SIT Iceland: Climate Change and the Arctic
- Location: Ísafjörður, Iceland
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Language of Instruction: English
- Class Eligibility: Juniors
Introduction
*If interested in applying, contact the study abroad office ASAP! Space is limited!*
Study the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and societies. Visit renewable energy centers, glaciers and awe-inspiring scenery. The power of nature is evident in Iceland. Here you’ll study the causes of climate change and its impacts on the critical environment of the Arctic and the entire planet. Witness the astonishing beauty of glaciers, volcanoes, fjords, geothermal fields, highlands, lava flows, rugged coastline, and waterfalls. On excursions to Iceland’s remote Westfjords region and throughout Iceland, you’ll see the impact of global warming on glaciers and ice sheets. Observe ground zero of climate change amidst stunning landscapes while learning about renewable technologies that can help slow the damage.
Learn about climate models and carbon management from experts on the front lines of the fight against global warming. Fieldwork will introduce you to scientific methods, data collection, and ethical issues related to climate research in Iceland. At the same time, you’ll live with an Icelandic family in Ísafjörður, a remote town of deep blue fjords and flat-topped mountains seldom visited by tourists.
- Visa:
Students with US passports will need a student residency permit for Iceland. SIT will send more information regarding the residency permit after acceptance.
Non-US Citizens should consult with SIT and the Office of International Student Support before applying to the program. - Fees: Students pay Haverford tuition to Haverford. Haverford is responsible for making tuition payment to SIT. Students are responsible for paying room and board costs directly to SIT.
Academic Overview
Requirements
Previous college-level experience in engineering, earth sciences, sustainability, environmental policy, sociology, biology, geology, geography, chemistry, archaeology, and/or environmental science/studies.
Space is limited on this program and it fills up quickly. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Academic Credit
Major, minor, and concentration transfer credit will only be granted for courses in which students receive a grade of a C or above.
Curriculum
Required courses:
- Climate Modeling and Carbon Management
- The Arctic: Changing Ecosystems and Resilience
- Research Methods and Ethics in the Arctic
- Research Project in Arctic Climate Protection
In addition to coursework on climate change and research methods and ethics, students learn conversational Icelandic and examine the ways in which these languages reflect the socio-cultural identities of the places they are spoken.
Course Highlights
Environmental Science, Environmental Studies
Note: Changes occur frequently. Students are responsible for finding the classes they need and consulting the official site of the institution.
Non-Academic Overview
Orientation
In-country orientation is held for students briefing them on information about safety and health while living and studying in Iceland.
Number of Students
20-30
Housing/Meal Plans
Homestay only. Students will live with a host family in Ísafjörður, the capital of the Westfjords region. All meals are covered either by SIT directly, through a stipend, or through the homestay.
When on excursions, students will stay in hostels.
Haverford students may not opt for independent off-campus housing – that is, housing not arranged by the program.
Notes
Additional Resources
- Support for LGTBQIA+ Students
- SIT Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Resources
- Mental Health & Self Care While Abroad
- Diversity Abroad
Options
- Semester
- STEM Courses Offered
Dates
- Semester I: Mid-August to late December
- Semester II: Mid-February to late May
Application Deadlines
- Semester I: March 15
- Semester II: September 21