INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE

Study in Iceland - Geological Science

Program Information | Location Information | Courses Available | Eligibility | Costs | Deadlines & Dates | Orientation | Housing | What's Next? | Photos | Helpful Links

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Program Information
This course will afford students an unparalleled opportunity to see firsthand the effects of active volcanism, glaciation, and their interaction. In addition, it will provide an opportunity to visit some of the Icelandic landscape, and experience modern Icelandic society. 

The program will be led by Dr. Howard Mooers, Professor and Department Head of Geological Sciences.

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Location Information

Iceland is one of the most geodynamical active places on the face of the earth. Astride the actively spreading mid-Atlantic Ridge, Iceland is home to a substantial proportion of historically recorded volcanism. Iceland's high latitude means that glacation and periglacial processes have been, and continue to be, dynamic forces shaping the surface of the land. THe interaction of volcanism and glacation has produced the landforms not seen anywhere else on the globe.

Iceland is as unique culturally as it is geologically. The settlement of Iceland by Norse colonists in the 9th century is well documented. SEttlement was conducted by individual families rather than under the aegis of a mother country. Governmental, legal and cultural institutions developed in the context of constraints imposed by the earth resource base, resulting in evolution of one of the few truly New Societies.

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Courses Available
Students will complete FST 3236, Icelandic Geology and the New Society, a 3 credit course. Credits taken on this study abroad program do not count in tuition banding.

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Eligibility
Participants MUST have a passport, valid for at least 6 months after their return to the U.S. Students must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.4. Preferred prerequisites: Geol 1110, 1120, 1130, 1610, or Geography (Geog 1414), and one additional course in Geology; and a cumulative GPA of 1.4; or instructor permission.

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Costs
The program package is $2,999. A non-refundable application fee of $100 is due with the application and a deposit of $500 is due two weeks after final acceptance. The remainder of the program fee will be billed through Student Accounts Receivable.

It is recommended that all participants bring additional money for personal and miscellaneous expenses.

Fluctuating currency exchange rates may increase or decrease the cost of your international experience. Financial aid may be applied toward the cost of the program if you are enrolled as a full-time student. There are several study abroad scholarships for University of Minnesota students.

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Deadlines & Dates
The registration deadline is Friday, March 6, 2009. Early registration is strongly encouraged, as space is limited and the class will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

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Orientation
There will be at least two mandatory orientation meetings before departure. Pre-departure orientations will include information about financial aid information, international insurance, classwork, travel tips and a general study abroad handbook.

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Housing
Housing is arranged by the program.

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What's Next?
Before applying, it is a good idea to follow the steps under steps to studying abroad. The IEO web site also provides information on financing, health & safety and other important information to consider when choosing to study abroad. When ready to apply, the UMD study abroad application may be downloaded from the IEO web site Please complete the application with required accompanying materials and return it to IEO.

Contact Dr. Howard Mooers or program questions. For application/registration and location questions, contact Leigh Neys at (218) 726-7053 or email: lneys@d.umn.edu

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Photos
[UNDER DEVELOPMENT]

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Helpful Links for Iceland

• Iceland Official Tourism Website
• Lonely Planet Online Guide to Iceland

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