The all-expenses-paid, month-long scientific mission requires no formal qualifications, just ‘an adventurous spirit’…

Been thinking about taking a trip that’ll force you to step out of your comfort zone? How about an all-expenses-paid trip to Antarctica?

That’s what you could get if you apply for Airbnb’s Antarctic Sabbatical, taking place this November/December.

The month-long, once-in-a-lifetime trip will see five volunteers journey to earth’s most remote continent to conduct scientific research, in a bid to help us better understand humans’ environmental impact – and UAE residents are able to apply.

No formal qualifications are required, with those interested in applying just needing ‘an adventurous spirit, passion for the environment and willingness to apply’ according to Airbnb. You’ll also need to be available to travel for a month from November to December, and be able to speak conversational English.

The Antarctic Sabbatical will be led by scientist Kirstie Jones-Williams, who describes that the expedition “will be hard work, with scientific rigour required during unforgiving wintery conditions.”

“We are looking for passionate individuals, with a sense of global citizenship, who are excited to be a part of the team and to return home and share our findings with the world,” she added.

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The successful applicants will first fly to Punta Arenas in Chile, where an immersion training will take place that will included courses on glaciology and field sampling, as well as lab work and equipment practice.

From there, the citizen scientists will fly to Antarctica to begin their scientific mission. While in Antarctica, tasks will include collecting snow samples to study them for foreign microfibers to accurately deduce how far waste and pollution has travelled across the world.

But it won’t be all work. The chosen five individuals will also get to visit the South Pole, and explore the beauty of other Antarctic sites such as the Drake Icefall, Charles Peak Windscoop, and Elephant’s Head.

Upon returning to Chile, the new scientists will continue to study their findings and work with Ocean Conservancy to become ambassadors for protecting the oceans.

Those who wish to apply can do so via airbnb.ae/sabbatical, and will need to complete their application by October 8.

The chosen five volunteers will be announced on October 30.

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