Emily Schindler
Approachable and enthusiastic, Swiss born, Expedition Coordinator Emily Schindler left a career in business to explore the polar regions. As a young child she showed a deep desire to explore nature, eventually becoming an avid rock and ice climber, skier, mountaineer, sailor and long-distance runner. In 2007, Emily rand the 89 km Comrades Ultra-marathon isn South Africa.
"Laurie [Expedition Leader] could not have had a better trip coordinator than Emily. There isn't a job that Emily cannot handle. She's accomplished. She's experienced. She's everywhere." Karen from Pennsylvania, March 2011
Emily has joined these expeditions:
When did you first work in Antarctica?
"In 1999, as a Zodiac driver, but I had worked the year before in the Arctic - as a Zodiac driver."
When did you begin working for Quark Expeditions?
"In 2004, I was Assistant Expedition Leader."
What skills do you bring to the the job?
"Experience working with people in groups under extreme conditions. Coordination, logistics and problem solving skills gained from owning and managing a software development company. Versatility! I'm flexible and creative when confronted with new and changing circumstances."
What keeps you returning season after season?
"The awe-inspiring beauty of the unspoiled polar regions; the uniquness of individuals I meet every voyage; the daily challenges of an ever-changing environment and climate - hour by hour, day by day, planned or unplanned."
If you could time travel, which historic expedition would you join?
"Comparied to today's expeditions, the historic expeditions were ill-prepared and ill-equipped. However, I am most intrigued by Nordenskjold's Swedish Antarctic Expedition. That expedition had so many mishaps yet the team did useful work and, in the end, fate brought them together after being separated by circumstances."
Emily's advice for Polar Travelers
"Take everything in, try to leave home with an open mind, curiosity and few expectations."