Language Learning: From Antarctica to the Bering Sea
Breaking Barriers: UAF’s Online Spanish Courses Connect Students Across the Globe
UAF Spanish Instructor Kim Aragon-Stewart hugs a student following Commencement 2017.
UAF's Department of Global Languages and Literatures is expanding the boundaries of language learning through dynamic online courses that connect students in even the most remote locations, offering flexibility in an ever-evolving world. From the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to the rugged waters of the Bering Sea, students are embracing new linguistic challenges with the support of dedicated faculty like Kimberly Aragón Stewart.
Stewart, an adjunct instructor of Spanish at UAF, has been instrumental in fostering a welcoming and supportive online learning environment. With decades of experience in teaching Spanish and applied linguistics, she is deeply committed to making language learning accessible to students, no matter where they are. Stewart recognizes that many of her students aren't just taking a class—they are balancing demanding careers, research, and responsibilities in remote locations while pursuing their passion for Spanish.
"I feel like most of my students truly want to learn to speak another language and see how that can benefit their lives, their families, and their careers," Stewart says. She takes great pride in her students' dedication, especially those who aren't in a traditional classroom setting but are pushing through unique challenges to learn.
Stewart has seen firsthand how learning Spanish sparks curiosity in her students, whether it inspires them to use the language in their careers or travel to immerse themselves in new cultures. "We talk about language being a catalyst to view the world in a different way, through others' eyes and how different that experience is if you can speak even a little bit of the language," she explains.
She acknowledges that while many students take online courses for convenience, those in the most remote locations often demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to mastering Spanish. "Of course, many of my students live in Fairbanks and like the online option, but those truly dedicated students who see Spanish in their future are often my remote students."
Aspen Knight takes Spanish 101 with Stewart from a barge in the Bering Strait.
Hannah Meltzer, a student of Stewart’s, enrolled in Spanish 101 while conducting research in Antarctica, where she navigated the challenges of remote learning, even with resupply flights like this one bringing necessary resources.
In the vast and remote landscape of Antarctica, Hannah Meltzer continued her Spanish 101 studies, with UAF’s online courses providing accessibility and flexibility even in the most isolated places.
Stewart’s students include Aspen Knight, who is taking Spanish 101 while working on a remote barge in the Bering Sea, and Hannah Meltzer, who started the course while stationed in Antarctica and is now continuing on in Peru. Thanks to the flexibility and accessibility of UAF’s online Spanish courses, both students can continue their important work and research while also pursuing their passion for language learning.
Knight reflects on the unexpected opportunities she’s found to use Spanish in her remote work environment: "Learning in a remote location has come with some challenges but I feel like it has helped in enriching my experience! While I am living in such a remote location I feel like when I have the time I can really dive in and focus on the class and gain so much from it! I have found a lot of unexpected opportunities to practice my Spanish! At one of the fishing plants we work with, a lot of the deck operators speak Spanish, and it has been a great experience to be able to talk and communicate better with them! I also have been planning a trip to South America and by taking this Spanish class I have been able to get into touch with local guides and learn more about the trails that I plan on hiking! I look forward to being able to continue to build on my Spanish and put it to use later on this year!"
Meltzer, who took Spanish as a way to enrich her time in Antarctica, found that learning a new skill helped maintain her mental resilience in such an isolated setting. "Learning new skills is super important to staying sane in such a remote place, and Spanish has been great for that in Antarctica. Some of the challenges that come up are that work schedules in a field camp are hard to predict, and occasionally workdays end up stretched to 18+ hours if we have unexpected weather or resupply missions to support. Balancing that with school can be hard, but my teachers have been incredibly accommodating and it helps that the work is self-paced. We are also dependent on Starlink, and experience occasional service outages which can make online coursework difficult."
Now that she has left Antarctica and is in Peru, she is already seeing the benefits of her studies. "By coincidence, two of my eleven coworkers in my field camp are fluent in Spanish! This has presented some great opportunities to practice and learn."
These stories highlight how UAF’s online language programs allow students to expand their horizons—both personally and professionally. Stewart has also worked with students in extraordinary situations, such as deployed soldiers balancing military duties with coursework. "I needed lots of coffee to have a virtual class at 6am my time! With these specific students I also had to be their tutor since I couldn't ask our department tutors to be available at all hours," she recalls. Understanding the demands of deployment, Stewart even helped coordinate informal Spanish conversation practice with a Puerto Rican soldier stationed with them. "It all worked out great!"
She also recognizes the challenges of students navigating unpredictable schedules, whether due to military service, demanding research commitments, or extreme time zone differences. "My student who is in Antarctica will let me know if a science experiment needs her full attention for a few days. She will ask for an extension on due dates," Stewart explains.
Stewart understands the unique challenges of distance learners—whether it’s battling connectivity issues or navigating unpredictable schedules—and is committed to supporting each student through their journey. "Sometimes it is inconvenient, or exhausting, but I believe that the students who are reaching out to me for help really want to be successful," she explains. Stewart’s flexibility and ability to work with students in unique circumstances ensure they feel just as welcome in the UAF community as locally remote or face-to-face students.
The Department of Global Languages and Literatures at UAF offers a variety of Spanish courses to fit different schedules and learning goals. Whether you're just starting or looking to refine your fluency, there’s an option for you.
Explore upcoming online course offerings from the Spanish program: