CELL Maymester Iceland Program
Hiking in Iceland
Cultural Ecology, Natural History, and Sustainability: Lessons from Iceland is a three-week Maymester program sponsored by the Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL). The program focuses on a theme of sustainability through community and takes place in one of the most remote, geologically unique, and environmentally friendly countries in the world. This program offers not only an incredible educational adventure, but, more importantly, an opportunity to join a community of learners committed to making our world more sustainable. During the three-week program, you will receive 6 college credits, while:
- Living in one of the world’s unique eco-villages
- Volunteering in a tree planting/soil conservation program near Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano
- Participating in a four-day hiking expedition exploring spectacular mountains and glaciers
- Learning about the natural history of Iceland, including studying coastal birds while sea kayaking
- Learning about environmental and agricultural issues facing Iceland and about imaginative solutions to global and local problems
- Learning about Iceland’s unique geology, its innovative use of geothermal energy, and how this island nation is leading the world toward a path of sustainability, and
- Developing a leadership action plan to grow what you have learned about sustainability through community once you return home.
Two Courses (6 Credits)
INT (Interdisciplinary Studies) 498 – Sustainability: Secrets of Simplicity, Credit Hours: 3
Mountains and Glaciers
This interdisciplinary course examines the field of sustainability and explores creative ways to build sustainable communities. We look at innovative strategies currently being implemented (both worldwide and in Iceland) to proactively address issues threatening sustainability. The focus of this class is to examine the choices we make and to look at how to incorporate sustainable practices into our lives. Students explore the principles of voluntary simplicity and the relationship of these principles to sustainability. Students live in one of the world’s oldest and unique eco-villages and have opportunities to apply what they are learning in the classroom to real-life service-learning projects in the field.
Course content is presented primarily through faculty/student facilitated instruction, provocative readings, lively discussions, journaling/reflection, service-learning, and field trips.
INT (Interdisciplinary Studies) 425 – Cultural Ecology, Natural History, and Sustainability: Lessons from Iceland, Credit Hours: 3
Mountains and Volcanoes
This course will examine the question: “What is it about Iceland’s cultural ecology, history, and natural history that has helped to shape its current environmental ethic?” This course also introduces students to Iceland’s unique natural areas and geology and provides inspiring examples of how Iceland is utilizing carbon-free geothermal resources for heating and electricity production. The course also surveys the complexities of global warming, explores personal responses to climate change, identifies our participation in this ecological crisis, and explores our individual and collective power to shape an effective response to climate change. Course material is presented through provocative readings, group discussions, journaling, and field trips, including a four-day hiking expedition.
Prerequisites: Introductory courses in science, social science, and writing; or permission from the instructor.
Note: This program is conducted in May in Iceland and will involve hiking in remote areas. Students, therefore, will need to be in good physical condition. Through participation in this program, you are joining a global community of people who are committed to making our world more sustainable. This is a key part of a CELL learning adventurre.
What are the program Costs?
Icelandic Horse near Solheimar
Program Cost is $5,700 which includes your round trip airfare, tuition for 6 college credits, food, lodging, in-country transportation, and all program activity fees and materials. Your round trip air fare from Boston to Iceland is included in the price of the program. You will, however, be responsible for your travel to and from Boston.
When does the program run?
The program runs from May 14 to June 3, 2010. We will fly out of Boston (Logan Airport) on the evening of May 14th and return to Boston on the late afternoon of June 3rd.
Where does the CELL Iceland Maymester program take place?
CELL group on hike
During the beginning and end of the program, you will live as a member of the Solheimar eco-village located an hour East of Reykjavik (see www.solheimar.is). Solheimar is one of the oldest and unique eco-villages in the world, and you will be warmly embraced by this gracious and environmentally committed community. Solheimar is located in East Iceland, a region chock-full of what makes Iceland such a unique place in the world: captivating scenery, impressive glaciers, ubiquitous waterfalls, striking mountains, and a host of cultural and historical sites. We will spend four days with the Gunnarsholt Research Center collecting seeds and planting trees: a service-learning project designed to tackle Iceland’s number one environmental problem – soil erosion. Gunnarsholt is located in South Iceland near Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most active volcano. We will also take part in a four (4) day backpacking expedition, including one day on a glacier learning about glacial geology as well as glacier-traversing skills. We will also spend several days exploring the cultural and natural history of Iceland, including birding and sea kayaking, visiting historic Viking settlement areas and museums, living on an Icelandic farm and helping with “lambing,” etc.
How to Apply
Landmannalaugar
To apply for this program, please click on the Application and Code of Conduct PDF forms below, print them, and mail them to us along with the following:
- Reflections on the two essay questions (on page two of the application)
- A copy of your college transcript(s) – a photocopy is adequate
- A check for $25 made out to CELL
Should you have any questions, please e-mail us at: davoakes@midcoast.com or call us at 207-230-4025. We look forward to receiving your application materials!
