UNDERGRADUATE FIELD STUDY IN ICELAND

Iceland is a unique location for observing plate spreading on land as well as the dynamic interplay of volcanism and glaciation. Combining geoscience with stark Icelandic nature and culture provides an exciting learning and life experience for students in a variety of undergraduate majors. Northeastern University (NU) offers a month long Iceland excursion, one of 50 international summer-term programs offered by the Office of International Studies Programs. The course professor augments his own instruction and logistics decisions using one or two Iceland-based geoscientists with training and proficiency in professional guiding and familiarity with the Icelandic language. They accompany the excursion in part and/or throughout. A local tour operator provides bus/driver and logistics advice. One or two former students serve as camp managers. The course emphasizes Iceland as a spreading center with subaerial and subglacial volcanism and tectonics on the one hand, and glacial processes and sedimentation on the other. The route winds from Reykjavik clockwise around Iceland, including a visit to the interior Highlands, with volcano-tectonics more emphasized in the first half, and glaciers in the second half. The clockwise route places the more spectacular scenery towards the end of the trip, providing a build-up that assists in keeping students interested throughout. Graded work includes geological maps, glacial clast analyses, field notes, exams, and individual projects.

According to the Institute of International Education’s Open Door data, NU was ranked 22^nd in 2011-2012 among U.S. institutions awarding credit for study abroad. For that year, NU had 1,802 students in either traditional study-abroad programs or faculty led Dialogue of Civilizations (DOC) programs. In these programs, students take two courses abroad taught by NU faculty, as well as in-country faculty, specialists, or guides. We consistently receive positive reviews for the Iceland DOC program. Students comment that it is “an experience they will never forget” and “the best possible setting to learn about geology.” From the geology and environment to culture, students rate this unique program a highlight of their undergraduate experience.