The eight-day Study Abroad program focuses on sustainability, environmental science and mathematical modeling, and students receive course credit for MAT 143: Quantitative Literacy.

Students visit iconic sites like Thingvellir National Park, Geysir hot springs, Gullfoss waterfall and the Kerid Crater, as well as the Lava Centre and Hellisheidi Power Plant to explore Iceland's unique geological and geothermal features. They also learn about sustainability practices at Fridheimar Greenhouses and participate in a reforestation project in Fljótshlíð. Throughout the trip, students apply mathematical modeling concepts to analyze environmental data and explore real-world applications of exponential and linear functions.

Dates: June 17-24, 2026

Faculty: The course will be led and taught by Wake Tech faculty member Brooke Outlaw.

Accommodations: Students will stay at a hotel in Reykjavik (two to six per room).

Meals: The hotel provides a continental breakfast every morning. Other meal options will be available in area markets and restaurants.

Cost: $3,490 (subject to change)

The cost includes the following:

• A six-night stay at a comfortable hotel with ensuite bathroom and breakfast daily
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• Ground transportation for site visits and sightseeing tours
• Historical and cultural walking tours
• Program activities pre-arranged by Study Abroad Association (SAA) and the course leader
• On-site program director available 24/7 for emergencies
• SAA's mandatory health insurance
• Tips and gratuities

The following items are not included in the cost:

• Round-trip flights, and any associated fees, between Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Reykjavik. Travel is booked through Wake Tech's travel agency liaison and arrangements made by the course leader.
• Passport and visa fees
• Wake Tech course fees and tuition ($240)
• Single-room upgrade costs for participants
• Some lunches and/or dinners
• Optional activities
• Incidental expenses

For more information, email Brooke Outlaw at [email protected].

Daily itinerary

• June 17 (Day 1) – Depart RDU on overnight flight to Reykjavik
   
• June 18 (Day 2) – Introduction to Reykjavik
  Once checked in at the hotel, students take a walking tour to become oriented with the surrounding neighborhood, including the public transportation system and nearby pharmacies and markets. A safety briefing instructs them on steps to take in an emergency. Students then participate in a historical walking tour of Reykjavik and take a trip to the Saga Museum. The day ends with a welcome dinner of an authentic Icelandic meal.
   
• June 19 (Day 3) – Golden Circle
  Students explore Thingvellir National Park, Geysir hot springs, Gullfoss waterfall, Kerid Crater and Fridheimar Greenhouses to experience Iceland's remarkable landscapes and sustainable practices. Fridheimar provides insight into greenhouse horticulture and how geothermal energy is used in food production. Together, these visits highlight why Iceland is a global leader in sustainability and the innovative use of natural resources to reduce CO₂ emissions. Lunch and dinner included.
   
• June 20 (Day 4) – South Coast
  Students visit the Fljótshlíð area to participate in a reforestation project at a sustainable local farm, using data-driven practices to understand long-term environmental impact. At the Lava Centre, interactive exhibits reveal the volcanic forces that shaped Iceland, connecting directly to mathematical modeling concepts. The day also includes stops at iconic natural sites – Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls, the Sólheimajökull glacier outlet and Reynisfjara's black sand beach – where students can explore measurable environmental changes such as erosion and glacial movement. Dinner is included.
   
• June 21 (Day 5) – Hellisheidi Power Plant Carbfix Tour
  Students explore Raufarhólshellir, one of Iceland's largest lava tunnels, to witness the geological impact of a 5,200-year-old volcanic eruption and analyze natural formations shaped by lava flow. They also tour the Hellisheiði Power Plant and learn about Carbfix, an innovative carbon capture process that turns CO₂ into stone, offering real-world applications of exponential decay and sustainability modeling.
   
• June 22 (Day 6) – Suðurnes Science Centre
  Students meet with local scientists, collect marine organisms from a nearby beach and examine them in a research lab – connecting scientific observation with data-analysis skills from MAT-143. A tour of the facility led by a biologist highlights ongoing environmental research in Iceland. The day also includes time to experience a geothermally heated swimming pool, offering a cultural perspective on Iceland's use of natural energy.
   
• June 23 (Day 7) – Perlan Museum
  Students visit the immersive and interactive museum, which uses cutting-edge technology to showcase Iceland's geology, landforms and wildlife. The hands-on exhibits help deepen students' understanding of natural systems and how they can be modeled and visualized. The day also includes free time to explore Reykjavik and a special farewell dinner to close out the program.
   
• June 24 (Day 8) – Depart Reykjavik on a same-day flight to RDU