Qaqortoq, South Greenland

Our first days in southern Greenland offered an unforgettable opportunity to experience the culture, history, and natural beauty of south Greenland. Nestled among colourful hillside homes, Qaqortoq—the largest town in southern Greenland with a population of approximately 3,000—is a community where Inuit traditions, Norse history, and modern Greenlandic life come together in remarkable ways.

Once ashore, participants explored the community through many different lenses. One group visited Great Greenland, the country’s renowned sealskin tannery, where they learned how sustainably harvested sealskins are transformed into clothing, footwear, furs, and other handcrafted products. The visit offered valuable insight into the importance of traditional skills, local livelihoods, and the respectful use of natural resources in Greenlandic culture.

Another group explored Greenland’s rich geological history during a mining and rare earth metals tour. Participants learned about the growing importance of critical minerals—including copper and rare earth elements—in supporting renewable energy technologies and the global transition to a lower-carbon future. Discussions explored both the opportunities and environmental considerations surrounding responsible resource development in the Arctic, highlighting the balance between economic development, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Together, these experiences demonstrated how culture, science, natural resources, and environmental responsibility are deeply interconnected in Arctic communities.

Some participants explored the town at their own pace, sampling local treats, browsing shops for Greenlandic souvenirs, and taking in the colourful surroundings of this welcoming coastal community. These moments offered another opportunity to experience daily life and appreciate the creativity and hospitality of the people who call Qaqortoq home.

We were honoured to welcome Mayor Malene Vahl Rasmussen aboard the MV Ocean Nova, where she shared her experiences of life in Qaqortoq and southern Greenland. Her heartfelt words deeply moved participants as she spoke openly about the opportunities and challenges facing northern communities, and the responsibility of leading a region experiencing rapid change while preserving its culture, traditions, and connection to the land. As she shared her hopes and concerns for the future, she became emotional, and many of us were touched by her honesty and passion. The connection was mutual, and participants were thrilled when Mayor Malene asked to capture the moment with a group selfie—a simple but meaningful reminder that relationships and shared experiences are at the heart of every expedition.

Back aboard our floating classroom, the learning continued well into the evening. Participants rotated through another series of engaging workshops, each offering a different perspective on the Arctic. Educator Nauja shared stories rooted in Indigenous mythology and oral traditions, reminding us of the power of storytelling to carry knowledge across generations. Educator Mike led a creative activity exploring climate change and global ocean temperatures through colourful bracelet-making, while others visited the library to learn about DNA testing and its role in scientific research. Educator Victoria’s watercolour workshop encouraged everyone to slow down and capture the Arctic landscape through art, while Educator Megan’s beading and sewing session celebrated creativity, patience, and cultural traditions.

One of our favourite daily traditions throughout the expedition was learning a new Indigenous word of the day. Today’s word in Quaqtaqtuq was atamtimota, meaning “community” or  “let’s all be together.” It couldn’t have been more fitting. Over the past two weeks, participants, educators, Elders, staff, and crew became a true expedition family—learning from one another, supporting each other through every challenge and adventure, and building friendships that will continue long after we return home. Atamtimota beautifully captured the spirit of Students on Ice and the connections that make every expedition so special.

Across Greenland’s West Coast

Excellent sailing conditions overnight allowed the MV Ocean Nova to reach an impressive 12 knots—one of the fastest sailing days of the expedition. Favourable currents along Greenland’s west coast gave us an extra boost, putting us ahead of schedule as we continued north.

Sea days aboard Students on Ice expeditions are never simply travel days—they are opportunities to learn, create, and connect. Morning workshops offered participants another chance to explore new skills and perspectives. Educator Noodin introduced button-making inspired by Arctic design, Educator Brody demonstrated innovative SmartICE technology and how northern communities are combining Indigenous knowledge with modern science to improve sea ice safety, Educator Becky guided participants through needle-felting miniature Arctic landscapes, while Educators Neha and Megan M. explored plant pressing and seaweed preservation, encouraging careful observation of Arctic biodiversity.

The afternoon brought even more inspiration. Participant Kuugaq once again energized the ship with drum dancing, sharing both rhythm and culture with the expedition community. Later, Zodiac driver and Educator JP gave an engaging presentation about his work with UNESCO, highlighting the importance of protecting cultural and natural heritage around the world and reminding participants that conservation extends far beyond national borders.

Sailing North

Expedition Leader Geoff Green emphasized how large and recognizable the SOI community is: “When you’re wearing an SOI shirt, someone will recognize it in airports all over the world.” His words captured something special about the Students on Ice community—a global network of friendships, shared experiences, and environmental stewardship that continues long after an expedition ends.

Adding to the excitement, while we were visiting Qaqortoq, Geoff received a message from Prince Albert II of Monaco wishing the Students on Ice Monaco participants and the entire expedition a safe and successful journey. It was a thoughtful reminder that the importance of Arctic education, youth leadership, and international collaboration reaches far beyond the regions we explore.

As evening arrived, expedition life balanced learning with celebration. Participants gathered for our annual SOI Spa Night, enjoying a chance to relax, recharge, and share stories after another full day of exploration. The following evening, the ship came alive with music, laughter, and creativity during the annual Talent Show, where participants and educators alike took to the stage to celebrate the many talents within our expedition family.

A Final Farewell to Greenland

Our final Zodiac excursion through Eternity Fjord provided a spectacular farewell to Greenland’s incredible landscapes and wildlife. Known in Kangerlussuatsiaq, meaning “the rather big fjord,” this vast and dramatic waterway lived up to its name as we cruised beneath towering cliffs and alongside ancient glaciers.

Participants witnessed the dramatic power of the Arctic firsthand. A highlight was watching a massive iceberg slowly roll and flip in the water, revealing the deep blue ice hidden beneath the surface—a powerful reminder of the constantly changing nature of these frozen landscapes. We also witnessed glacier calving, the process where large chunks of ice break away from the face of a glacier and fall into the ocean. As the ice cracked, shifted, and thundered into the water, everyone aboard the Zodiacs fell silent, captivated by the sheer scale and power of the moment. Watching this ancient ice transform before our eyes was a memory that will stay with us long after leaving Greenland. Along the shoreline, participants spotted a variety of Arctic birds and admired colourful patches of fireweed growing among the rugged terrain. This final Zodiac adventure brought together so many themes of our expedition—biodiversity, climate change, scientific curiosity, and the deep connections between land, sea, and life in the Arctic.

Our Final Day at Sea

Our final day aboard the MV Ocean Nova was one of reflection, celebration, and anticipation as we sailed the spectacular Kangerlussuaq Fjord—the world’s longest fjord system—crossing back above the Arctic Circle on our way to Kangerlussuaq. Towering mountains, quiet waters, and majestic glaciers provided a breathtaking backdrop for the final chapter of our expedition together.

Participants had the opportunity to explore the remarkable glaciers of the region, including ventures into glacial ice caves where they witnessed firsthand the immense power and beauty of these ever-changing frozen landscapes. It was a memorable reminder of the dynamic nature of Arctic environments and the importance of understanding and protecting these fragile ecosystems in a changing climate.

As we continued sailing through Søndre Strømfjord, the focus shifted from exploring the Arctic to reflecting on everything we had experienced together. Educator Mike introduced participants to a familiar Students On Ice expression: PEBS—Post-Expedition Blues Syndrome. With smiles and a few knowing laughs, he explained that the mix of excitement, gratitude, and sadness participants often feel as an expedition comes to an end is something shared by generations of SOI alumni. While saying goodbye is never easy, those feelings are also a sign of the deep friendships, personal growth, and unforgettable experiences that define life on expedition.

Building on that message, Education Manager Cécile introduced participants to the Students on Ice Alumni Program, reminding everyone that while the expedition may be ending, their SOI journey is only just beginning. From this day forward, every participant joins a global community connected through friendship, mentorship, environmental leadership, and a shared commitment to making a positive difference. Media Team Videographer Nicholas shared his own journey as an SOI participant, explaining how alumni support, mentorship, and grants helped him pursue new opportunities after his expedition. Today, he has returned on several Students on Ice expeditions as a member of the Media Team, demonstrating how the SOI community continues to support and inspire young leaders long after they first step off the ship.

During Captain Barrios’ farewell address, he compared a successful expedition—and life itself—to a pencil. The sharpened point reminds us to stay focused, the eraser teaches us that mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow, and what matters most is what is inside: our character, kindness, and resilience. His thoughtful message offered a meaningful reflection as participants prepared to carry their expedition experiences and lessons home.

As we stepped off the MV Ocean Nova and began our journey home, we carried with us far more than photographs and memories. Over the past two weeks, this expedition brought together young leaders from around the world who explored incredible Arctic landscapes, learned from northern communities, connected with Indigenous knowledge holders, engaged with science and conservation, and built friendships that will last a lifetime. While it is always difficult to say goodbye to the ship, the crew, educators, and the expedition family we created together, the end of the journey marks the beginning of a new chapter. Each participant now returns home as part of the global Students on Ice community—with new perspectives, renewed curiosity, and the inspiration to protect our planet and make a positive difference in their own communities. The Arctic has shared its stories with us, and now it is our turn to carry them forward.

Next stop: home—with full hearts, new friendships, and a commitment to continue the journey.

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