Airbnb and Ocean Conservancy are sending you on an epic once-in-a-lifetime, all expenses paid adventure to explore the frozen frontier of Antartica!
How does a free adventure to Antarctica sound? Among the world’s best surreal destinations, Antarctica is one you must definitely add to your bucket list – and now you can, FOR FREE!
In conjunction with Ocean Conservancy, Airbnb is launching an Antarctic Sabbatical that seeks 5 individuals from all walks of life to set out on an all expenses paid scientific research mission to the frozen frontier.
“No prior experience or formal qualifications required, other than an adventurous spirit, passion for the environment, and willingness to apply.”
How does getting one of the world’s rarest passport stamps sound? 
During the mission, you will follow lead scientist Kirstie Jones-Williams from the University of Exeter to learn about how pollution is impacting one of the most (or used to be) pristine and secluded continents in the world.
Why the Antarctic Sabbatical?
The Antarctic Sabbatical aims to inspire people to take time out of their careers to give back, and raise awareness on the urgency of preserving the environment, while understanding humans’ environmental impact.
When is the Antarctic Sabbatical?
The Antarctic Sabbatical will take place over a course of 4 weeks from 18 November 2019 to 16 December 2019.
What will I be doing on the Antarctic Sabbatical?
- Participate in an immersive training in Punta Arenas, Chile on equipment and lab practice, as well as relevant courses in field sampling and study of glaciers and ice
- Arrive in Antartica on a naturally-formed blue-ice runway and begin the research expedition
- Collect samples of snow and examine the degree of pollution that has reached Antartica
- Visit to the awe-inspiring South Pole and walk around the globe within a few steps
- Behold the wonders of Antartica before your very eyes: Drake Icefall, Elephant’s Head, Charles Peak Windscoop
- Study research findings back in Chile and work closely with Ocean’s Conservancy on becoming ambassadors for protecting the oceans
- Present findings on how everyone can play a part in protecting the Antarctic and the world by reducing plastic footprints
Who is eligible for the Antarctic Sabbatical?
Anyone over the age of 18 is eligible to sign up for the expedition (bonus points if you have a passion for the environment!) and must be available to travel to Chile and Antarctica for a month and be able to converse in English. The Antarctica Sabbatical is open to residents of:
Asia
China, Hong Kong, Dubai (UAE), Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand
Europe
Austria, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and the United Kingdom
North America
United States of America, Mexico and Canada
South America
Chile and Brazil
Africa
South Africa
Oceania
Australia and New Zealand
How do I apply for Antarctic Sabbatical?
Simply hop on to https://www.airbnb.com/d/sabbatical to fill up the online form and include a 500-word response on why you want to go on the expedition.
Application closes 8 October 2019, 11:59pm EDT. Five selected candidates will be announced on 30 October 2019.
Do I still need to bring money on the Antarctic Sabbatical?
Even though it’s an all expenses paid adventure, you should still bring your YouTrip card along during your training in Chile for favourable Chilean peso (CLP) currency exchange rates when you buy souvenirs.
And if you have the opportunity to get one of the world’s rarest passport stamps at Port Lockroy (a museum, post office, and souvenir shop) in Antarctica, you can also pay in U.S. Dollars, Pound Sterling or Euros through YouTrip’s Wholesale Exchange Rates!
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Read: Sustainable Travel Guide: 8 Tips to Become a Green Traveller
Read: 11 Rare Passport Stamps You May Never Get
Read: Travel Bucket List: 11 Surreal Destinations You Must Visit
Enjoy a worldwide fees-less travel experience!
