Summer STEM and Sustainability in Iceland

Iceland Student With Open Arms At Sunset 294526133
What's Included

Spend your summer in Iceland experiencing its many natural wonders while earning academic credit! API offers this unique summer program, ideally suited for STEM students, in collaboration with the University of Michigan's College of Engineering. Stay on track to graduate and enroll in a core Computer Science class and a social sciences focused environmental studies class in this land of fire and ice!

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

APIConnect Platform

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

On Site Services

Airport Reception

On-Site Orientation

Housing

Excursions

Resident Director

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program
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Application Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5 G.P.A.
  • Open to rising sophomores to seniors
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Official transcript
  • Entry requirement: valid passport with supporting documents (more information provided post-acceptance)
Dates & Fees
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Summer Jun 8, 2023 - Jul 26, 2023 $9,100 Feb 22, 2023 No Extension Mar 17, 2023
Excursions

API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Reykjavík programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.

  • Fire, Ice, and Waterfalls

    This FULL DAY excursion includes a visit to Iceland’s LAVA Center exhibition, which focuses on seismic and volcanic activity - key features in the Icelandic landscape. It continues with stops at the famous 200-foot tall waterfalls of the south coast, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, which have been featured in many movies and TV shows, and a visit to the hidden waterfall Gljúfrafoss. Finally, we visit the Sólheimajökull glacier valley to observe the effects of our changing climate.

  • Golden Circle Tour

    This trip will start at the Þingvellir National Park, which is one the most beautiful and historic places in Iceland. From Þingvellir, the group will travel to the geyser area at Geysir before visiting the famous Gullfoss waterfall.

  • The Power Trip

    This half day tour starts with a visit to the south Iceland town of Hveragerði, a small community set amidst hundreds of hot springs, where geothermal energy is used to heat homes and businesses, and for commercial purposes such as greenhouse agriculture and even brewing beer. The trip continues to Mount Hengill, a dormant volcano, where students will see the now-silent craters of a minor fissure eruption and (weather permitting) have an excellent view of overlapping lava flows on the plains below. Students will also have an opportunity to take a short hike along the shores of a hot lake and past the boiling fresh-water springs, fumaroles and mud pots of an active geothermal zone. It concludes with a tour of the Hellisheiði Power Station, one of the world’s largest geothermal energy facilities. There, students will learn about the science of geothermalenergy and view the high- and low-pressure turbines that supply 303 MW of electrical power to the Icelandic grid, as well as 133 MW of hot water for heating the city of Reykjavík.

Program Details

What You’ll Study

Enjoy the beautiful Iceland summer with likeminded peers, studying, living and learning from experts in one of the world's most eco-friendly countries. Fulfill key requirements at your home school and earn 7 U.S. semester credits over 6 weeks.

Students participating in this truly immersive summer program will take a Computer Science fundamentals class (Programming and Introductory Data Structures) and a thematic general education class on Sustainability in the Icelandic Context. Taught by local Reykjavík University professors, students will receive a transcript from API's U.S. School of Record, allowing them to fulfill home university requirements and stay on track to graduation!

BONUS! Icelandic Independence Day is June 14th, so students will get to experience the most important national holiday in Reykjavík with guided activities and events from experts and locals.

Space in this program is limited - apply early!

  • Caroline headshot

    Caroline Mobley

    Caroline Mobley will be your Program Coordinator and will help prepare you for your API program.

    (she / her / hers)

  • ID photo

    Christopher Mathews

    Christopher Mathews will be your Resident Director in Iceland and a resource for you on-site.

    (he/him/his)

Courses
Click Here to Find Classes

Classes will be taught by Reykjavík University professors just for students on this program. These intensive classes will be held Monday-Thursday, complemented by excursions related to the coursework, conducted every Friday of the program. The structure of the program is designed so students can experience all Iceland has to offer while learning more about sustainable lifestyles, natural resources, and the many wonders of Iceland, from volcanoes to glaciers and more!

Courses in Iceland (Summer STEM and Sustainability in Iceland)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Housing

Students in Reykjavík will live in shared self-catered apartment style living. Rooms will generally be double-occupancy with shared bathrooms, living areas, fully-equipped kitchen, and laundry facilities. High speed wifi is included.