Iceland Field Course - Systems Approaches to Regional Sustainability: ISCI 361/461 (3 credits)

Solving today’s global challenges like climate change and sustainability requires systems thinking, which focuses on relationships and how they shape the behavior of the whole. This 10-day, 3-credit summer course introduces students to systems thinking through the study of Iceland. Students will explore how natural and human systems — including land, water, air, communities, and ecosystems — interact to shape environmental and social outcomes.

Through field-based learning, students will engage directly with the landscape and local communities, gaining firsthand insight into the region’s sustainability challenges. Students will also hear from local experts to understand the historical and current forces shaping the system. This immersive experience will help students apply systems thinking in real-world contexts and build skills to analyze and respond to complex, interconnected problems.

General Global Seminar requirements

To participate in a Global Seminar, students must:

• Be in good-standing in their faculty (as defined by home faculty)
• In the year leading up to the Global Seminar, have full-time student status (as defined by home faculty)
• Have completed 2nd year requirements before the start of the program (i.e. 3rd or 4th year standing)
• Have at least a 70% academic average in your last full-time academic session before applying
• Maintain a 70% academic average leading up to the program
• Meet any program specific requirements listed below including pre-requisites before participating

Program-specific requirements

• Students must have reached third-year standing before the start of the program (i.e. 3rd or 4th year).
• While the course is primarily intended for Faculty of Science students, undergraduates from a variety of majors are welcome to apply. Past participants have come from Integrated Sciences, Environmental Science, Land and Food Systems, Arts, Commerce, and Engineering.
• ISCI 461 is only available to students who have already completed ISCI 361.
• Preference may be given to Integrated Sciences students if applications are competitive.

Final selection will be made by the lead faculty program directors. Space in the program may be limited. 

Students who wish to participate in the summer after graduating may be eligible on a case-by-case basis.

Pre-departure

There will be a required in-person pre-departure meeting in early March. Students must also complete a series of pre-departure Canvas modules before travel.

In-country dates

The in-country portion of the program will run from May 1 to May 9, 2026.

Post-travel

After returning from Iceland, students will have one month to complete and submit their logbooks

Field activities

Students will visit geothermal plants, glaciers, volcanic landscapes, and sustainable energy sites to observe systems in action. Local experts and instructors will lead discussions on Iceland’s environmental, cultural, and sustainability challenges. Students will work in small groups on research projects and present their findings on the last day of the course. Daily debriefs and group discussions will help integrate field experiences with course concepts.

Physical demands

This is an immersive and active field course. Students should be prepared for moderate hiking on uneven terrain, long hours of van travel with frequent stops, and exposure to cold, windy, and wet weather. The itinerary includes a boat trip, which may cause nausea for students prone to motion sickness. Long daylight hours may also affect sleep. Students must bring sturdy hiking boots, warm and waterproof clothing, and any personal items needed to manage jet lag or motion sensitivity.

Housing

Students will stay in shared hostel or guesthouse accommodations. Approximately four hostels are included in the trip, with rooms housing between two and six students. Rooms will be allocated randomly by the instructors

Transportation

The group will travel using three 9-seat vans driven by the instructors. The program also includes a chartered ferry ride to the Westman Islands and back. Students will take the Flybus between the airport and the city at the start and end of the program.

Mobility and infrastructure

Iceland’s limited sidewalk infrastructure and the nature of the field sites may pose challenges for students who use wheelchairs or have limited mobility. Accommodations and transportation options may not be fully accessible.

Water-based activities

The itinerary includes a boat trip, which may cause nausea for students who are prone to motion sickness. The program may not be able to fully accommodate students who are unable to swim or participate in water-based activities.

Physical activity

The course includes moderate physical activity such as walking on uneven terrain, extended time outdoors, and occasional cycling or boat travel. These activities may be demanding for some students.

Shared living

Students will stay in shared hostel or guesthouse accommodations, typically with two to six students per room. Rooms will be allocated randomly by the instructors. Single rooms will not be available. Students are expected to contribute to a respectful and cooperative group dynamic.

Medical considerations

The program may not be able to fully accommodate students with medical conditions that limit participation in moderate physical activity or extended time outdoors. The long daylight hours may also affect sleep patterns and energy levels. Students with accessibility concerns are encouraged to reach out early to discuss potential accommodations and determine whether the program is a good fit.

Dietary and personal needs

Most meals are the responsibility of students. Those with specific dietary requirements should be prepared to manage their needs in this context.

Approximate program fees: $3750-4250*

The final fee depends on the number of students enrolled. All Global Seminars only run if a minimum number of students participate.

Go Global Award

All eligible students in this Global Seminar will automatically receive a $1,000 Go Global Award. No separate application is required.

Global Pathfinder Award

The Global Pathfinder Award supports students who face barriers to participating in study abroad. It provides $2,000 for Summer Abroad, Global Seminar, or Research Abroad programs. Students who have not previously participated in Go Global and who meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged to apply.
Students successful in their Pathfinder application will receive this award instead of the $1000 Go Global Award. The awards do not stack. Learn more about the Global Pathfinder Award

Go Global Sustainability Award

Students who demonstrate a plan for sustainable travel, an interest in climate action, and engagement with UBC’s sustainability initiatives may be eligible for a $1,000 Sustainability Award. This award is offered in addition to the Go Global Award.
Learn more about the Go Global Sustainability Award

All travel and program activities involve risk of harm to participants. Go Global and Seminar program leads take reasonable precautions to reduce risks. However, not all harms can be anticipated or prevented. 

While travelling on UBC programs, students have a responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the group.

Some common issues for travellers include:

• Illness and injuries (e.g. respiratory illnesses, flu, food poisoning, sprained ankles, etc.)
• Fatigue and heat exhaustion
• Violence like robbery, or gender- and race-based harassment or attacks, especially in urban areas
• Traffic accidents
• Lost documents (passports, credit cards, etc.)

Before Applying:

• Get to know the places you will be travelling by using available resources like Global Affairs Canada travel reports.
• Consider your own mental and physical health alongside what you know about the conditions during the program (e.g. how physical is the program? What are the living conditions? What can I do to prepare myself?)

Before departure:  

• Participate in all pre-departure activities offered by Go Global and your program teaching team to learn about the program and ways to prevent and respond to incidents.
• Ensure you have adequate travel medical insurance that will cover you in the location and for the duration of your trip.
• Be aware of how to use your travel medical insurance, if you need it, and where to access medical care or other emergency assistance in the locations where you will be travelling. 

During the program: 

• If you don’t feel safe, say something! Let your program leads know how you feel, or about incidents that occur. Don’t hesitate to contact Go Global during your program.
• Know your own needs: be aware of your own mental and physical health and your limits. Communicate with your program lead and group about making adjustments, as needed. 

Public health: COVID-19 and other diseases

Students and faculty are required to comply with the entry requirements of the host country, regulations of transportation carriers, and any local public health orders. These rules might require vaccinations (e.g. for COVID-19, yellow fever, etc.) to enter the country or to participate in certain program activities. Some places may require masking, testing or isolation in various circumstances. It is your responsibility to research and comply with any requirements.

COVID-19 and other infections can spread easily in a group setting. Most programs involve shared accommodations. Unless required by local public health authorities, isolation for those infected during the program may not be possible. 
 
Review local requirements before applying and before departure. Check the Global Affairs Canada Advisory under Entry Requirements for your Global Seminar destination to learn more. Keep in mind that program conditions can vary and rules can change before or during your trip.