Students Reflect on Their Iceland Field Study

The following reflections come directly from students who took part in this summer’s UW–Madison Field Study in Iceland. Over two weeks, they combined classroom preparation with hands-on exploration across Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, glaciers, and coastal ecosystems. Their words capture not only what they learned, but how the experience changed them. For many, the journey began as a leap into the unknown. 

It was intimidating travelling without my family for the first time and spending two weeks in a completely new place with new people, but I think this was something I needed. I was able to enjoy spending time with myself, strengthen my ability to work with new people, and really push myself to show up — not just for me, but for everyone in the group.

Another reflected, “Saying yes to this program proved to me that stepping outside my comfort zone leads to growth. I’ve always been an introvert, but this trip showed me that if I take the chance, incredible things can happen.”

Wildlife encounters were equally powerful. “Seeing puffins, seals, and an arctic fox was incredible, but what made it more special was recognising what I was looking at. I knew from class that the puffins’ bright colours meant they were in mating season, and the arctic fox’s brown-and-white coat showed it was transitioning between winter and summer. Those little details made me appreciate every moment even more.”

Standing between the Eurasian and North American plates at Þingvellir was so cool to see in real life. I had read about tectonic plates and even studied them in geology class, but being there — physically standing on the rift — made it real in a way I’ll never forget.

Another wrote, “At deCODE Genetics, I could directly connect what we’d learned in the online portion to what they were doing in the lab. I felt prepared to ask questions about the ethics of genetic testing, and hearing their answers deepened my understanding.”

Memories from the trip are filled with vivid and sometimes challenging adventures. “Hiking in Þórsmörk was one of the hardest things I’ve done physically, but making it to the top was amazing. It’s like life advice in hiking form: it’s tough, but the view makes it worth it.” 

My favourite experience wasn’t even the waterfall itself — it was getting there. We had to jump from rock to rock to avoid getting our feet wet, and I just had a blast the whole time. It reminded me how much I love physical challenges.”

Conversations with Icelandic author Andri Snær Magnason also left a deep impression. “Talking with Andri was like a fresh snow on a ski hill — it made new paths possible. Hearing him explain how he wrote On Time and Water made me want to go back, reread it, and see it with new eyes.”

In Iceland, people trust each other in a way we don’t often see in the U.S. Police are unarmed, there’s no military, and disaster relief is run by volunteers. It’s such a different mindset — one built on community.

Some reflections captured moments of surprise. “I knew Iceland was advanced in renewable energy, but I didn’t expect to see small personal hydroelectric systems in people’s backyards. Some of them were built in the early 20th century! The land gives but also takes, and people here have learned to work with it in a way that’s both intuitive and inspiring.”

The personal and academic impact of the trip was profound. One student wrote, “Seeing glaciers up close — watching them melt right before my eyes — created a reaction I didn’t expect. It was a mix of mourning and anger, and it ignited something in me. I’ve always cared about climate change, but now I feel an urgency to do something about it.” Another reflected, “.”

I want my grandchildren to know what it feels like to bask in nature’s glory. This trip made me realise that protecting the planet isn’t optional.

Perhaps the most consistent theme was the power of community. “Our group made every moment more meaningful. I’ve been on trips where you feel like you have to be friends with people just because you’re together, but this was different. I connected with every single person, and I’ll carry those connections with me.” Another added, “One of my core values is gratitude, and if there’s anything I’m leaving Iceland with, it’s that. Gratitude for the people, the experiences, and the chance to see the world in a new way.”

​From field research in remote valleys to quiet moments under the midnight sun, the students’ voices tell a clear story: this was more than a study trip. It was an experience that broadened their perspectives, strengthened their sense of purpose, and inspired them to continue exploring — and protecting — the world.