Iceland: Taigan Anderson
Program: UW Field Study in Iceland, Summer
Taigan’s Majors: Agroecology, Life Sciences Communication
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
I loved the group that I was surrounded with because they always made the experience so much more rewarding. Not only do you meet fellow students who often become your close friends, but you are also much less prone to homesickness. My favorite memory was the group dinners after the busy day of hiking and traveling, but we would always have more energy by the end of it. The table would be lit up with jokes and laughter as we reflected on the incredible day.
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
I will strive to use my degree to create meaningful and positive change to my community sustainability efforts. Seeing a glacier receding in person was something indescribable. My studies have gained greater insight to the possibility to follow Iceland’s lead in protecting our nature’s wonders.
Seeing a glacier receding in person was something indescribable.
How did your identities impact your experience? What advice would you give to students with similar identities who are considering a similar experience?
I have Type 1 Diabetes and this obviously poses a challenge to traveling and hiking. However, with enough organization and snacks, it was much less of a struggle than previously thought. The program leads are always beyond helpful and the schedule allowed time to prepare my blood sugar. My advice would be to pack more medication than you think you need and to be ready for lots of walking.
What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
The Icelandic fermented shark and Brennevin was a must-have experience. Although the climate is precarious, and the fermented shark odorous, it is a learning moment to appreciate the accessibility of food in our country. We have developed crops to transport across the country, so there is no necessity to cure fish or ferment shark. Fermented Greenland Shark is a window into the past of struggle, starvation, and hope.