If you join an Iceland study abroad program you’ll get to experience the culture of a beautiful country full of deep-rooted traditions, amazing people and wonderful scenery. This Nordic country is filled with mountains and glaciers and is known for its fishing and agriculture, so if you’re a nature-lover, this just might be the place for you.
Even though Iceland may not have a tropical climate, a summer abroad Iceland program can include a stop by the Asbyrgi canyon, a massive canyon whose cliffs reach up to 100 meters in height. Located in the northernmost part of Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, it is a great place for hikers to explore and see various species of trees and birds.
If you spend an entire semester abroad in Iceland then you’ll more time to spend your time outdoors in a place like Skagafjörður. This municipality in northeast Iceland literally has everything for the outdoor enthusiast, from horseback riding and kayaking to mountain biking and fishing.
Everyone wants to have both an educational and fun time while studying abroad, and you can have both when you study abroad in Iceland.
Study Abroad Programs in Iceland
Iceland is known for its ties to Nordic culture in terms of its literature and arts. The Icelandic people take great pride in their educational beliefs, which say that everyone should have an equal opportunity at acquiring a good education.
The best school to join for an Iceland study abroad program is the University of Iceland, which is known as one of the 100 best universities in the world. Located in Reykjavík, which is the capital of Iceland, the university is mainly a scientific institution, but it does offer study abroad students courses in everything from religion and law to literature and business. Though there is a limited amount of space on campus, if you are a visiting student the university will make arrangements for off-campus housing. As an added bonus, there’s even a cinema for students to enjoy after class.
For more study abroad Iceland information, see the Universities section, and for ideas to help pay for your experience see Financing Your Experience.
Modes of Transportation in Iceland
Iceland is not exactly the most ideal place to travel since it’s usually cold and full of rugged terrain. There are actually no railways for public use in the country, so most people rely on the bus or a car to get around.
If you decide to ride a bus around Iceland you’ll probably get to see a majority of the small towns. Most buses start running at 7 a.m. and offer tours of the surrounding communities. The Reykjavík Bus Centre (BSÍ) oversees all bus traffic in Iceland, while the BSÍ Bus Terminal is the center place to connect for schedule coach routes.
Renting a car in Iceland should be easy to do because there are many car rental companies to choose from. Some of the most widely recognized with the best rates are Avis, Budget, Hertz and EuropCar.
You never know what could happen to you while in another country, whether you’re in a vehicle or not, so always follow health and safety guidelines to ensure that you are safe.
Iceland Currency Exchange Rates
The currency of Iceland is known as the króna (kr), which means crown, and it is related to other Nordic currencies like those in Sweden and Norway. You should always know the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and any foreign currency before you travel so you will be prepared to make purchases without any trouble.
Here’s what you need to know about the króna:
- Coins = 50 øre, 1, 5, 10 and 20 kr
- Bills = 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 kr
You can use an Iceland currency converter like the one here to compare other amounts of U.S. dollars against the Euro.
Study Abroad Iceland and Don’t Forget to Visit It’s Capital
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik, which also happens to be its largest city. Since it is home to the Greater Reykjavik Area, which is home to over 64% of Iceland’s population, you know that there is something for everyone.
One of the best things about Reykjavik is that it is considered both a seaside village and a bustling city. If you’re more into viewing the natural side of the city you can explore its many volcanoes, waterfalls and geysers. There’s even a geothermal spa called the Blue Lagoon whose water is heated by underground lava. It’s one of the most visited places in all of Iceland.
Another great place to visit is Perlan, an 84 foot high structure that is host to various concerts, markets and other artistic functions. What is most amazing about the structure of the building is that it used to be the sight of hot water storage tanks, but now it’s a glass dome that stores its own souvenir shop, museum, restaurant and more!
For those of you who are interested in the nightlife of the city, this place is actually called the “nightlife capital of the north.” There are over 100 different bars and clubs, most which stay open until 6 am, so depending if you finished your schoolwork, you will most likely have fun while out on the town.
Important Study Abroad IceIand Information
You should always keep a list of important numbers with you in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need: