We take a holistic approach to expedition guiding, and the elements below reflect the broader skills and awareness needed to work well within a team, care for guests and thrive in the field.

​

Group Dynamics

​​

Working effectively within a team is a central part of expedition life. During the course, you’ll experience this first-hand as you learn, practise and problem-solve together over the week. Living and training as a group naturally brings out different behaviours, strengths and challenges, and provides a realistic insight into the interpersonal side of expedition work.

A key part of understanding group dynamics is recognising what you bring to a team—your habits, preferences and the “backpack” of experiences that shape how you respond in different situations. Developing this awareness supports empathy, communication and more intentional teamwork in the field.

During the course, we’ll run an approximately four-hour session with our organisational psychologist, focusing on psychological safety, communication styles and practical tools for working well with others.

​​​

Key Topics

​

• Personal awareness and understanding of your “backpack”

• Communication styles and their impact on teamwork

• Psychological safety and creating supportive team environments

• Navigating group dynamics during shared challenges

• Working effectively within multidisciplinary expedition teams

​

Please note: this session is delivered differently on the New Zealand Comprehensive Guide Course.

 

Personal well-being on board the ship

​​

We take a holistic approach to expedition guiding, and personal well-being is a key part of that. Life at sea can be rewarding but also demanding, with long days, changing schedules and limited personal space. Maintaining your physical and mental well-being supports good decision-making, helps you look after guests effectively and allows you to be your best guide throughout a season.

​

During the course, you’ll take part in a 1.5-hour yoga session with our instructor. It offers one practical example of how you might manage your well-being on board, recognising that different approaches work for different people.

​

Key Topics

​

• Understanding the demands of shipboard life on personal well-being

• Strategies for maintaining physical and mental balance during long seasons

• Managing energy, rest and recovery in shared environments

• Introducing yoga as one of several possible well-being practices

​​

Pre-Course Learning Component

​

We realise that participants will have a range of experience levels and come from different backgrounds. To ensure we maximise our learning during the actual course, there will be an online learning component to be completed before attending the course. We find it important to have all participants on the same page regarding terminology and basic concepts around the course segments to maximise our time focusing on practical training and theory, best done when together. Expect to receive this material a month out from the course start.

​

​

Course Structure and Options

​​

1. CGC + EGA Comprehensive PTGA Assessment (ASM)

(Training followed by assessments)

​

This is ideal for those ready to complete both their training and assessment in one extended programme.

​

You’ll first complete the full seven-day Comprehensive Guide Course, followed by three additional days of Polar Tourism Guides Association assessments (PTGA assessments). These assessments are internationally recognised within the expedition cruise industry and are designed to verify that you can perform to professional standards in real-world conditions.

​

By the end of the ten days, you’ll leave with both your EGA Training Certificate and, if successful, a range of core PTGA qualifications.

​

2. CGC Stand-Alone (Training Only)

(Focus purely on skills and learning)

​

This stand-alone version is ideal if you want to focus entirely on developing your skills before undertaking formal assessment later on, or if you’re still exploring whether expedition guiding is the right path for you. The CGC Stand-Alone does not have the EGA Comprehensive PTGA Assessment component.

​

The training syllabus is the same for both CGC options, and all participants receive the EGA Training Certificate.

​

Which CGC option is right for me?

​

If you’re ready to complete training and assessment together, or you’re preparing to join a vessel soon, the 10-day CGC + PTGA Assessment offers a complete pathway in one block.

​

If you’d prefer to focus on learning first, build experience, or take more time before formal assessment, the CGC Stand-Alone gives you the same training without the certification component.

​

 

Practical Course Information

​

Once you have booked

​

Once you have booked a spot on the Comprehensive Guide Course, you will receive a confirmation email, followed by a Practical Information email, with specific pre-course information. This will include the exact meeting times, location details, how to get there, what to bring (gear list) and what to expect. Please note that this information is provided after booking. 

​

Arrival and Departure

​

The course itself is 7 days of training; however, in the interests of maximising course delivery and instructor contact time, participants will need to arrive in the afternoon/early evening the day before the course start date. Participants will depart the morning after the last day of your program. The EGA will inform you of the exact time you need to arrive - and depart, which will be the same time for all participants. This information is provided in the Practical Information email mentioned above.

​

Facilities

​

The training takes place both outside and indoors. We will spend a lot of time on the water, on the beach, in green areas, and indoors at the EGA Venue. At the venue, students will have coffee, tea, multiple milk options and sugar available throughout their time with us.

​

Accommodation

​

We offer accommodation on-site, at our training facility, referred to as the EGA venue. You're more than welcome to organise your own accommodation and stay off-site, but we do encourage participants to stay on-site and engage in the full immersive learning experience, living with and getting to know your fellow students. It's also a fantastic way to see what it might be to stay close together with others, which is your reality on board expedition ships. 

If you wish to book our accommodation, please choose the 11-night option if you are doing a Comprehensive Guide Course, followed by the EGA Comprehensive PTGA Assessment and the 8-night option if you are doing a CGC Stand-Alone.

 

*Please note that you will leave on the morning after the last day of your training if you are booked on a CGC Stand-Alone.

​

Certification

​

On completion of the Comprehensive Guide Course, you'll receive a 'Training Certificate' from the Expedition Guide Academy outlining the course content covered. This is not only useful to you in your personal training development, but it is also useful to companies and potential employers. Since the EGA is an accredited training provider, this certificate is approved by the PTGA. Use this certificate to outline what you have been training, when you apply for your job as an expedition guide.

​

Qualification and assessment

​

If you are looking at booking our Comprehensive Guide Course that's followed by the assessment, please make sure that you head over to our Certification with the EGA page for more details on this.

​

​

​