Introduction

 

The Dartmouth Sustainability Office and the Institute of Arctic Studies are partnering to offer an immersive trip to explore sustainability transitions in Iceland. Iceland’s unique intersection of geographic location, resource availability, and cultural development make it a rich learning environment to explore the ways in which a small country undergoes sustainability transitions. How is Iceland playing a role in facilitating sustainable transitions globally? How have Icelanders been thinking about protecting and adapting foodways, economy, and culture as the climate changes? In this trip, we will explore the complex ways in which natural resources shape and create a culture. 

 

Iceland is also adapting rapidly to a changing economy as tourism is becoming one of the main pillars of the country’s economy. On this trip, we will not only be tourists ourselves, but we will learn about the ways communities are working to accommodate the changes in tourism and planning for the sustainability implications that come with expanding tourism.  

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Trip Overview

 

Students will travel to Iceland for this trip, and will engage with different energy systems, Icelandic partners, the landscape, and educational institutes. The immersive nature of the trip will include hiking, travel on boats, and hours of travel along winding Icelandic roads. Aspects of the trip will center around policy, science, community engagement, and stewardship. We will meet with scientists, tourism industry professionals, policymakers, sustainability enterprises, and commercial industry experts. Watch the video from this year's pilot program! 

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Eligibility

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• Must be on campus for the 25S term to participate in preparatory education sessions. 

• Must have previous participation in either Arctic Innovation Scholars Program or a Sustainability Office Program (Sustainability Action Program, internships, SLC, etc.)

• Students applying should be aware that the dates of travel do fall during senior week and graduation at Dartmouth. 

 

Cost 

 

An estimated $250 covers all travel expenses, programming, housing, and food for the entire duration of the trip. Need-based financial aid is available up to 100%. We work to grant aid in partnership with the Financial Aid Office after acceptance on the trip.

 

Participants should be 

 

• Curious and self-motivated learners

• Have a demonstrated passion for sustainability or Arctic studies

• Sense of adventure

• Ability to cooperate with others

• Comfortable sharing thoughts and discussing with others

• Ability to adapt to new and sometimes challenging situations that may put you outside of your comfort zone. 

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*Applications are due by December 8th, 2024 at 11:59pm*