Starting in Mid-May, the sun in Iceland only sets for three hours of twilight a day – a phenomenon known as the “Midnight Sun.” This abundance of daylight is but one backdrop to our experience of a land forged by fire and ice. The Mid-Atlantic Ridge, the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, runs through the center of the island nation, one of the only places on Earth where such a boundary rises above the ocean. The movement of these plates not only formed Iceland, but also continues to make it one of the most geologically active places on the planet (with over 30 volcanic mountains!). Significantly, Iceland has harnessed these forces to generate all of its power from renewable geothermal and hydroelectric energy. What’s more, Iceland, a tumultuous land with a population of only 350,000 is known around the world for its remarkable creative output in art and music.

As we look to an uncertain future, many of the dynamic forces at play in Iceland offer valuable insights into coexisting with nature, creative problem solving, and living with a deep artistic engagement. As visitors, as artists and designers, how can we channel, observe, and participate in this rhythm of change, destruction, and regeneration? How does it shape what we make, the conversations we have, and the relationships we form?

Let’s find out together. We ground our experiential approach in observational science as both model and metaphor for collaborative research and field work. In this three-week interdisciplinary course, students encounter the people, nature, culture, and history of Iceland.

Students wishing to register for this course need to first obtain instructor approval by emailing the instructor (instructor emails are listed with a more detailed program description in portal: cca.edu/abroad). Once a student is approved, registration must be done online during a special registration appointment for study abroad students.

Visit Workday to view this information.