You would not expect to find a combination of enormous glaciers, vast lava fields and volcanic craters, impressive geysers and beautiful waterfalls anywhere in Europe, and yet they all exist on one island whose entire population is just above that of Brighton and Hove: Iceland, remote as it may seem, is only three plane-hours away, and has a lot to offer.
More than 200 volcanoes have accounted for a third of the earth's total lava flow over last 500 years. The island sits on the mid-Atlantic ridge that is the boundary between the American and Eurasian tectonic plates and is responsible for its volcanic activity. About 152 eruptions have occurred since the island was first settled by Scandinavian sailors (Vikings) in the 9th century, but the large majority take place in uninhabited areas and do not pose a threat to the population.
Apart from nature at its finest, there is a great range of outdoor activities, including cross-country skiing, river-rafting, and bathing in the famous Blue Lagoon, a large geothermally heated seawater basin with blue-coloured, mineral-rich waters. Whale-watching and experiencing Midnight Sun as well as the spectacular nocturnal display of colours known as the Northern Lights also contribute to the feeling that this is quite a different world.
Iceland is deeply imbedded in its traditions whilst also having a very strong interest in modern technology - an interesting combination. Mythology, preserved in northern European folklore, plays an important part in Icelandic society. Eighty percent of the population firmly believe in the existence of elves, small gods of nature and fertility who are often pictured as tiny women and men of great beauty and youth who live mainly in forests. Roads and building plans may be redesigned to avoid disturbing their supposed habitat. Only children, however, nowadays believe in trolls, those misshapen and stumpy-looking creatures who live in hills and are particularly fond of kidnapping human children.
Both elves and trolls are frequent characters in modern fiction, but are also prominent in the medieval Norse sagas. The old Norse language that was brought over by the Scandinavian settlers has not changed very much since, and people who speak modern Icelandic can easily read the original text of the 13th century sagas. They are accounts of ancient history, the Viking voyages, the settlement of Iceland and family feuds. The often fantastic and romantic tales celebrate the achievements of the country's heroes and glorify the virtues of courage and honour.
The University of Iceland offers several interesting courses on Icelandic history, society and the sagas that are offered in English and are open to exchange students. Sussex students can study abroad taking courses taught in English (mainly Anthropology, Literature and History) so do not need to speak Icelandic in order to take part in this exchange. The University of Iceland is a modern institution based at Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital. Its name means "smoky bay," after the steam rising from hot springs when it was founded by the Vikings. The city is set against a backdrop of majestic mountains and has a vibrant cultural life that has a lot on offer for its 9000 students.
If you are interested in studying abroad at the University of Iceland, please come to the International and Study Abroad Office in Mantell Building for more information and to pick up an application form.