Spend a Fall or Spring Semester in Reykjavík, Iceland

  • Spend a semester abroad in Reykjavík, the largest city in Iceland, with easy access to the amazing natural wonders of the country.
  • Enjoy life outside of class with a variety of cultural activities and outdoor excursions and adventures.
  • Experience Icelandic culture through daily life in and around Reykjavík and the rest of the country.
  • Engage in courses in the humanities, business, and environmental sciences, taught in English.
A town with colorful buildings is set before a snowy mountain range under a cloudy sky
Two students remove a fishing net from the ocean off a rocky coastline
A scenic view of a large building with a pond in the foreground and greenery around, set against a cloudy sky
Several students stand in front of a steel sculpture of a viking ship on Reykjavik's waterfront
A group of U N E students taking a photo together in a rocky and mossy gorge

Discover Reykjavík, Iceland

Located in the North-Atlantic ocean, the stunning island nation of Iceland has a rich and unique Nordic culture, with rugged landscapes, and a strong sense of tradition. While it is the country’s largest city, Reykjavík is easy to get around by bus, foot, or bike, and its diverse museums, interesting architecture, and abundance of music and art will keep you busy. When venturing just a bit outside the city, you’ll encounter glaciers, volcanos, waterfalls, and hot springs, as well as abundant sea and bird life.

Being a part of the UNE Iceland program in Reykjavík will enable you to deeply engage with the Icelandic culture through courses and activities at the university, and daily life in this small but energetic city.

A U N E student in a wetsuit and goggles snorkels in clear, shallow water
A person in a yellow winter jacket sits in front of an erupting volcano

Living in Iceland

Housing

Housing is based on availability each semester.  You may need to find your own accommodations using resources recommended by the University of Iceland.

Orientation

You will begin your study abroad experience before even leaving home by participating in information sessions and a Pre-Departure Orientation with the Global Education Program staff. The orientation allows you to connect with others in the program, reflect on what you want to get out of the program, and learn what others in the group would like to accomplish.

Academics

The UNE Iceland program in Reykjavík offers a curriculum that meets the needs of a range of undergraduate majors. Courses in the humanities, business, and environmental sciences are taught in English, with the option of taking a course to learn Icelandic. At the University of Iceland you will be in courses, and can join activities, with local students, as well as other exchange students from many different countries, bringing many cultures together.

As you will be taking courses at another university, courses will be accepted back to UNE as transfer credits, and not impact your UNE GPA. You should make sure to talk to your Academic or Faculty Advisor about how study abroad will fit into your degree plan. Please note that you should plan to participate in this program during your junior year in order to be eligible for many of the courses offered to exchange students at the University of Iceland.

An icelandic church tower in front of an ocean and mountain backdrop
A goup of U N E students swimming in the Blue Lagoon geothermal spring

Program Details

What's Included

  • Tuition
  • Support from on-site staff at the University of Iceland
  • On-campus extracurricular activities and workshops
  • Cultural activities
  • Pre-departure and on-site orientation program
  • Travel medical insurance

Semester Dates

Students spend approximately 15–18 weeks in Reykjavík. Fall semester students arrive in Iceland in late August and return home in mid-December. Spring semester students arrive in Iceland at the beginning of January and return home in mid-May.

Prerequisites

Students are required to have a 2.5 minimum GPA and have junior status at the time of the semester abroad. No Icelandic language experience is necessary, and all majors are welcome. Students should bring their own laptops.

Costs

Students keep all UNE scholarships and financial aid and are billed the same tuition as for a traditional on-campus semester. Students are responsible for arranging and paying for their own housing.

Scholarships

Students participating in a UNE semester abroad program will be automatically awarded a $500 Global Education Scholarship. Students may also apply for the Downs Family Travel Scholarship. This scholarship was established by Mrs. Eva M. Downs, whose late husband, Jacques M. Downs, was a much-loved history professor at UNE. The Downs family are champions of global education and UNE’s campus in Morocco. The scholarship was established to provide support for students who might not otherwise be able or inclined to participate in a semester abroad at the UNE Tangier Campus or other UNE semester-abroad programs. 

  • Deadline for Fall semester abroad programs: April 1
  • Deadline for Spring semester abroad programs: November 1

Other outside scholarships may be available; visit the scholarship opportunities listing or contact the Global Education team for more details.

Northern Lights Hiking in Iceland

Apply

Ready to apply for a semester in Reykjavík, Iceland? Fill out our easy online application or visit us at the Global Education desk on the 2nd floor of the Commons or Decary Hall 126.

Application Deadlines

Spring 2025

August 1, 2024

Fall 2025

March 1, 2025

Spring 2026

August 1, 2025