Iceland: Kelsey Deegan
Program: UW Field Study in Iceland, Summer
Kelsey’s Major: Nursing
What is your most memorable experience from your program?
The most memorable experience from my program was overall the amount of local people we were able to talk to and hear from. It was amazing to be able to see the country from their perspective and listen to what they’ve learned throughout their lives. It not only allowed me more insight into the country but I also learned many valuable lessons through these conversations.
How will your experience benefit you in the future? How might it affect your future career or studies?
This program gave me the option to get credit for a biology or environmental science class. I learned a great deal about global warming and its effect on Iceland and its communities. Though I am a nursing major, so I am often not in direct contact with the research going on regarding this topic, I have learned valuable lessons and practices that I can implement in my own life. Additionally what I am taking away is that I can still get involved and advocate for change regarding global warming no matter what my future career is.
The classwork before the experience truly enriched my experience and allowed me to have greater appreciation for the country and the experience itself.
What did you learn about yourself or the world because of your experience?
I was able to learn that when I go outside of my comfort zone, I am often met with the most rewarding experiences! Going out of the country with classmates that I barely knew was definitely something that is out of my comfort zone. However, this experience gave me the opportunity to see stunning natural geography, learn about the warming of the Earth and the effects it has on communities, and meet amazing people! Going outside of my comfort zone gave me some of the best memories.
What is your advice for someone considering your program?
Do it! If there is even one thing that interests you about it, do it. I recommend talking to others who have gone on this program, or the professor that runs it, to hear their experiences. Additionally, do not take for granted the 2 weeks of class before you leave for Iceland, it is an amazing feeling to learn about a topic, and then get to see and experience that topic in another country. The classwork before the experience truly enriched my experience and allowed me to have greater appreciation for the country and the experience itself.
What is a custom, food or tradition from your host country that you are taking forward?
The Icelandic Hot Dog! The Icelandic Hot Dog, or pysla, is famous in Iceland as they are often made from lamb, mixed with pork and beef, topped with raw and fried onion, brown mustard, remoulade, and ketchup. Truly one of the best things I tried there!