BootsnAll Travel Community

Has anyone had personal experience with or known someone who has accepted a job in Antarctica?

I've recently applied for a dining attendant position (i.e. cafeteria lady!) and have a phone interview tomorrow. I assume they will mostly want to make sure I'll be able to survive the isolated camp environment, etc.

Any advice/suggestions/info to share about this unique working/living abroad experience? I'm wondering about:

1. What will they ask during the interview?

2. What are the chances my Kiwi boyfriend will also be hired? (McMurdo is the U.S. base. Will he need a U.S. work visa? He's highly qualified currently working mines in W.A. and has worked oil rigs in Canada)

3. What is day to day life like there? Will I just be inside all the time living in a compound?

4. What is the pay like? (I imagine I would essentially save everything I make since there will be little to spend my money on)

Cheers!!

Check out a Antarctica blog that exists on Boots. Written by a couple working on a base. I think best way is to check the Antarctica section and it should be there.

I have met many who lived on different bases on Antarctica.

Some things I remember:

1. The bases are cut off from the outside world for 6 months during the winter. Its harsh and dark 24/7. Pshycologically you should be able to with stand that.Summers in Antarctica have temps of -6 deg C so you can imagine the winters.

2. They do a through physical so that they know any pre existing conditions you may have etc.

3. You will be living in close quaters with the same people for 6 months or more.

4. I know from the folks I met that they did some field work outside...so their jobs dictated what they were doing.

5. Apart from their normal jobs they also participated in other experiments. One I remember was a study on folks who participated in meditation and yoga stuff on base.

6. Before you interview I would say read up on Antarctica history,climate and other stories that might exist out there (the doctor who diagnosed her cancer and survived it).

Hi Seebeauty,
I am currently "on the ice" this is my fourth season. Can't believe I didn't see this post until now. How did the interview go?

As far as your Kiwi boyfriend, the program hires quite a few kiwis..you don't specify what he has done on oil rigs or mines, but skilled tradesmen usually have no problem getting hired.

As far as living...if you work at mcmurdo as a D.A. your work life sorta blows...you'll be on your feet for 9+ hrs/day, but...the people who get hired for those positions are usually top notch. You'll have fun with your co-workers and quite a few recreational opportunities around the station.

I would be glad to attempt to answer any other specific questions you have

http://boards.bootsnall.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/42409875...00549416#64400549416

Another Antarctica question.