Iceland -- Land of Fire and Ice

                     Iceland is closer than you might think and far different than you ever imagined. Where else can you witness such marvels of Mother Nature as a tremendous icecap, several glaciers, spouting geysers, and steaming solfataras (volcanic vents that spew out hot vapors and sulfurous gasses), volcanoes (hopefully dormant), raging rivers and magnificent waterfalls, a multitude of birds, cavorting whales just offshore, and many other surprises.

                Summers are surprisingly warm and winters not as cold as you might expect.  Icelanders are a warm, welcoming people who wish to share their culture with visitors from all over the world.

                The people of Iceland are mostly descendants of Norsemen and Celts who arrived here during the Viking explorations.  Foreign nationals make up only 6% of the population.  The country is overwhelmingly Christian, with 87% of those with religions affiliation claiming to be Evangelical Lutherans.  Other protestants and Catholics account for the rest of the religions. 

What languages are spoken in Iceland?

                The official language is Icelandic, a Nordic language, but many people speak English as well as other Nordic languages.  German is also widely spoken throughout the country.

What is the educational system like?

                Education is a high priority in Iceland, and they have had universal literacy since the end of the 18th century.  There have been recent school reforms in Iceland, creating an efficient and flexible educational system that focuses on the needs of individual students while instilling academic discipline, good working skills, healthy competition and enhanced student responsibility for their studies. 

                Public education is free to all citizens, but private schools are beginning to take their place alongside the excellent public institutions.  The government has encouraged the establishment of private schools to foster competition within the educational system.

                The school year runs from September to May and classes are taught in both Icelandic and English.  The “compulsory school” covers the first ten years, from ages 6 to 16.  Following that, there are two types of secondary schools, Grammar School and Technical Vocational School.  Both of these cover four years  and lead to specific diplomas.

                iE-USA students are placed in an appropriate secondary school for one year, while living with a carefully selected and match host family.   Our Icelandic partner will provide the outside community coordinator supervision throughout the stay.