Spring Break 2027 in Iceland

Study Abroad in Iceland

Page under construction. Program subject to final approval. 

Program Details

Iceland, often called the land of fire and ice, offers one of the most dramatic and inspiring landscapes on Earth. This hybrid study abroad program invites students to explore how Icelanders have adapted, innovated, and thrived in a place shaped by glaciers, volcanoes, geothermal energy, and rugged coastlines. Blending on‑campus coursework during the Spring 2027 semester with a 10‑day immersive Spring Break journey, the program provides a rich academic and cultural experience.

Students will stay in double‑occupancy hotel rooms in the heart of Reykjavík, Iceland’s vibrant capital. From this central location, participants will venture out to discover the country’s history, culture, and natural wonders. Program excursions include visits to local museums that highlight Iceland’s people, landscapes, and abundant natural resources. Students will tour the iconic Golden Circle, witnessing geysers, waterfalls, and tectonic rifts that reveal the island’s geological story. A visit to an agricultural college will offer insight into how Icelanders cultivate food in a challenging environment, blending tradition with cutting‑edge sustainability practices. Evenings may bring one of Iceland’s most unforgettable sights: the northern lights. Weather permitting, students will have the chance to experience this breathtaking natural phenomenon firsthand.

Coursework on campus will frame and deepen the travel experience. Before departure, students will explore Iceland’s geography, culture, and environmental challenges, preparing them to engage thoughtfully with what they encounter abroad. After returning, students will reflect on their experiences, connecting academic concepts with real‑world observations. Each student will enroll in either GEOG 1125: Resources, Society, and the Environment in Iceland or ANTH 4490: Living with Fire and Ice: Anthropology of Iceland.

This program is designed for students eager to understand how communities adapt to extreme environments and how culture and landscape shape one another. With its combination of academic rigor and unforgettable travel, the Iceland study abroad program offers a transformative educational adventure. 

Contact Dr. Smith or Dr. McDaniel in the Department of Geography and Anthropology for additional information.

Courses

Each student will enroll in one of the following courses during the Spring 2027 semester. Courses will meet face-to-face on the Kennesaw Campus during the Spring 2027 semester and students will travel to Iceland with Dr. Smith and Dr. McDaniel during Spring Break (February 26 to March 7, 2027).

• ANTH 4490: Living with Fire and Ice: Anthropology of Iceland

  Instruction: Dr. Susan Kirkpatrick Smith

  Description: Iceland is defined by its rugged geography and weather that people have had to adapt to over the centuries. This course will investigate how the people of Iceland, in the past and the present, have lived in the often harsh, but always beautiful location. We will use the tools of anthropology in our study. 3 credit hours.

• GEOG 1125: Resources, Society, and the Environment in Iceland

  Instructor: Dr. Paul N. McDaniel

  GEOG 1125 Iceland Study Abroad Course Description: Explore our dynamic world in exciting Iceland! In this course, the dramatic landscapes of Iceland become our living laboratory. We’ll explore the delicate balance between human activity and the physical environment, focusing on how a region famous for its landscapes of fire and ice manages its most precious resources. From a sustainability perspective, we’ll examine food production, energy policy, and the ethics of sustainability through an Arctic and Sub-Arctic lens, analyzing how Iceland navigates 21st-century environmental challenges and opportunities while preserving its unique natural and cultural heritage. 3 credit hours. 

  GEOG 1125 Official Catalog Description: Interactions between physical systems and human activities, and their effects on environmental quality and sustainability are emphasized. Topics include: geography of population and resource consumption, food production, water and air quality, energy policy, and land/biotic resource management. Contrasting social, ethical, and technological perspectives on environmental concerns are explored. 3 credit hours. No prerequisites. Note: GEOG 1125 is a general education Core IMPACTS course that is part of the Technology, Mathematics, and Science area found throughout the University System of Georgia.

Why Should I Participate in an Education Abroad Program?

• Enhance your global awareness
• Enhance your academic learning
• Develop your leadership skills
• Advance your career
• Experience personal growth
• Learn another language
• Immerse yourself in a new culture
• Learn through experience while earning credit hours
• Explore the actual geographic landscapes you're learning about in class
• Experience first-hand masterpieces of art, architecture, and great historic venues
• Build your resume
• Make new friends
• The opportunity to study abroad is a life-changing experience! Check out these testimonials from KSU students who have participated in previous education abroad programs!
• For even more reasons, see Why Should I Participate in an Education Abroad Program from the KSU Education Abroad Office
• There are a number of scholarship opportunities available to support KSU students and their education abroad experiences. Traditional financial aid opportunities are also available.

Where is Iceland?

Check out this Google Map (be sure to view the accompanying photos and also zoom in on the map) and Google Earth link!

More Information about Iceland

Iceland Guide from RickSteves.com

Videos about Iceland

Learn more about this exciting destination! The following video, produced in 2024, provides an overview of Iceland, from Rick Steves' Europe. 

Additional videos showcasing Iceland's dramatic landscapes: