Iceland: Fire, Ice, and Legends

Eleven Castleton students along with several professors from the Natural Sciences Department kicked off their summer surrounded by the natural beauty of Iceland, traveling on an eight-day abroad experimental learning excursion.

View More Photos

Embarking the Sunday after graduation, the “Iceland: Fire, Ice and Legends” class spent an entire week traveling the country as they hiked over glaciers, climbed recently active volcanoes, and explored the geological makeup of the area.

“I’ve never looked at rocks the same as I do now,” said junior Colleen Kunz.  “It’s so interesting to know that every rock is uniquely different.”

Co-taught by Professor Helen Mango of the Natural Sciences Department and Library Director Sandy Duling, the spring semester course highlighted the literary traditions of Iceland and fascinating geology the country has become known for.

“Iceland is truly like a candy story for geologists,” said Mango, “But just as important as the geology was the opportunity to spend time in another culture, with its different attitudes, food, currency, and language.”

While in Iceland the group visited some of the country's most admired natural attractions, including Vatnajokull National Park, Thingvellir, and the geothermal field, Hverir.  Their travels took them through hot springs, glaciers, and volcanic beaches, and landed the group an up close and personal puffin interaction at a local museum.

In addition to the field-based geology experience students gained while on the trip, they also spent time studying Icelandic literature and sagas, and examining the development of society within the country.

“I got a lot out of this trip and gained more excitement to travel and experience different cultures,” said Natural Science major Allison Dwinell.  “I would definitely return to Iceland.”