To Iceland and Beyond
Ten Montclair State students, from four different majors, went on a Spring Break Study Aborad trip to Iceland getting immersed in their culture and unique environment
Posted in: Opportunities, Students
Led by Professors Greg Pope and Josh Galster, they visited a marine science laboratory and learned about invasive marine species, visited the small town of Grindavik that has been evacuated because of recent volcanic activity, and toured the vibrant city of Reykjavik. They toured the Reykjanes geoheritage park and saw tectonic plates splitting apart, ancient volcanic craters, geysers erupting, and countless waterfalls. They learned how Icelanders sustainably use geothermal energy to grow fresh produce, generate electricity, heat homes, and supply local swimming pools, where they got to swim outside in the warm waters! Students saw glaciers from a distant and up close, even getting to touch a glacier and hear it melting. The fun continued at night, as the northern lights danced across the sky multiple times, including one spectacular night where the lights reached from one side of the sky to the other and shimmered in front of our eyes.
The land of Ice and Fire is unlike any other. I have never seen such incredible landscapes and natural phenomenon. Dr. P & Dr. G are fantastic guides.
I never truly believed the wonders that have been created by our Earth until I traveled on this study abroad trip. Seeing the spectacular views and natural beauty was the most incredible experience I’ve ever had.
One week in Iceland for a lifetime of Earth History
An unforgettable week, filled with adventure and knowledge that combined fantastic landscapes with great history”
This trip was filled with so many core memories and seeing everything I’ve been learning about throughout college firsthand was an amazing experience that really solidified my love for environmental science.”
Iceland did not disappoint. From the glaciers to the waterfalls, the landscapes and the lava rocks, and the cities and towns, I knew it was the right place to travel to. Seeing all the beautiful landscapes and learning about Iceland made the best spring break imaginable
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Emma Miranda, junior, marine biology- “ Iceland is a land of beauty, nature, and marvels. From freezing glaciers to fiery volcanoes, and majestic waterfalls, this trip is one to cherish and I truly will never forget such a unique experience.
Our guides for this trip are so knowledgeable and friendly. The land of fire and ice is a one of a kind place filled with many mysteries and picturesque sites. People should not go through life without witnessing the breathtaking scenery.
When studying the Earth, the timescales involved can be hard to understand at times since some things happen over thousands or millions of years. In Iceland, time seems sped up, and events happen over months or years. Students saw geysers erupt in seconds, lava flows that were months old, measured cracks between tectonic plates moving apart, and witnessed glaciers melting in front of them. One of my central roles as a science professor is to have students be more curious and appreciative of the world around them, and bringing students to Iceland is a unique opportunity to do that.