Why I absolutely loved studying abroad in Iceland

I studied abroad in Iceland through the GREEN Program and never wanted to leave. Here’s every reason Iceland is earth’s hidden gem.

It’s the greenest country in the world

This democratic island in the middle of the Northern Atlantic Ocean is incredibly sustainable. As over 85% of their energy used comes from renewable sources such as geothermal or hydro power plants, so it’s a very clean place. Every home is supplied with renewable electricity and hot water. Geothermal energy from the geysers even heats many outdoor pools, hot tubs, and natural hot springs.

It’s basically a mythical land

Iceland looks like a mythical place out of a fairy tale. It’s a barren volcanic land, while also being a land of extremes. From volcanoes to glaciers, waterfalls and tectonic plates, its striking landscape is amazing. Take a ride and observe mountains, rolling hills, and farm land with sheep, goats, and horses. Did you know that the Icelandic horse is the only type of horse in Iceland? There’s even myths where many Icelanders believe in elves, and think volcanic rocks were once trolls.

It’s the land of adventure

Make the most of Iceland and explore the great outdoors while here. Go on a hike in the famous mountain ridge of Thorsmork, visit Pingviller National Park (did you know that a scene of Game of Thrones was filmed here!), or just experience Iceland’s black volcanic sand beaches.

You can snorkel between tectonic plates

Yes you did read that right, and yes you can be between two continents…while in a dry suit! At Silfra in Thingvellir National Park, you can experience the clearest, cleanest, and coldest water on earth, while snorkeling between the North American and Eurasian Plates. At 37 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celcius, your face will be numb, but you’ll be seeing over 100 meters below the surface. It is like being in another world no joke. This glacier water is even drinkable, and the drysuits are so insulating that you float around like a manatee. Snorkeling between the plates is probably one of the best experiences I’ve ever had.

It doesn’t get dark in the summer

Experience the midnight sun, where even after the sun sets around 8:30pm between June and August, it’s never fully daylight. My mind was blown one ‘night’ when my friends and I were outside in the broad daylight and up until 2 a.m.

It’s the most peaceful country in the world

There’s a very low crime rate here where cops don’t carry even guns. The 330,000 Icelanders are all treated equally without any type of ‘class system’. Gender equality is also number one here, as Iceland is a great place for women.

You can hike on glaciers

Enough said. Who wouldn’t want to get this amazing Arctic experience? With crampons on your shoes for extra gripping, you can climb up Europe’s largest glacier in either Skaftafell, Reykjavik, or Sohleimajokull.

The Northern Lights

Also known as Aurora Borealis, this natural celestial display occurs from September to April (in darkness) when the magnetosphere gets disturbed by solar winds. As Iceland is scarcely populated with great air quality, there are so many unpolluted places, including Reykjavik. The top places to view the lights are Hotel Ranga in Southern Iceland, Hotel Gulfoss, and Hotel Glymur. Or if you want to be really ‘cool’, you can view them outside in a hot tub, like many Icelanders enjoy doing.