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Summer Abroad Iceland

Thermodynamics in the Land of Fire and Ice

Reykjavik, Iceland

  • Dates – June 18–July 16, 2024
  • Max Enrollment – 30
  • Taught In – English
  • Prerequisites – Yes
  • Academic Area – Engineering 

Program Overview

Iceland is a unique setting to learn about renewable power and thermodynamic science, as it sits upon an area where the tectonic plates are dividing and the land is being shaped by volcanic and glacial activity. We will stay on the outskirts of Reykjavik and take field trips to power plants and manufacturing facilities. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site Þingvellir, where deep fissures between the North American and European Plates are visible. As we explore Iceland, we will see exotic birds, waterfalls and geothermal fields. Near the Arctic Circle, we will have a chance to experience the midnight sun (weather permitting). We also plan to visit the glaciers at Vatnajökull National Park, the ice lagoon of Jökulsárlón and other amazing sites. Come experience an unforgettable summer on top of the world.

Program Contacts

Program Highlights

  • Learn and experience thermodynamics and renewable power in a country where the electrical grid is entirely powered by geothermal and hydroelectric resources.
  • Explore the natural wonders of Iceland’s unique geography and geology where the North American and European tectonic plates divide.
  • Cross the Arctic Circle, view the midnight sun, and experience Iceland’s culture of summer at the top of the world.

What Students Are Saying

  • "Overall fantastic program! This goes for the amount of field trips we went on in the course of one month, and the educational impacts that will be with me for a very long time. I highly recommend continuing this program. I feel so fortunate to have experienced all this with such a great professor, great classmates and awesome country.”
  • “One of the best professors I have had. He is an effective teacher in that he can teach material in a condensed fashion.”
  • "Professor Erickson was great! He was funny, patient, and did his best to make sure students were understanding. Even if one person didn't understand, he would go over the problem again and walk them through it. It's tough teaching all of this material in 4 weeks, but he was able to do it."

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