Good communication tools

One of the keys to a successful relationship is good, open and honest communication, and this is even more important when you are separated by long distances and with no physical contact throughout the separation period. The Antarctic Division recognises the importance of providing communication systems which enable expeditioners and their loved ones to communicate regularly, and at a reasonable cost.

Regular contact between expeditioners and their loved ones is essential to reaffirm the caring and sharing between them. If you are physically separated, the knowledge that someone out there really does care about what you do and how you feel can be very comforting and reassuring.

Expeditioners will find that their 'world' in Antarctica will shrink considerably. The outside world will seem remote and unreal. With the excitement of being in Antarctica, experiencing the long daylight hours during summer, and becoming accustomed to your new 'home', it becomes easy to lose track of time and half-forget about the outside world. This can be a difficult period for your partner at home who is adjusting to life without you. Ensure that no matter how busy or preoccupied you are, you still allow time to contact home regularly.

The Antarctic Division is proud of its communication systems. The outside world will seem remote and unreal. With the excitement of being in Antarctica, experiencing the long daylight hours during summer, and becoming accustomed to your new 'home, it becomes easy to lose track of time and half-forget about the outside world. This can be a difficult period for your partner at home who is adjusting to life without you. Ensure that no matter how busy or preoccupied you are, you still allow time to contact home regularly.

The Antarctic Division is proud of its communication systems. The advent of its ANARESAT (satellite) telephone system, along with the use of facsimile and electronic mail, means that it is now very easy to communicate effectively and regularly with loved ones. Details of these communications systems are set out in the booklet Communicating with Antarctica.

Whatever method of communication you choose, make sure that you remember to write and speak about the little things - chat as you would normally, and show interest in the issues that you would normally enjoy hearing about. Expeditioners enjoy hearing the daily trivia of life at home.

For the expeditioner it is a time to be mindful of reaching a balance between reporting on your new life and retaining interest in home. Expeditioners should be careful not to dominate the conversation talking about themselves and Antarctica. A mixture of information is interesting, and creates and opportunity for your partner to reciprocate.

Make notes in your diary and remember special times, particularly anniversaries and birthdays. Plan and leave behind gifts, cards and special surprises with family or friends or with the EFLO at the Division.