Iceland 2026 — Faculty Development in Geography
Faculty Development in Geography: Climate, Tectonics, and Glaciers in Iceland
May 16 to May 23, 2026
Faculty Development in Geography: Climate, Tectonics, and Glaciers in Iceland
May 16 to May 23, 2026
Trip# 1078-2026-Iceland
The Faculty Development Seminar in Iceland: Climate, Tectonics, and Glaciers offers geography faculty a unique opportunity to engage in immersive, field-based learning in one of the world’s most dynamic natural laboratories. From the tectonic rift valleys of Þingvellir to the glaciers of Vatnajökull National Park, participants will explore Iceland’s unparalleled landscapes while attending seminars with leading geographers, climate scientists, and environmental policy experts. Through fieldwork, GIS applications, and discussions on sustainability, the program integrates academic enrichment with hands-on research experiences. Faculty will not only deepen their expertise in physical geography and environmental science but also develop international collaborations and bring back applied learning models to enrich teaching and research at their home institutions.
Theme: Climate, Tectonics, and Glaciers
Topics: Fieldwork • GIS • Sustainability • Landforms
Dates:May 16 to 23, 2026
Locations: Reykjavík, Þingvellir, South Coast, Vatnajökull National Park
Program Highlights
● Immersive Field-Based Learning
Explore Iceland’s dramatic landscapes—volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal fields—while engaging with leading Icelandic geographers and climate scientists.
● Hands-On GIS & Data Collection
Participate in field mapping, remote sensing exercises, and sustainability assessments using modern geospatial technology.
● Sustainability in Practice
Learn how Iceland integrates renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable tourism into its geographic and environmental planning.
● Diverse Site Visits
Experience tectonic rift zones, glacier fields, volcanic craters, and black sand beaches to study geomorphological processes firsthand.
● Interdisciplinary Approach
Connect physical geography with climate science, geology, and environmental policy.
Benefits for Your University
● Curriculum Enrichment
Provide faculty and students with case studies and data sets from unique volcanic and glacial environments.
● Field Research Experience
Enhance research capabilities by integrating fieldwork methods and GIS tools into academic programs.
● International Collaboration
Build connections with Icelandic universities, research institutes, and environmental agencies for future joint projects.
● Applied Learning Models
Bring home field-tested methodologies for teaching geography, environmental science, and sustainability.
● Institutional Profile
Showcase your university’s commitment to global field studies and climate-related research.
Topics: Fieldwork • GIS • Sustainability • Landforms
Dates:May 16 to 23, 2026
Explore Iceland’s dramatic landscapes—volcanoes, glaciers, geothermal fields—while engaging with leading Icelandic geographers and climate scientists.
Participate in field mapping, remote sensing exercises, and sustainability assessments using modern geospatial technology.
Learn how Iceland integrates renewable energy, conservation, and sustainable tourism into its geographic and environmental planning.
Experience tectonic rift zones, glacier fields, volcanic craters, and black sand beaches to study geomorphological processes firsthand.
Connect physical geography with climate science, geology, and environmental policy.
Provide faculty and students with case studies and data sets from unique volcanic and glacial environments.
Enhance research capabilities by integrating fieldwork methods and GIS tools into academic programs.
Build connections with Icelandic universities, research institutes, and environmental agencies for future joint projects.
Bring home field-tested methodologies for teaching geography, environmental science, and sustainability.
Showcase your university’s commitment to global field studies and climate-related research.
Day 1 — Saturday, May 16: Departure from the U.S.
- Evening departure from JFK Airport (overnight flight to Reykjavík).
Day 2 — Sunday, May 17: Arrival in Reykjavík
- Arrival at Keflavík International Airport, Reykjavík.
- Hotel check-in and rest.
- Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 3 — Monday, May 18: Reykjavík and Þingvellir National Park — Tectonics and Geology
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Morning seminar: “Tectonic Processes at the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.”
- Field excursion to Þingvellir National Park: plate boundaries and rift valleys.
- Afternoon GIS mapping exercise in the field.
- Evening: Welcome Dinner.
- Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 4 — Tuesday, May 19: South Coast — Landforms and Coastal Processes
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visits: waterfalls, basalt columns, black sand beaches.
- Study: coastal erosion, sediment transport, volcanic landforms.
- Group discussion: sustainable tourism and coastal management.
- Overnight along the South Coast.
Day 5 — Wednesday, May 20: Vatnajökull National Park — Glaciers and Climate Change
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Fieldwork on glacier dynamics, ice core demonstrations, and meltwater systems.
- Workshop: “Monitoring Glacial Retreat Using Remote Sensing.”
- Overnight near Vatnajökull National Park.
Day 6 — Thursday, May 21: Geothermal and Volcanic Landscapes
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Visit geothermal fields and volcanic craters.
- Discussion: “Geothermal Energy and Sustainable Resource Use in Iceland.”
- GIS data collection in active geothermal zones.
- Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 7 — Friday, May 22: Synthesis and Closing Reflections (Reykjavík)
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Workshop: “Integrating Field Data into GIS and Classroom Applications.”
- Comparative discussion: Icelandic vs. U.S. environmental management.
- Closing reflections and networking wrap-up.
- Evening: Farewell Dinner.
- Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 8 — Saturday, May 23: Departure from Reykjavík
- Final breakfast at the hotel and check-out.
- Departure from Keflavík International Airport → JFK.
Program Cost Covers:
● Round trip Flight from JFK to Reykjavík (flights from other states can be arranged for an additional fee).
● Hotels in twin-shared rooms.
● Breakfast daily at the hotel.
● Welcome Dinner and Farewell Dinner
● The workshops cost at the university
● Organizational visits and educational tours.
● Seminars and venue rentals.
● Unless otherwise stated, transportation to and from scheduled program activities is included.
● ARAMFO will arrange for one group transportation to and from the airport at a time when most participants will arrive in or leave the host country.
Cost Does Not Include
- Travel and health insurance.
(can be purchased from our partners here (International Travel Insurance) - Checked baggage fees on any flights.
- Airport transfers for arrivals or departures outside the main group schedule (available for an additional fee).
- Activities or meals that are not specifically listed in the itinerary.
- Tips and gratuities.
The Program Cost is $4,800
Single Room Policy:
Single rooms are available for an additional $600, subject to hotel availability. Payment is due 90 days before departure.
The Program Cost is $4,800
Single rooms are available for an additional $600, subject to hotel availability. Payment is due 90 days before departure.
Funding Your Participation
We encourage you to seek travel and professional development funding from your institution. Many faculty members receive support through internal programs and offices listed below.
- Offices of international programs or global engagement
- Academic affairs or faculty development
- Teaching and learning centers
- Research and travel grants
- Official invitation letter and program details
- Confirmation of invited role such as presenter, panelist, session participant, or workshop contributor
- Itemized cost overview to support internal funding requests
This educational trip may be funded out of pocket or through institutional support. Schools and universities may cover the full cost or offer partial sponsorship for faculty participation.
ARAMFO Payment Plan Options
We believe every participant should be able to travel without financial stress. The plans below provide flexible options to fit different budgets.
Option 1: Pay in Full at Enrollment (No Fee)
- Pay the entire program balance at the time of enrollment.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Option 2: Automatic Payment Plan (No Fee)
Set up automatic monthly or bi-weekly payments with no additional fees. Payments are scheduled until 30 days before departure.
How it works
- No enrollment or plan fees.
- First payment of $300 due within 30 days of registration; credited toward your total balance.
- Choose monthly or bi-weekly automatic payments.
- At least $1,500 paid no later than 90 days before departure.
- Final balance paid no later than 55 days before departure.
- You may pay off your balance early at any time without fees.
- Accepted methods: credit card, debit card, ACH, personal checks, and bank transfers.
Cancellation Policy
- 50% of the paid amount refunded between 100 and 91 days prior to departure.
- 40% of the paid amount refunded between 90 and 61 days prior to departure.
- 30% of the paid amount refunded between 60 and 51 days prior to departure.
- No refund within 50 days of departure.
Trip# 1078-2026-Iceland
