Explore Sustainability and Geology in Iceland

Travel to Iceland to learn how the nation is using sustainability to deal with climate change. Visit fast-melting glaciers and study the geologic forces that continue to shape the island nation.

Students at the summit of a hill in Iceland in 2022

July 16-25, 2023

Join us on a 10-day Study Abroad program led by JCCC faculty members Jay Antle (History/Sustainability) and Kathryn Nold (Geology) to explore Iceland’s advancements in sustainability, the impact of climate change on the country, and the complex and diverse geology of this Nordic island. Experience glaciers, geological wonders, epic waterfalls, thermal lagoons and more.

Program Highlights

Hellisheiði Power Plant
Thingvellir National Park
Fridheimar Greenhouses
Snaefellsjokull National Park
Kerid Crater
Geysir and Gullfoss Waterfalls
Keldur Turf Houses
Sólheimajökull Glacier
Seljalandsfoss and Skógarfoss Waterfalls
Skaftafell National Park
Fjallsárlón & Jökulsárlón Ice Fields Boat Tour
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

See the fun you'll have in Iceland!

JCCC's trips to Iceland in 2022 offered students a firsthand look at how this small and remote nation has become a global leader in sustainability.

View the compelling photo story "Land of Fire and Ice" about last year's trip

How to Apply

Complete and submit the application by Feb. 1 for priority consideration
Interview with trip faculty leaders
Complete the Study Abroad Participant Contract
Submit a $500 deposit by Feb. 10
Complete JCCC scholarship application(s)
Make all payments and complete pre-departure tasks

Requirements

Complete program application and interview
Enroll in 1-credit Study Abroad course
Make all payments on time
All payments are nonrefundable unless JCCC cancels the program.
Attend pre-trip orientation meetings
Submit all assignments as outlined in Canvas

Cost

$3,750 – JCCC degree-seeking students*
$4,750 – Non-degree-seeking students

Cost includes: airfare, hotels, local transportation, admission fees and local guides.

Not included: meals, tuition for one credit (cost depends on student’s status), visa fee (if any), transportation to the airport and cost to get a passport.

* Subsidies, grants, and scholarships may be available to JCCC students

Scholarships

Apply for a Study Abroad scholarship of $500+. Stop by the International Education Office in COM 220 or email us at studyabroad@jccc.edu to learn about the application process.

To Apply

Limited spots available. Application deadline is Feb. 1.

Faculty

Jay Antle
History/Sustainability
jantle@jccc.edu
913-469-8500, ext. 4245

Kathryn Nold
Geology
knold@jccc.edu
913-469-8500 x3785

Itinerary

Arrive in Reykjavik, Iceland
Airport Pickup – The group will be welcomed at Keflavik International Airport by an English-speaking local guide.
Tour of Reykjanes peninsula
Explore Hellisheiði Power Plant – The geothermal power plant of Hellisheiði in Iceland successfully manages to bind CO2 into rocks and could provide a solution for other industries in Iceland and beyond.
Transfer to the Hotel in area of Borgarnes
Welcome Dinner at Hotel* & Group Discussions
*Hotel Borgarnes or Hotel Á or similar

Breakfast & Day Briefing
Snaefellsjokull National Park - The geology of Snaefellsnes Peninsula is diverse with formations from almost every era of Iceland’s past. The more prominent formations in and around the National Park mainly date from geologically “modern” times back to the last ice age. The hills to the north of the glacier, around Bárðarkista, are of volcanic palagonite tuff, formed during eruptions under the glacier or below the surface of the sea. Svalþúfa is most likely the eastern section of a crater that erupted under the sea, while Lóndrangar is a volcanic plug.

*Hotel Borgarnes or Hotel Á or similar

Breakfast & Day Briefing
Transfer to Thingvellir National Park - Situated between two continental plates, Thingvellir National Park is one of Iceland’s most historically significant, sacred and naturally beautiful sites.
Geysir hot spring and mud pits and Gullfoss Waterfalls
Kerid Crater – With distinctive red volcanic rock slopes, measuring 170 meters wide, 270 meters in circumference and 55 meters deep, Kerid crater lake is a 3,000-year-old volcanic crater lake in South Iceland, the perfect golden circle detour. The actual lake itself is relatively shallow, between 7 and 14 meters, depending on rainfall and other factors, but as a result of minerals from the surrounding soil, the water is a unique and strikingly vivid aquamarine shade of blue.
Fridheimar Greenhouses Guided Tour - Gain a unique insight into the processes of greenhouse horticulture and the use of geothermal heating in Icelandic horticulture with a visit to Fridheimar. Enjoy the special experience of entering a greenhouse with its fragrant tomato plants – and then sitting down to a feast of the famous and delicious Fridheimar tomato soup with freshly baked bread – with tomato plants all around.
Solheimar Ecovillage – Visit this ecovillage with a focus on sustainability.

*Fosshotel Hekla or similar

Breakfast & Day Briefing
Keldur Turf House - The turf houses have played an important role in Icelandic lives thanks to the insulation and warmth they provide. Keldur is one of only a very few preserved turf houses, often known as Sod Houses. It is definitely a place worth visiting, reflecting the true Icelandic traditions that have been preserved over the years and still reflect the authenticity of Iceland. Grass-roofed houses are a part of Iceland’s persona and legacy that were built to protect the Vikings through the rough and harsh northern climates.
Sólheimajökull Glacier – Rising temperatures mean that Sólheimajökull is melting, receding annually by the length of a swimming pool. Learn about the challenges scientists face and what is being done to protect the glaciers.
Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss Waterfalls

*Guesthouse Hunkubakkar or similar

Breakfast & Day Briefing
Transfer to Skaftafell National Park
Fjallsárlón & Jökulsárlón Ice Fields (Zodiac boat ride on Fjallsárlón included)
Both Fjallsárlón and Jökulsárlón glacier lakes stream down from the massive Vatnajökull ice cap, the second largest mass of ice in Europe. Vatnajökull National Park, which covers no less than 14% of Iceland, was recently added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, and it's the largest of its kind in Europe.
Short Hike to Svartifoss Waterfall - Svartifoss (Black Fall) is a waterfall in Skaftafell National Park in Iceland, and is one of the most popular sights in the park. It is surrounded by dark lava columns, which gave rise to its name.
Optional Hikes in Skaftafell National Park