Perfectly suited for adventurous voyages, her ice-strengthened hull, deep draft, and powerful engines make her ideal for navigating the remote and rugged coastlines of Antarctica, the South Atlantic, and beyond. Her open decks, generous observation lounges, and expedition-ready features provide an ideal platform for wildlife encounters, landings, and immersive exploration.

    With a soul steeped in maritime history and a future set for discovery, St Helena offers a rare opportunity to explore the world’s most extraordinary destinations in style, safety, and comfort.

  • Guests can look forward to expert-led excursions, including zodiac cruises, guided landings, sailing, camping, and kayaking — bringing you up close to awe-inspiring landscapes and extraordinary wildlife. With a dedicated team of knowledgeable expedition leaders, naturalists, and seasoned crew members, the St Helena promises an unforgettable exploration experience that blends adventure with superior hospitality. 

YOUR FLOATING CLASSROOM:
ST HELENA

Learn more
  • Inclusions onboard St Helena

    Accommodation: Fully serviced cabins.
    Meals: Daily meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and house beer, soda, and wine during pre-dinner hours.
    Shore Excursions: Guided walks, daily shore excursions, and Zodiac cruises.
    Adventure Activities: Kayaking, Snowshoeing, Camping, Polar Plunge, Trekking and Yoga (Subject to weather and operational conditions)
    Expedition Team: Led by experienced guides.
    Lectures: Educational talks and expert guiding services.
    Expedition Equipment: Loaned muck boots, Outer weather gear (or bring your own), An inner layer for you to keep as a momento and access to the onboard doctor and medical clinic.
    Pre-departure Info: Comprehensive materials and an Antarctic booklet.
    Port Fees: Includes port surcharges, permits, and landing fees.
    Wi-Fi: Basic Wi-Fi complimentary; upgrades available for a fee.

    Crew Tips/Gratuities

  • Exclusions onboard St Helena

    Personal Expenses: Includes bar charges and Boutique Charges.
    Additional Excursions: Any excursions or activities not listed in the itinerary.
    Accommodation Upgrades: Single room supplements and stateroom upgrades.
    Off-ship Meals: Meals not provided aboard the ship.
    Beverages: Alcoholic drinks and sodas outside of happy hour/dinner time.
    Unlisted Items: Anything not specified under "Inclusions."

Be Part of the 2026
Student Expedition to Antarctica!

Eligibility:

  • Year 11–12 students (aged 16–18)

  • Demonstrated interest in sustainability, leadership, or science

Selection:

  • Written application and short video statement

  • Review and short online interview

Timeline:

  • Applications open: November 2025

  • Applications close: End of January 2026

  • Webinars begin: September 2026

  • Voyage departs: December 9, 2026