University of Wisconsin–Madison
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SIT Climate Change and the Arctic

The Northern Lights reflecting off a body of water.
Fifteen students wearing warm clothes climb up a mountain covered in patchy snow.
The sun reflecting over a lake surrounded by snowy mountains.
Fifteen students in a line climbing up a narrow section of snowy, rocky mountain.

Talk to a representative for this program at the Study Abroad Fair.

Iceland, Isafjordur

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term, and in the past, we have received more qualified applicants than available spots. Review and admission of applicants occurs on a rolling basis, and you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. You may only have one open application per term, but should have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Offered through SIT Study Abroad, the Iceland: Climate Change and the Arctic semester program is an approved UW affiliate program. On this carbon-neutral program, you will study climate models, carbon management, and the impact of climate change on Arctic ecosystems and societies and learn about practical adaptations to climate change amidst Iceland’s unique landscapes. On excursions to Iceland’s remote Westfjords region and throughout Iceland, you’ll see the impact of global warming on glaciers and ice sheets. Observe ground zero of climate change amidst stunning landscapes while learning about renewable technologies that can help slow the damage. You'll also complete a research project in arctic climate protection.

You will be working closely with both IAP and SIT on this program. You can access the program's main information page through the SIT website to learn more about the academics, housing, excursions and activities, and location.

Learning Objectives

We have overall Goals and Expectations for Study Abroad Participants, covering the personal, academic and professional aspects of study abroad. Additionally on this program, you can:

  • Gain comprehensive knowledge of Arctic climate, landforms, ecosystems, and how humans interact with the landscape.
  • Analyze the influence of climate change on animal, plant, and human communities.
  • Learn to understand climate trends and create climate models.
  • Gain firsthand exposure to renewable energy systems by having 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.
  • Complete fieldwork that introduces you to scientific methods, data collection, and the ethics of conducting climate research in Iceland.
  • Debate over the consequences of climate change issues holistically and assess the impacts of causes and solutions from an interdisciplinary perspective.
  • Conduct an original research project with support from program faculty and partners in Iceland with particular emphasis placed on real-world relevance, interdisciplinary perspectives on climate change, and connecting with current research in Iceland. 

Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to providing quality study abroad and domestic study away programs for every UW-Madison student. We work strategically to identify, address, and remove barriers that may prevent participation and to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students. Our staff actively engages with students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds and prioritizes the continuous development of our knowledge and cultural competence. We also recognize the importance of increasing access to study abroad for historically underrepresented student populations. We are committed to diversity and inclusion so that every student can engage with and understand their identity through a new lens and continue to develop and make progress on their personal, professional, and academic goals.

Sustainability

We recognize that the future of study abroad, domestic study away, and international internship programming requires a Commitment to Sustainability. We are devoted to examining, developing, and improving sustainability in all our endeavors, aligning with campus priorities and following through with UW-Madison's climate action and Resilience Commitment. Join our efforts and learn more about how to study abroad sustainably.

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Eligibility

  • Pre-requisites: previous college-level coursework or other preparation in engineering, earth sciences, sustainability, environmental policy, sociology, biology, geology, geography, chemistry, archaeology, and/or environmental science/studies.
  • 2.5 cumulative GPA
  • Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • At the time of participation, students must have completed two semesters at a US college or university.
  • Open to UW-Madison degree-seeking students only
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing
  • At the time of application and the semester prior to participation, UW-Madison students must be currently enrolled. Transfer Students to UW-Madison need to be currently enrolled at their home institution

Advising Location

Program Structure

Provider

Subjects

Environmental Studies, Environmental Sciences, Climate Change, Arctic Ecology, Renewable Energy, Policy

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Guesthouse, Local Hosts, Hostels, Hotels

Program Duration

Fall: Mid-August - Late November
Spring: Mid-February - Late May

Application Deadline(s)

Fall 2026-27 2/20/2026 Cost Details
Spring 2026-27 8/28/2026 Cost Details
Fall 2027-28 2/19/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

You will earn 16 credits for successful completion of program coursework. All program participants take the same set of courses and are enrolled in these courses by SIT. For specific details on the courses and academic structure of the program, visit the SIT website for the program (linked below). Below you will also find the course equivalents listing for the program.

UW Madison students are not able to receive credit for any internship option on this SIT program. All UW students will need to select the independent study project when given a choice between the project and an internship.

Want to see what research students have conducted on this program? Visit the program's digital archive: https://digitalcollections.sit.edu/icc/

Affiliate Institution(s)

SIT Study Abroad

Program Web Pages

SIT Iceland: Climate Change and the Arctic Program

Course Equivalents

Use the links below to see a list of courses that past students have taken on this program and the UW equivalents. Note: This list only includes pre-approved courses for your program and may not be an exhaustive list of courses, departments or equivalents. Courses may not be available the semester you are abroad. You will receive instructions on the course equivalent process after acceptance. View Course Equivalents