document iconmyCSUSM
cougar courses logoCOUGAR COURSES
email iconEMAIL
email iconMS OFFICE APPS
password iconPASSWORD
MANAGEMENT
Your  Account:
document iconmyCSUSM
cougar courses logoCOUGAR COURSES
email iconEMAIL
office iconMS OFFICE APPS
password iconPASSWORD
MANAGEMENT
Global Programs and Services (GPS)

Summer in Iceland: Interdisciplinary Comparative Social Policy

Rekjavik Waterfall

Join Professor Jill Weigt as she leads students on an exploration of Icelandic society and a deeper understanding of Nordic social policies.  Students will learn firsthand about the values, perspectives, and social structures that underlie Iceland’s supportive policies and how such policies can affect societal and individual well-being.  In particular, the course will explore Nordic policies related gender equality, poverty, immigration, and criminal justice and briefly compare them with the U.S.’s policies.  Students will come away with new perspectives as they encounter locals and become more familiar with Icelandic culture, values, practices, and policies.

Academic Calendar:

June 3-15, 2023

Academic Focus:

SSCI 380:  Interdisciplinary Comparative Social Policy (3 units); clears Upper-Division DD credit for students with 60 units or more and/or Diversity & Equity in a Global Context course

Program Highlights:  

  • "Walk With a Viking" Guided Tour of Reykjavík
  • Visit the National Museum of Iceland
  • Bus Tour of the Golden Circle to see Iceland's famous Geysir and Strokkur in the Haukadalur valley, the Þingvellir National Park, the Gullfoss waterfall, Kerið Crater, and much more.
  • Reykjavík Food Walk where you will be able to try Icelandic lamb, homemade ice cream,local cheese, the traditional Skyr, the famous Icelandic hot dog, and more, depending on the day/season.
  • Guest lectures on Gender Equality, Criminal Justice & Incarceration, Anti-Poverty Policy, and Immigration & Race. 
  • Meet & Greet with local students.
  • Whale watching tour around Faxaflói Bay
  • South Coast bus tour to see the amazing Seljalandsfoss waterfall, Skógafoss waterfall, and the famous Reynisfjara black sand beach near Vík. Your tour will also include a stop at the Sólheimajökull glacier, where you willtake a walk to a small lake that has formed in front of the retreating glacier.
  • Visit to the Perlan, a museum highlighting the different biotopes present in Iceland.

Language of Instruction:

English

Requirements:

  • Class level: Open to all students. Students seeking Upper Division GE credit must clear 60 units prior to taking this course.
  • GPA: 2.75 and above; good academic standing prior to departure

  • Proof of current COVID-19 vaccination (at least the initial vaccination(s) plus at least one booster if eligible) is required to participate in any of CSUSM’s international travel programs.  Due to the increased risk of contracting COVID while travelling, as well as the increased likelihood of having serious complications from COVID if you are not vaccinated, exemptions (religious or medical) are not currently accepted for our travel abroad programs; COVID vaccination is a required pre-requisite.

Units:

3 units, SSCI 380:  Interdisciplinary Comparative Social Policy 

Housing:

Shared twin rooms at University of Iceland's student youth hostel.  Students will have access to shared kitchen space on each floor for ease of making their own meals.

Estimated Cost*:

$3,900* + Extended Learning Fees, estimated at $609 for 3 units

All fees include 11 nights shared accommodation in twin rooms in Reykjavik; welcome and farewell dinners; public transportation pass for Reykjavik and private coach to out of area excusions; all excursions and medical insurance. Airfare, meals not listed and personal expenditures NOT included in the program cost, estimated at $2,000+.

*Final program price is contingent upon enrollment and currency fluctuation. Global Education will finalize the final payment with registered participants before the due date to hopefully offer a reduced fee.

Faculty Led Cancellation Policy

Some Useful Airfare Search Engines:

Please be sure to read the fine print concerning change fees, taxes, luggage restrictions, etc. before booking.  Whenever possible, book directly with an airline.  Do NOT book flights until Global Education has given you the authorization to do so.  Adding trip insurance is highly advisable.

Passports:

An adult passport book with at least 6 months validity until expiration is necessary for overseas travel.  First-time passport book applicants can expect processing times up to 4 months.  Plan to submit your passport applications early if you enroll in this program as withdrawals due to passport delays will not be refunded.  Non-US travelers are responsible for researching entry requirements and possible visas through their country's consular pages.

To Apply:

  1. Attend a required information session led by Professor Jill Weigt (jweigt@csusm.edu).
  2. Fill out the online application materials via the link below.   All application materials must be completed by Friday, February 24 along with your non-refundable $500 deposit.  Online payment preferred through TransAct.  Please be advised to choose E-check and enter your checking account details to avoid the 2.65% convenience fees applicable to all non-checking account payments. Cash, checks, and money orders made payable to CSUSM will also be accepted via the Cashier's Office in Cougar Central, but must include this deposit form to track the payment.
  3. Second payment of $500 is due on Friday, March 24, following the payment guidelines outlined above.  Payment of tuition related expenses (estimated at $597) will be billed by Extended Learning and appear on your Student Center, following the payment guidelines set out for Summer Session.  
  4. Final payment of program fees will be due by Friday, April 15.  Please await an email from Global Education noting final payment due as we hope to offer a small discount if currency remains favorable.
  5. Submit your flight details to Global Education:  Flight Information Form
  6. Attend mandatory pre-departure orientation with your Program Leader & Global Education to discuss arrival instructions and the upcoming course(s).  Some course requirements/sessions may take place prior to leaving, beginning in late April/early May.  

Summer in Iceland 2023 Application:

 Summer in Iceland 2023 Application

Attend an Info Session to get started!!
Day Time Location
Thursday, February 23 11:00-11:45 AM Zoom
Tuesday, February 28 12:00-12:45 PM SBSB 1103