Job Discussion Forums

water rat · Joined: 30 Aug 2014 Posts: 1098 Location: North Antarctica

So I got another unsolicited job offer by just putting the old CV out there. This one is to teach English to the staff at one of Argentina's six Antarctic bases - Orcadas Station for six months, and then a move to Marambio Station for the remainder of the one-year contract. The pay is fairly modest, but where to spend it? Sounds like a rare opportunity to save virtually all my money, take wonderful pictures from the ship to and from, and imagine how it will look in my job history to say I worked in Antarctica - a whole new continent! Accommodation is provided!!!

I have read before that even Antarctica has ATM machines now, and just recently record high temperatures were achieved on Palmer Peninsula - a balmy 63 Fahrenheit. That's global warming for you. Only male students, but I'm used to that from my years in Saudi Arabia. Yet, I have misgivings. Is the ozone hole a real danger? And won't it get awfully dull living at a research station and shuttling between insulated Quonset huts day in and day out (if you can eve call it day) for twice six months?

Advice is welcome from all. Thanks in advance

santi84 · Joined: 14 Mar 2008 Posts: 1317 Location: under da sea

I'd go for it, but I teach in Northern Alberta, so I'd say the weather is balmy down there Very Happy

Just get used to shriveled fruits arriving by air Very Happy

mitsui · Joined: 10 Jun 2007 Posts: 1562 Location: Kawasaki

I met one man who lost his job in Antarctica due to alcoholism,
and had to do rehab in New Zealand.

esl_prof · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:02 pm Post subject:

It's a once in a lifetime experience. Take advantage of it before the polar ice caps melt away and there's nothing left to see down there. Will it be tough? Yes, but one can survive anything for a year. It's not like doing hard labor or anything.

And about those ATM machines. You had it right the first time: Where to spend the money? Other than overpriced stale junk food at the commissary, probably not much to spend it on.

Did you ever see the episode of M.A.S.H. where Hawkeye and B.J. had Radar pull all kinds of strings to have Adam's Ribs delivered on ice to their unit from Chicago? I guess if things got really bad, you could try to pull off something like that. Heck, maybe DHL does second day air to Antarctica now.

In short, go! Enjoy this unique experience. So that we can live it vicariously here on Dave's. Wink

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

esl_prof · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 12:14 pm Post subject:

Mr. Leafy · Joined: 24 Apr 2012 Posts: 246 Location: North of the Wall

What do you know about the students and the lessons?

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I recommend a close study of "Ice Station Zebra" by that great Scottish author Alistair Whatsit.

It might also be useful to avoid discussion of the Malvinas. And the abuse of alcohol should be avoided.

JoeKing · Joined: 30 Apr 2008 Posts: 519

JoeKing · Joined: 30 Apr 2008 Posts: 519

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Like Saudi without the sunshine ?

AGoodStory · Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 738

Go, rat! You may or may not enjoy the experience, but you will surely regret it in the future if you pass up the opportunity. And, of course, we want you to go so we can hear all about it. We need a break from, "Do I really need a CELTA?" And, "I'm an American with no qualifications and I want to work in Europe."

So help us out here, and go for it! For our reading pleasure, and your future story-telling repertoire! Very Happy

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esl_prof · Posted: Wed Apr 01, 2015 8:18 pm Post subject:

water rat · Joined: 30 Aug 2014 Posts: 1098 Location: North Antarctica

MuscatGary · Posted: Thu Apr 02, 2015 5:37 am Post subject: