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UW Field Study in Iceland

An erupting volcano surrounded by snowy peaks.
The rising sun is just visible over snowy mountains. In the foreground, there are five icebergs floating in the water.
A tall waterfall crashes over large rocks below, flowing into a river. The waterfall is surrounded by lush, green cliffs.
A lone, shadowy figure stands in a field of ice clumps as the sun rises.
A town with colorful roofs surrounded by mountains is bathed in sunlight. A tall spire of a cathedral stands out in the middle of the town.

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

Iceland, Reykjavik

Limited Capacity Program: This program can accept a limited number of students each term. In the past we have received more qualified applications than available spotsReview of applicants is based on these criteria. You may only have one application per term, however, please have an alternate program in mind in the event that you are not accepted to this program.

Join your UW-Madison Program Leader and cohort of fellow UW-Madison students for this exciting summer program in Iceland. You will spend the majority of the program outdoors in the elements, on varied terrain, exploring Southwestern Iceland's natural beauty while learning about tundra ecology, climate change, genetic testing, geothermal energy, and how research projects are designed and carried out.

This course takes place for two weeks online, followed by two weeks in Iceland.

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:

  • Demonstrate a knowledge of basic ecology, ranging from communities to ecosystems
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the flora, fauna, and ecology of Arctic tundra (including Iceland) and surrounding waters and identify animals and plants of the region
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the factors leading to climate change and examine the impacts it has had on fisheries, agriculture, and economic stability
  • Explain how genetic information is stored, retrieved, and passed from generation to generation
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the basics of DNA testing and assess the impacts of genetic testing on human populations and human medical care
  • Demonstrate knowledge of basic geologic forms found in volcanic islands and identify features in real time
  • Demonstrate knowledge of geothermal energy and it power
  • Demonstrate the ability to design and carry out a simple biological research project and to analyze and report the findings
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the history, politics, economy, and religions of Iceland and how they relate to the natural world
  • Embrace the wonder and awe of the natural world
  • Demonstrate knowledge of responsible tourism and what it means to be a global citizen

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

  • 2.0 cumulative GPA
  • Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior
  • Open to UW-Madison degree seeking students and all degree-seeking undergraduate students at a US college or university. Preference is given to UW-Madison students
  • 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

UW Signature

Subjects

Biology, Ecology, Environmental Studies, Genetics, Geology, Zoology

Classroom Language

English

Housing

Hostels, Field Research Station

Program Duration

Summer: Late May - Mid-June

2026 Tentative Dates: 
Online: May 18-29
Onsite: June 1-14

Application Deadline(s)

Summer 2026 2/6/2026 Cost Details
Summer 2027 2/5/2027 Cost Details

Future durations will be posted at a later date.

APPLY NOW

 

Academic topics include: Flora and Fauna of Iceland, Ecology of the Arctic Tundra, Ecology of Icelandic Lakes, Climate Change and Iceland Fisheries, Geothermal Energy, Geology of Iceland and Volcanic Islands, DNA Technology, Bioethics, History, Politics, Economy, and Religion of Iceland.

The course is composed of online lectures, in-class discussions, interactions with Icelandic natural areas, local residents, and cultural excursions. Online lectures will take place prior to departure (these are mostly asynchronous). Some assignments will be done prior to departure, and students will have one class meeting after return.

You will earn 4 UW-Madison credits for your choice of Environmental Studies 203 or Zoology 200 for successful completion of the 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

Program Leader

Dr. Sharon Thoma

Teaching Faculty, Integrative Biology

https://integrativebiology.wisc.edu/staff/thoma-sharon/