[Alan]

Iceman,

I don't know about Troll, but the American stations have a small number of foreign nationals. McMurdo Station is only 3 km from New Zealand's Scott Base, which operates year round. When I was at McMurdo in winter of 2009 Scott Base had about half of its staff (total 26 that winter) from nations other than New Zealand - however, most of those were British Commonwealth nations.

A good science background can be very useful, and meteorologists are required year round - it's actually a very good choice if you want to get a job in Antarctica. However, cross-training is also a plus, and most of the workers there have multiple skills. This is especially useful at the smaller stations with few personnel.

However, most of the scientists work in Antarctica only in the summer. The good news is that scientists are able to travel to more remote locations, but if you want to spend a winter it would probably be helpful if you know at least one trade. The stations always need electricians and people specializing in power production (generator mechanics and such).

I should tell you, however, that -15C is considered warm weather in Antarctica. It does get warmer during the summer near the coast, but in winter you can expect ordinary temperatures of -30C at the coast, and occasional dips to around -45C. Inland, of course, is much colder, and those are summer temperatures at South Pole.

Otherwise, best of luck in your endeavors, and keep us posted and ask any questions you like.