As I reflect on my trip to Iceland for two weeks, I am filled with so much joy and excitement. It was a huge blessing to be a part of such an amazing trip and the opportunity to experience a different culture was more than I ever imagined. When I was originally presented with the opportunity, I had never really thought about going to Iceland but after researching and entertaining the idea of going on this trip, I realized that this would be a great opportunity. In researching the various parts of Iceland, I knew that this would be such a great experience, but after the trip was over, I realized it was much more than I could have ever imagined.
One thing about I found very interesting while in Iceland was the greenhouses. We were able to visit one of the greenhouses while in Iceland, Friðheimar farm which was very interesting. I was really impressed with the system they use to grow their tomatoes. Although they are not able to grow vegetables outside on their land, geothermal energy and the use of artificial lighting provide them with an environment through the use of greenhouses to grow vegetables. At Friðheimar they grow their tomatoes as naturally as possible, they do not use any pesticides and they import approximately 600 bees from the Netherlands for pollination. The use of greenhouses allows them to grow their vegetables year-round despite the low temperatures and at times total darkness. I found it very impressive that they are able to utilize the water to heat and maintain the temperature in the greenhouse for the tomatoes and provide an environment for the bees to pollinate. Inside the greenhouse, they also have a small restaurant with limited items. They have a buffet set up with homemade tomato soup, sour cream, home-baked bread, cucumber salsa, butter, and fresh herbs and then there are a few items that may be ordered from the menu.
At the end of the spring semester, I had the opportunity to go on a two-week study abroad to Iceland. It was a mixture of visiting businesses and adventures that allowed us to explore various areas of Iceland. The thing that stood out to me the most in Iceland was the culture, healthier foods, and traditions. Even though the food options in grocery stores and restaurants were much healthier, it all still tasted great and had plenty of flavors. Icelanders are laid back, welcoming, and content. It did not matter if I was shopping at a retail store, shopping at a grocery store, walking down the street, or dining at a restaurant, everyone was very friendly and never appeared to be in a hurry. If we were standing on the side of the road waiting to cross, the cars that were coming would stop to allow us to cross the street which is so different than the U.S. While out and about in the city, everyone was always willing to answer any questions we had about their lifestyle, foods, and culture in general. When speaking to some of the native Icelanders, we always got a sense of contentment and appreciation for what they have. In the U.S. we are always in a hurry and always trying to find a way to get the next best thing in life, we are never content with what we have, we are always striving to get more. In Iceland, they make life fun, it was so neat to hear the many stories that involved trolls and elves and learn about the various Christmas traditions. Through this experience, I have been able to see and understand things I did not even realize existed and that I never could have imagined. Although we do not have many of the resources that Iceland has, there are many areas that we can learn from them.
Iceland, a land of enchantment, never ceases to amaze with its diverse landscapes and ethereal beauty. One such gem is the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, a hidden paradise nestled on the western coast. Embarking on a trip to this mesmerizing region promises an unforgettable adventure, where dramatic cliffs, ancient volcanoes, and mystical fjords converge to create a landscape straight out of a fairy tale.
Kirkjufell: The Mountain of Serenity: The journey begins with the iconic Kirkjufell, a symmetrical mountain that stands as a symbol of tranquility. Its jagged peaks and surrounding waterfalls provide a picturesque backdrop for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
Snæfellsjökull National Park: Gateway to Wonder: Enter the realm of Snæfellsjökull National Park, home to the legendary Snæfellsjökull volcano. This mystical glacier-capped mountain, believed to be an energy center, inspired Jules Verne’s “Journey to the Center of the Earth.” Explore lava fields, moss-covered lava tubes, and pristine beaches, while keeping an eye out for unique bird species and playful seals.
Djúpalónssandur: The Beach of Legends: Djúpalónssandur unveils a rugged black sand beach dotted with intriguing rock formations and remnants of a shipwreck. Test your strength at the four “lifting stones,” used in the past to assess the fitness of fishermen. As you walk along the shore, the crashing waves and salty breeze transport you to a realm of ancient folklore and maritime tales.
Stykkishólmur: A Charming Fishing Village: Immerse yourself in the idyllic atmosphere of Stykkishólmur, a charming fishing village known for its colorful houses and panoramic views. Embark on a boat tour to explore the surrounding archipelago, where towering basalt cliffs, seabird colonies, and playful seals delight visitors.
Iceland, a land of otherworldly beauty, boasts a myriad of natural wonders that seem straight out of a fairytale. Among its many awe-inspiring destinations, the scenic south tour stands as a testament to the country’s mesmerizing landscapes. From cascading waterfalls to black sand beaches and glacial lagoons, this tour is an unforgettable adventure for nature enthusiasts and wanderers alike.
The Majestic Waterfalls: The journey begins with the enchanting Seljalandsfoss, where you can walk behind the curtain of cascading water. Further along, Skógafoss captivates with its thundering force, while the lesser-known Gljúfrabúi waterfall hides within a hidden canyon, awaiting discovery.
The Black Sand Beaches: Reynisfjara, the iconic black sand beach near Vík, offers a striking contrast between its ebony shores and the crashing Atlantic waves. Towering basalt columns, sea stacks, and mysterious caves add an air of mystery and wonder.
Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon: Venturing east, you’ll encounter Jökulsárlón, a glacial lagoon where icebergs gracefully drift under the watchful gaze of Vatnajökull, Europe’s largest glacier. Boat tours allow you to get up close and personal with these floating ice sculptures.
Skaftafell Nature Reserve: Located within Vatnajökull National Park, Skaftafell showcases a diverse range of landscapes, including glacial tongues, rugged peaks, and lush meadows. Hiking trails cater to all skill levels, rewarding visitors with breathtaking panoramic views.
Iceland was truly amazing. This trip opened my eyes to so many new and wonderful things. I came into this trip really wanting to see all of the nature that Iceland had to offer. I knew that the nature found here is extremely rare and that I only have so many chances in life to see something like it. I wanted to capitalize on the excursions that the group had as well as go out on my own on the free days to see the country for myself. I think there was a great balance between the two on this trip. When I was on my own with a couple of my friends, we got to see nature that the group as a whole would not have been able to see. For example, on the last day, five of us went to the Katla ice cave. That was one of the craziest things I have ever done. It was pouring rain, and the wind was so strong that the rain was falling sideways. I was not even close to being fully prepared for that. I just wore normal sweatpants that immediately got soaking wet, and, even worse, my socks became soaking wet. It was all worth it though because we got to see the inside of the glacier that is sitting on top of a volcano. It had lines of ash in the walls of the cave from previous eruptions. This made the cave that much more beautiful. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to experience nature like this with the friends that I made on the trip. I have made friendships that I believe will last beyond just the two weeks we spent together in Iceland, and that made the trip so much more enjoyable. Thank you Dr. Flint and Dr. Jaks for leading such an amazing trip.
As I reflect on my time in Iceland and traveling abroad, I have started to realize how much I have learned about the culture of Iceland and other countries. My idea of Iceland when I first applied for the study abroad program was characterized by images of ice, mountains, and the Secret Life of Walter Mitty. After arriving back home I have realized that Iceland is all of that and way more.
The culture of Iceland differs drastically from the USA. Any time my classmates and I would go out into the city, we would consistently be the loudest group in every aspect. We were the loudest at laughing, talking, cheering, and others. The Icelandic people are very reserved and their voices are soft, unlike Americans. In other aspects, Icelanders work jobs that make them happy, not necessarily a lot of money which is a stark contrast to the hyper-competitive nature of the US. With an economy fueled by tourism, the bus drivers that we interacted with daily were all incredibly happy with their jobs and the interactions they have with tourists. It was inspiring how they seek to be happy and content with their own life and not to seek to buy a huge house, a boat, or the typical American Dream. Even in the wealthier districts of Reykjavik, the houses were small, quaint, and incredibly practical. Easily one of my favorite parts about this aspect is how connected it forces everyone to be. With houses so close, and a maximum walk of 25 minutes from one side of the city to the other, Reykjavik really felt like a close-knit community.
As we visited businesses and interacted with store owners in the city, it became evident how important it was to have a solid network and reputation. All of the companies were incredibly friendly to us as well as their employees which I feel really shows that they care about anyone and everyone. Many of the businesses were small family-owned businesses which further supports the idea of an interconnected community that cares about one another.
One of the main takeaways I had from the trip is the relaxed and easygoing personalities of many of the people living in Iceland. I tend to be a very calm person and do not get upset about the small things in life, so I really enjoyed this new environment. American culture is much more fast paste and speed is a key factor for most businesses. It is not like that in any of the businesses I went into during my time in the city and countryside of Iceland. I hope to take the relaxed, slow-paced vibe back with me, and incorporate it even more into my lifestyle. I do not like to stress about many things in life and live with the mentality that whatever happens is meant to happen. I learned Icelanders have a similar mentality, and live by the saying that everything is going to work out how it should.
The top priority for Icelanders is not money. It appeared to me that many people work so they have something to do and do not necessarily focus on how much money they are making. It was also very interesting to me that the people in Iceland do not use pronouns such as doctor. They view everyone on the same level. The American business culture is much different in that many people choose their occupation based on the amount of money they are going to make, and not based on their passions.
Another really big takeaway I had from this trip was the trust in the Icelandic culture. All the restaurants we ate at while in Iceland had us pay at the bar or at the hostess stand of the restaurant, and had us tell them what we had to eat and drink. They live based on the honor system. They trust that we are going to pay for our meal, and the correct amount for everything we ordered. I also saw children walking down the streets all alone on many occasions. Parents do not have to worry about crime hardly at all in Iceland. My parents would have never let me walk around by myself as a child, not even in our own neighborhood which is pretty safe. It really made me think about the value and ethical viewpoints of people in this world. The people of Iceland know what is right, and have respect for their selves and their country. Of course, there are good and bad people everywhere you go, but it is sad to me that we see much more crime and dishonesty in America.
As I wrap up my final week abroad, I can sit here can say that I have learned so much. This experience was nothing like how I imagined it. I have had to learn an entirely different culture and learn new ways to act and conduct myself. Business in Iceland is very casual. After visiting the NASDAQ and other companies, many business owners have a laissez-faire mindset. They prioritize their mental health and their lives over their work. This is something that we from America dream of but it’s just not in our reality. We are always competing trying to be the best, but in Iceland, people are just trying to enjoy their lives. Communicating with some of the locals made me realize the big difference of opinion in Iceland. The youth seem to want to get out in the world and explore different countries, and the elderly enjoy staying in Iceland and experiencing a peaceful life. I used to think that most people did not want to spend their lives in Iceland and wanted to leave, but I see I was wrong. Most of the tour guides I have met are people who came for vacation and decided to stay for years. It is astonishing that a coming to country and experiencing the culture just makes you want to stay. So many tourists I have met said that they plan to return to Iceland multiple times to experience the culture and nature again. There are many things that I am going to take from this trip. It made me realize how important just living life is. Even when conducting business, it’s not about being the best, and it’s not a competition. Most businesses try to be sustainable and try to help heal the environment and the world. That’s something that I am going to try to include going forward in my career.
I believe that I learned the most through experiencing this wonderful opportunity rather than going through several lectures and the structure of a regular course. Being abroad in a place such as Iceland allowed me to reflect on some of the questionable practices I participate in when I am home in the States. In Iceland, sustainability is expected, almost as if it is second nature, whereas in the U.S. people often have to think about their sustainability practices and if it does not provide a benefit to them they often decide to opt out. Studying Iceland’s culture also opened my eyes to the concept of community resilience and togetherness. The country’s geographical isolation and harsh climate have necessitated a strong sense of self-reliance and cooperation among the spread-out communities. Almost every individual I encountered was willing to set aside their time to assist us and by the end of the trip, I felt as if I could see the country from a different perspective, not just as a tourist. The togetherness as well as the inclusivity of the natives was inspiring and I have truly never experienced anything like it. Business is much more relaxed in Iceland and is done on a drastically smaller scale. The adjustment when learning and participating in these activities was strange but I really value the new perspective and have greater respect and gratitude toward small/family-owned businesses.
Studying abroad in Reykjavik Iceland was an invaluable experience in my life. My horizons have been broadened, my cultural awareness is deeper than ever and taught me so many skills that will quite honestly influence my future. Being independent in this beautiful nation allowed me to soak in every moment and take a step back to reset myself and find who I am at my core. I am forever grateful for the memories, excursions, lessons learned, and friendships forged during my time abroad and I will never stop appreciating the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
I learned up close and personal from the swim team in Iceland! The kids on the team wanted to get to know me and know more about the United States. I learned a lot about the swimming culture which is totally different in Iceland than the United States. I also enjoyed doing the practices and trying to learn more Icelandic! I am not sure I would be able to pick up the language if I even lived there for 20 years! I’m taking back with me to take in every moment, enjoy my hobbies and take care of all the things around us. Sustainability means looking at everything with a holistic approach and I’m taking that with me back into Texas! Also, the geography in Iceland is just mind-blowing….. it makes me realize how vast the world is and how much is left out to adventure!
