Iceland: Renewable Energy, Technology, and Resource Economics
- How to Choose a Program
- View SIT Study Abroad Undergraduate Research / ISP Collection
- View the 2013 Overview Brochure (PDF, 1MB)
- View the 2013 Semester Catalog (PDF, 4MB)
- View the 2013 Summer Catalog (PDF, 1MB)
- View Our Photo Galleries on Flickr
- Academic Resources/Library
- Track Your Application Online
- US State Department "Students Abroad"
- SIT Study Abroad Gear
Key Features
“I could see firsthand how the sustainable practices we learned about were being used in a real world setting, which made the goal of a sustainable society seem much more feasible rather than just some far-off vision.”
Kenzie Brown, program alum
Study sustainable energy design and implementation within larger sociocultural, economic, and environmental contexts.
Program base in the Westfjords
The program is based in the fishing town of Ísafjörður where students will stay with Icelandic families and study at the University Centre of the Westfjords. During the time in the Westfjords, students will be immersed in hallmark steep fjords and glacial valleys. Side excursions during this period will likely include visiting a local dairy farm that utilizes its own micro-hydropower; the small town of Thingeyri where the annual Viking festival is held; and a retreat center located on a rare white sand beach in Önundarfjörður.
Thematic seminar on renewable energy, technology, and resource economics
Students will gain comprehensive knowledge of alternative energy technologies; they will then integrate that knowledge into systems analysis, addressing energy’s local, global, social, cultural, political, economic, and environmental impacts. Students will be immersed in applied renewable energy technologies, visiting a wide variety of working examples and engaging in critical discussion with experts in the field.
The thematic seminar includes:
- Firsthand exposure to renewable energy systems. Students gain insider access to the workings of renewable energy systems and to the individuals who design, maintain, and make decisions about them in the context of Iceland.
- Discussions on a wide range of renewable energy types. From small to large scales, hydroelectric to geothermal power, hydrogen fuel cells to methane, students gain thorough knowledge across the gamut of renewable energy possibilities.
- Debate over the consequences of energy decisions. Students critique energy issues holistically and assess the impacts of energy projects from an interdisciplinary perspective.
Individual Study Project on a topic of choice
Students will pursue their own interests within sustainable energy by conducting an original research project with support from program faculty and partners in Iceland. Particular emphasis is placed on real world relevance and on connecting with current research in Iceland.
Past student projects include:
- Stakeholder analysis of tidal power in the Westfjords
- A feasibility analysis of rapeseed biodiesel for the fishing fleet
- A proposal for alternative energy systems for the island of Grímsey
- An analysis of the micro-hydropower potential on a local farm
- Paradoxes in Icelandic ecological intelligence and environmental behavior
Introduction to Icelandic language and culture
Language study will facilitate immersion into the local culture. The introduction to Icelandic course invites students into Icelandic through a fun and active approach to this ancient language. Stories from Viking to modern history and literature put the Icelandic identity in context.
Students will take field trips to experience Iceland’s proudest cultural and historical accomplishments including:
- UNESCO World Heritage site at Thingvellir — a rift valley between tectonic plates and ancient parliament site
- Downtown Reykjavík: a modern cultural center and site of the 2008/2009 “Pots and Pans” revolution
- Geysir—the original geyser
- Sólheimar eco-village
- Viking Days festival in the Westfjords, which may include sailing on a Viking ship and watching a strong-man competition.
Duration: 7 weeks
Program Base: Ísafjörður
Language Study: Icelandic
Prerequisites: Previous college-level coursework or other significant preparation in engineering, economics, environmental studies, or related fields, as assessed by SIT. Read more...
View Student Evaluations for this program:
About the Evaluations (PDF)
Summer 2012 Evaluations (PDF)
Summer 2011 Evaluations (PDF)
Summer 2010 Evaluations (PDF)
Phone:
888.272.7881 (toll-free in US)
802.258.3212
TTY:
802.258.3388
Fax:
802.258.3296
Mailing Address:
PO Box 676, 1 Kipling Road
Brattleboro, VT 05302 USA