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This placement would suit... Anyone age 18+ who is keen to get their teeth into exploring the effects of climate change at the extremes of the globe. This is a unique and physically challenging expedition open young people with some previous outdoor experience who are looking for an exciting challenge. If you are ambitious, resourceful, with a good sense of humour and are looking for an unforgettable gap year experience like no other, then this expedition is for you.
 Take on the experience of a lifetime as you discover the untouched beauty of Svalbard, a far-flung snowy archipelago on the edge of the Arctic Ocean.
Just 600 miles from the North Pole, at 78°N, Svalbard is Europe's last true wilderness, offering unrivalled opportunities for exploration and adventure. There are few roads or tracks, just range after range of high mountains and endless expanses of snow, ice, glaciers and fjords that invite exploration. With more than 60% of the islands enveloped by glaciers, and over 3,000 polar bears, there's plenty to keep you occupied.
What's involved?
 Your ten-week expedition will begin in early April where you will be faced with challenging lows of around -25°C. As spring turns to summer you will experience 24 hours of daylight with daily temperatures soaring to a balmy 0°C, forcing back the winter blanket of snow and ice to reveal the striking tundra beneath. Svalbard's summer visiting birds bring life back to the archipelago, a truly magical place.
Following arrival at Longyearbyen, you will travel to the expedition base camp using pulks (sledges) and skis to transport all of your equipment. Here you will undergo arctic survival and mountaineering training to prepare you for the challenging months ahead.
Adventure
Living in snow caves and tents in sub-zero temperatures will be an adventure in itself. You will also have plenty of opportunity to take part in a number of adventurous activities throughout the expedition, including mountaineering and cross-country skiing, as well as travelling with pulks across the stunning mountain tops and valleys.
Science & Fieldwork
 Whilst the early part of the expedition will be focused on learning to survive in the extreme cold, as the snow melts and the weather improves you will carry out glacial geomorphology and phenology studies, contributing to longer term projects. In the last decade alone, temperatures in the Arctic have risen dramatically compared to other areas on Earth, disrupting the region in many ways.
You will take part in glacial geomorphology research surveying glaciers, and ornithology projects investigating bird migration, both of which act as key indicators of climate change.
Your research and the reports that you will help produce will be made available to schools and other academic institutions as part of long-term scientific projects and thus contribute to the larger body of research in this area.
Cost
Your contribution will be in the region of £5,300 including a deposit of £500.
Travel costs are expected to be around £500 including all taxes.
BSES Expeditions is a youth development charity which strives to keep expedition costs as low as possible. Please note that advance planning to remote and often difficult to access wilderness areas is subject to many variables and the costs may vary. These will be confirmed six months before departure. You are required to organise and run your own fundraising activities, lots of advice and encouragement will be given. We can offer mentoring support, for those who feel completely daunted by the prospect of fundraising, to ensure you reach your targets.
Key dates
Application Deadline TBC
Compulsory Briefing Weekends TBC
Expedition Dates April - June 2009
BSES Annual Presentation of Expedition Reports Saturday 30th January, 2010
Once you are onboard you will have access to a password protected area of the website which contains all the information you need for the expedition, from a full kit list and equipment advice to health information, suggested fitness programmes and logistical information.
All details are subject to change and correct at time of writing.
Our Users Say...
 "Going to Svalbard for three months has certainly been the most amazing and fulfilling thing I have ever done. Looking back it feels like a dream - but it really did happen: I really did see the northern lights; camp in -20°C; trek over glaciers; summit mountains; see the midnight sun; get caught in several blizzards... I believe I have come back a better person; more confident in decision-making as well as becoming more tolerant and open-minded.!" - Yann Rashid, Svalbard Gap year expedition
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0845 344 7576 |
 | BSES Expeditions is a youth development charity that organises challenging scientific expeditions to remote, wilderness environments to develop the confidence, teamwork, leadership and spirit of adventure and exploration of its Young Explorers. Opportunities exist on month-long summer expeditions for 16-20 year olds, and on gap year expeditions for those aged 18-23 |
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