Iceland is a world leader in developing the use of renewable energy. While this is partly attributable to the country’s ample endowment of geothermal and hydroelectric resources, Icelanders
have also made unique economic choices, valuing the social benefits of energy independence differently than much of the world.
Iceland is a world leader in developing the use of renewable energy. While this is partly attributable to the country’s ample endowment of geothermal and hydroelectric resources, Icelanders have also made unique economic choices, valuing the social benefits of energy independence differently than much of the world.
RES Summer School started in 2007 in cooperation with SIT - Study Abroad Program of the School for International Training in Vermont, United States. The program has been offered all summers since 2007, and will have its largest class during the summer of 2010. SIT has a partnership agreement with over 200 universities in the United States and has been in operation for 75 years, offering study programs in over 50 countries.
The main goal of SIT is to: “Prepare students to be inter-culturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens. In so doing, SIT fosters a worldwide network of individuals and organizations committed to responsible global citizenship. SIT fulfills this mission with field-based academic study abroad programs for undergraduates and degree and certificate programs for graduates and professionals”.
In order to make decisions about society’s future energy sources, students need a foundation in both the physical processes involved in energy utilization and in the economics that reflect how
society values and distributes resources. This program seeks to provide these perspectives, and encourages students to apply their knowledge during the program to explore all aspects of these
issues.
The program is divided into three components. RES hosts the program in Akureyri, on Iceland’s north coast. Students study with RES faculty experts and visit major sites related to
Iceland’s energy and geology. Moving to the capital, Reykjavik, students meet with politicians and industry leaders to develop their understanding of how Iceland’s energy policy fits into
the larger national agenda. Students spend the final portion of the program in the remote West Fjords, applying concepts learned to village-scale energy problems.
Coursework in the Icelandic language helps students develop a knowledgeable appreciation of the culture.
ENGR 3000: Renewable Energy, Technology, and Resource Economics Seminar
6 credits/90 class hours
This course focuses on helping students develop mastery of alternative energy technologies, an understanding of the role these technologies play in Iceland’s social, economic, and political
context, and how these lessons apply to the larger world. Learning takes place both in the classroom and in the field.
ICEL 1000: Introduction to Icelandic
2 credits/ 30 class hours
Classroom and field instruction in the basics of the Icelandic language and the ways in which it reflects the sociocultural identity of the nation.
Educational excursions: In addition to key sites in both Reykjavik and Akureyri, students will visit the active rift system (plate boundary) and other key geological sites, as well as renewable energy production facilities of various types and sizes.
Duration: Seven weeks, early June to mid July.
Student eligibility: At least two semesters of college-level work at the time of application and good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade
point average of 2.5.
Prerequisites: Previous college-level coursework or other significant preparation in engineering, geology, environmental studies, or related
fields.
For application forms and additional information, please visit the SIT - Study Abroad website
