A group of Vincennes University students recently turned Iceland into their classroom, gaining firsthand experience in the country’s dynamic environment. Members of the Biology Club and Earth Science Club spent 10 days exploring glaciers, waterfalls, volcanic sites, and more.

Nine students and three faculty members from the College of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics made the trip, which combined outdoor adventure with academic exploration. They studied local wildlife, plant life, and geology while hiking, kayaking, and even swimming in a thermal river.

“VU was able to give me the amazing opportunity of going to Iceland for a small price while also learning,” said Earth Science Club President Eden Elpers. “It helped me learn more about Iceland in ways that were relevant to my major, as well as other things such as geology.”

The group also visited cultural landmarks, learned about Viking history, and connected with local Icelanders. Faculty on the trip included professors Andrew Corless, Andrew Smith, and Ivana Peralta.

One student said, “The wildlife and geology of entirely new places can spark so much curiosity, and I think that’s incredibly important for young adults in the sciences.”