Explore natural energy sources and technology’s impact on the environment and economy in Iceland. Gain hands-on experience developing a renewable energy project.
9
Relevant previous coursework
Icelandic
English
Iceland
Reykjavik, Akureyri
Jun 1 – Jul 14
Iceland
Jun 15 – Jul 28
Iceland
Climate & Environment
With untapped reserves of enough geothermal and hydroelectric energy, Iceland is the perfect place to learn about renewable energy sources and sustainability. You’ll meet with multiple stakeholders connected with the renewable energy sector for a multifaceted view of the country’s energy policy and learn about the latest renewable energy technologies. You’ll also be immersed in Icelandic culture and language and discover Iceland’s untamed landscape from Akureyri an energy–progressive city at the base of a fjord.
Previous college-level coursework or background in engineering, economics, environmental science or studies, or related fields, as assessed by SIT.
You’ll visit geothermal sites and power plants in the fascinating southwest of Iceland, getting an introduction to the country’s energy production.
You’ll explore dynamic and varied landscapes: glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, geothermal fields, lava flows, rugged coastline, and waterfalls. You will experience the power of nature, evident in every aspect of this constantly transforming island. Seeing Iceland’s energy sources will give you an essential understanding of the natural forces involved in energy utilization.
No study trip to Iceland would be complete without an excursion to Reykjavik, on the coast of Iceland and the northernmost capital of a sovereign state in the world. It’s also one of the cleanest, greenest, and safest cities in the world. Settled in 874 AD, Reykjavik means “smoky bay” due to the steam rising from hot springs. During your visit, you may visit the national museum, tracing Iceland’s Viking history and nearby famed geothermal Blue Lagoon spa, near the village of Grindavik.
Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.
Participants in this program develop knowledge of renewable energy technologies, an understanding of the role these technologies play in Iceland’s social and political context, and the ability to apply their knowledge to other situations. Coursework covers hydroelectricity and geothermal energy (the most commonly used renewables in Iceland) in depth, as well as other renewables, and energy economics and policies.
Students engage in classroom and field instruction in the basics of the Icelandic language and learn about the history and culture of the nation.
The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term. The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.
Renewable Energy, Technology, and Resource Economics Seminar – syllabus
(ENGR3000 / 4 credits)
This course focuses on helping students develop mastery of alternative energy technologies and an understanding of the role these technologies play in Iceland’s social, economic, and political context and how these lessons apply to the larger world. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in the field.
Icelandic – syllabus
(ICEL1002 / 2 credits)
Classroom and field instruction in the basics of the Icelandic language and the ways in which it reflects the sociocultural identity of the nation.
Renewable Energy, Technology, and Resource Economics Project – syllabus
(ENGR3060 / 3 credits)
In this course students are introduced to recent research in renewable energy, technology, and resource economics. Students become familiar with the methodologies employed in energy and sustainability studies. Students select and analyze relevant issues in renewable energy in consultation with program faculty. Each student conducts research with a field study component to produce an original academic paper and presents their results to the class. This course gives students the opportunity to engage more deeply with one of the topics covered in the seminar and to develop their academic skills. Support is provided throughout the project from program faculty.
Past student projects:
For two weeks, you will live with a host family in Akureyri, a northern city at the base of the Eyjafjörður Fjord that has made huge strides toward net-zero energy. The city has a composting plant that breaks down organic waste into organic soil, a methane capture system that fuels city buses, geothermal heating, and hydropower for electricity,
Staying with an Icelandic family will give you insight into Icelanders’ everyday life, culture, and language. You will see how energy issues affect daily life and discuss these issues with your hosts around the dinner table, an important part of Icelandic life. The homestay is typically one of the most meaningful experiences of the program.
With a population of approximately 18,000, Akureyri is Iceland’s second largest urban area. It is an important port and fishing center and offers services such as a hospital, schools, cafés, and arts venues. In 2019, this SIT program offset the carbon footprint of participants’ travel by planting more than 200 trees in the forests surrounding Akureyri.
Guest houses, dormitories, and hostels
SIT Study Abroad is committed to making international education accessible to all students. Scholarship awards generally range from $500 to $5,000 for semester programs and $500 to $3,000 for summer programs. This year, SIT will award more than $1.5 million in scholarships and grants to SIT Study Abroad students.
See Full BreakdownLeave no trace. It’s what we’re taught when we go into the wilderness. Increasingly, that advice is being applied to how we live our lives on this planet, including how we travel. Now, a group of 20 SIT Study Abroad students looks forward to achieving that goal.
