#ipeiceland

Hello blog family!

It’s now been a little bit since I’ve been home and been able to readapt to normal suburban life. I am missing so many things about Iceland, but I think what I miss most is how long the days felt and how much I was able to do with my limited time there.

As a highlight of how I spent the majority of my time, I put together a short compilation of some videos I took while there and thought I’d share that with you all. I will say, the video focuses more on the nature in Iceland rather than the amazing people I was with, so just keep in mind that the majority of these adventures I was able to take with great friends and not all by myself!

Overall, Iceland was an absolutely amazing experience and I very strongly recommend it to you all if you get the opportunity.

Cheers!

Shaylin Ciaramitaro

Aerospace Engineering

Hey what’s up guys, welcome back to another post from Iceland! To sum this week up: we climbed a mountain. Now, that isn’t all we did this week, but it was by far my favorite part. I guess the big theme of this week was just exploring nature, as we also went on a trip to see a few geothermal and hydro power plants.

As for the power plants, we took a group trip with Chris to learn more about how Iceland uses its abundant natural resources to allow it to use almost no fossil fuels. Because Iceland is located on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge–the fault line between the North American and Eurasian plates–it has many geothermal vents and huge reservoirs of hot water. This hot water is taken up by numerous wells scattered across the uninhabited areas of Iceland and used by the power plants to spin turbines and produce most of the electricity for Iceland's 400,000 residents. This, paired with the power from Iceland’s rivers and the hydroelectrics dams in them, account for nearly all of Iceland’s power. This was so cool to see in person, and we were even able to learn in class exactly how this energy production process works before going. It will be very interesting to see how this technology evolves and spreads over the next few decades.

A Geothermal and Hydroelectric plant we visited with Chris

Now, the part you’ve all been waiting for: the mountain. Esja is a volcanic mountain range located just northeast of Reykjavík, and it has any hiking trails totalling over 8km of walking. But, of course, Adrian, Carlo, Cam, and I did not think those trails quite fit our visions. After verifying that it was legal (and it is) we took a quick detour to walk over to a tall pole we saw on a distant hill. After far too long walking off trail through moss and rocks, we made it to the pole just to see that it was nothing of interest. That didn’t stop us, though, as we then caught sight of some snow on the side of the nearby mountain, and decided it would be fun to touch snow in July. We had a great time with the snow, but then set our sights a little higher, as we believed the mountain wasn’t all that tall. As we climbed a bit higher, we began to realise that this may have been a bad idea, but we weren’t going to quit that easily~. We nearly made it to the top, but it became too steep for us to climb, so we decided it was time to turn back and call it a day. After turning back, we fought our way all the way back down the mountain directly through a cloud that had drifted through our path, but we made it safely down after multiple hours high above the ground. This will be an experience that all four of us will never forget, and it will make for a great story to tell our future kids.

A short compilation of all of our POVs of the climb

This week has really cemented just how amazing Iceland’s natural features are, and I will continue admiring them for the last month of this great experience. As always, from Chris: "You don’t see this every day, but I do!”

Camden Milnamow

Computer Engineering

Hey what’s up guys, welcome back to another post from Iceland! After all the excitement of last week, we really decided to take it slow this week. Most of this week was taken up getting into the groove of going to school in the morning (the only exciting part of which being when your bus doesn’t show up) and continuing our nightly hangouts. 

Class has started feeling like true schoolwork this week, as we have gotten our first EECS280 project, and have been learning thermodynamics and characteristics of Iceland’s numerous geothermal phenomena in Sustainability class; this was taught by a wonderful guest teacher named María. Although the EECS project did not seem all that hard, it goes to show how fast we are moving to get all of the material done in our brief 7 week course. I’m excited to see how much more we will get to learn in this program.

One big theme of this week seemed to be cats. Early in the week, a couple of us went to a cat café named Kattakaffihúsið and got to chill with three cats while we had some great coffee and baked goods. It was a very nice start to the day, and I will definitely be going back there at some point. Later in the week was when we met our first celebrity of the trip: the one, the only, Baktus the cat (IG: @baktusthecat). He is a very fluffy tuxedo who is known for patrolling the streets of Reykjavík, and we found him napping on a blanket in an Icewear store. Although he was passed through eleven sets of hands, he seemed very content and nice. 10/10, would pet again. Then, the girls somehow coerced a cat from the street into their room, who then sat on the couch with them.

Everyone holding Baktus

The end of our relaxation came with a trip to the Sky Lagoon, one of two large tourist lagoons in Reykjavík. While there, we were able to relax in a warm infinity pool looking out onto the Atlantic Ocean, then go into a full-body cleanse called “The Skjól Ritual”, which included a sauna, rain room, salt scrub, steam room, and a final drink of juice to finish it all off. It felt great afterwards, and I believe it’s worth the price.

The boys at Sky Lagoon (Cam, Jacob, Me, Adrian, Carlo)

After cooling off this week, I’m ready to start next week swinging. We already have a few excursions planned, and I’m excited to see what the next week has in store for us. Again, in the words of Chris: “You don’t see this every day, but I do!”

Camden Milnamow

Computer Engineering

Hey what’s up guys, welcome back to another post from Iceland! SO much has happened this week, and I’ll try my best to fit as much into this as possible (sorry to everyone if I forget something). I feel like the theme of this week has really been discovery; both discovering the country as well as getting to know the other people in the program.

The beginning of this week started with the worst part: standing in line for immigration for 2 hours, then getting stopped because apparently Carlo flying out of Chicago with a Mexican passport is absolutely NOT allowed.~ Once we got through after about an hour, we then had the pleasure of standing in line for another hour waiting to get our bags. Then, finally, we were able to meet with (mostly) the rest of the program’s participants, which include 10 UMich students along with 1 from Texas. This first meeting also included Chris, our programs on-site guide and resource for any questions we may have.

After leaving the airport, we began to see just how different this country was. Driving into Reykjavík, we saw beautiful landscapes of volcanic rock, mountains, and fields. After settling down at our apartment, we went into our tour of the city with Chris, in which we saw Hallgrímskirkja, ate lunch at Hlemmur Mathöll, looked through Bónus, walked down Laugavegur, and finished off with dinner at Rok. During this we realised just how expensive everything was going to be, seeing that lunch included a $30 burger and $7 Coke Zero (looking at you, Cam) while produce at Bónus looked as if it would burn a hole through our wallets just looking at it for too long. Nonetheless, that first experience was a great way to see the city.

We all settled in pretty quickly, going to school and finishing each day with a dinner party and Euchre until we got too tired to continue. These little gatherings allowed all of us to grow much closer and get comfortable with the people that we would be stuck with for the next 6 weeks.

Top: Carlo trying his first “white-people” taco, Bottom: Our soup dinner party

We continue this with some of the fun events we did throughout the week. These include Iceland’s National Day Festival on Wednesday, where we got to see a parade, basketball, swordfighting, live music, and so much more. We spent most of our day there, and it was so much fun.

Top: The National Day Parade, Bottom: Audrey and Zuzia in a wheelbarrow race

We also got to see a show called “How to become Icelandic in 60 Minutes”, which was very informative and hilarious. This took place at an amazing theater near the water called Harpa, which is made up of many multicolored glass panels, giving it a very interesting texture. The “Rúsínan í pylsuendanum” as the Icelanders would say came at the end of the week when we travelled Hvolsvöllur in Southern Iceland to see the LAVA Centre, Sólheimajökull glacier, a few waterfalls, and most importantly, the black sand beaches on which puffins lived.

Left: One of the waterfalls we got to see, Top: Sólheimajökull glacier, Bottom: A real-life puffin!

This excursion felt like a great end to the week (even if we did do a little bit the next day). I hope that each week will be this interesting, and this can become something I look back on for many years to come. In the words of Chris: “You don’t see this every day, but I do!”

The whole gang

Camden Milnamow

Computer Engineering

Hey guys! My name is Camden Milnamow, and I am a rising sophomore studying Computer Engineering. While I’m staying here in Iceland, I will be taking EECS280 and a class on sustainability, getting the opportunity to experience everything this incredible country has to offer. I am so excited to be a part of this program, and I can’t wait to document the process!

Whenever someone asks me why I chose to study abroad, I tell them it’s because of how special this opportunity is. I may only have this one opportunity to explore Iceland, and I want to make the most of it. Even if things don’t go completely as planned, I know this experience will be something I never forget; it’s something to share with the people I care about.

I know I want to fully explore everything Iceland has to offer. I want to visit the famous waterfalls, glaciers, hot springs, and landscapes that make Iceland such a unique place. I hope to learn more about Icelandic history and culture, try as many local foods and restaurants as I possibly can, and maybe see some local musicians perform their craft. I also want to meet new people, make lifelong memories, and take advantage of every opportunity that comes my way.

Preparing for this program has not been the easiest thing for me. Having to keep track of everything I need for my program, whether that be packing or just doing my own research, has been a real struggle as I already have difficulty remembering what I need to do. I am so happy that I don’t have to think about that anymore, and can now enjoy the program for what it is! I also have to keep in mind that Iceland’s summers are full of rain, mid-high temperatures, and a 24 hour sun. Hopefully these things will become the norm for me as I continue exploring.

Getting to the airport seemed to be the hardest part of getting to Iceland. On the way, my family saw 3 crashes, numerous broken-down cars, and 3 tolls. After getting through the misery that is Chicago traffic, I was able to get into O’Hare Airport and go through customs. Although the flight was quite cramped, and I didn’t get much sleep, I'm sure I’ll make it through to enjoy this experience fully.

I’ve also spent time getting all of the smaller details figured out, like organizing important documents, preparing travel essentials, and making sure I have everything I need before leaving. Although there have been a lot of things to do, every step has made the trip feel more real. I am so excited to finally arrive in Iceland, begin this new chapter, and see what this experience has in store!

Me waiting at my gate for my flight to board

Chicago as seen from my plane during takeoff

Camden Milnamow

Computer Engineering

I know this blog post is coming a few weeks after I've already returned home, but honestly, life got busy, and that turned out to be a good thing. The extra time gave me space to reflect on my experience in Iceland, beyond the immediate rush of unpacking and reentering the US. Now, with some distance and perspective, I can even better appreciate what this summer meant to me.

The Hardest Adjustment

Without a doubt, the hardest part of adjusting to life in Iceland was being away from the people I love. I missed at least some aspect about home every single day, and that feeling never really faded. It was harder than I expected to be so far, but at the same time, I was surrounded by an incredible group of people in the program. Over the weeks, we built friendships through shared meals, late night games, beach trips, and so much coding. These connections made the adjustment easier and turned Iceland into something that felt like home in its own way. I'm so grateful for the support, laughter, and adventures that helped fill the space where homesickness lived.

How I've Changed

I came to Iceland excited to explore, but I didn't expect how much I'd learn about myself. I've become more independent, more confident in unfamiliar settings, and more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone. Whether it was hiking through rain to see a geothermal plant, navigating mountain roads to chase puffins, or simply figuring out the bus system, I've learned to lean into uncertainty. I've also learned how deeply I value being around people, both with the people I met here and the ones I've missed back home. Being away from people I care about was so much harder than expected, but it reminded me how important those relationships are, and how much I want to carry that awareness with me moving forward.

Bringing Iceland Back to U-M

Academically, this program pushed me in ways that felt different from a typical semester. Our Environmental Sustainability class gave me a broader understanding of how engineering intersects with climate, energy, and global systems. Working on a long term project with real world implications helped me think beyond the classroom and consider how my work can contribute to something bigger.

EECS 280, on the other hand, was fast-paced and intense. Condensing a full semester into seven weeks meant constant coding, testing, and collaborating. It was challenging, but it also showed me how much I can accomplish under pressure, and how important it is to find balance. I’ll be bringing that mindset back to U-M: the ability to dive deep into technical work while still making space for exploration, connection, and reflection.

Engineering Growth Abroad

Studying abroad as an engineering student (I'm technically in LSA, but CS is close enough) isn’t always easy. The workload doesn’t pause just because you’re in a beautiful place. But that’s what made it so valuable. I learned how to manage time, prioritize tasks, and stay focused, even when puffins and waterfalls were calling. I also saw firsthand how engineering is woven into Iceland’s infrastructure, from geothermal pools to hydroelectric plants, and it made everything we studied feel tangible.

Already Over

It’s surreal to think this chapter is already behind me. Iceland gave me so much: new friends, unforgettable views, and a deeper understanding of myself as both a person and a CS student. I’ll carry these memories with me, but I’m also grateful to be home. I missed my home throughout this entire journey. I’m excited to reconnect, to reflect, and to bring everything I’ve learned back into my life at Michigan.

Anne Scott

Computer Science

This week was a whirlwind of surprising weather, cozy treats, and spontaneous adventures, all against the bittersweet realization: there's only one week left.

Friday (Last Week): Uno, Sculptures, and Sparkly Beach Finds

Okay, I completely forgot to include this in last week's post, but it deserves its spotlight, because it was one of the most laid back and fun nights I've had here. Last Saturday, a group of us stayed in a played a long, intense game of Uno. The rounds stretched late into the night and definitely got a little heated (classic Uno energy), but it was all in good fun. After the last card was thrown, very dramatically, we talked down to a nearby "beach", which was actually more of a rocky shoreline. The spot was quiet and full of beach glass scattered among the stones, and all around were these really cool, unique metal sculptures. It was a little art installation tucked into nature, and the mix of laughter, breezy night air, and unexpected beauty made it feel kind of perfect.

Monday: Sun and Sand

We kicked things off with what can only be described as a weather miracle - 70 degrees in Iceland. Apparently, that only happens once every few years here. Our EECS class let out early, and several of us decided to walk down to the beach near the university. I guess we weren't the only ones with that idea. The tiny beach was absolutely packed, cars everywhere, kids running around, people swimming, lounging, and soaking up this rare heatwave.

The beach itself is small, but there's a manmade swimming area that connects to the Atlantic Ocean and is geothermically heated. So yes, it was still a bit chilly, but much warmer than the ocean attached to it. There were also two geothermal pools right on the beach, bubbling with warm water and swarmed with people, including lots of energetic little kids. It was the kind of unexpected day that Iceland tosses your way every once in a while, and it felt like a summer vacation moment snuck into the study abroad program.

After our beach time, we headed back to the apartment to drop off our bags and sandy towels. Then a friend and I walked over to the famous hot dog stand that apparently gained its reputation after Bill Clinton tried one there. Verdict: not life changing, but not bad either. On the way, we stumbled into a tiny old-fashioned bookstore, an adorable cozy place that has been in Reykjavík forever. To top off the evening, we craved dessert and grabbed donuts and ice cream, and let me just say, it was probably the best sweet treat I've had this whole trip.

Tuesday: Smores in Iceland

Tuesday brought a little DIY fun. A few of us did a grocery run specifically for smores ingredients. Since we didn't have a firepit, we improvised; we baked the chocolate and marshmallows until they melted together and then dipped the graham cracker type cookies into the gooey mess. Unsurprisingly good. Plus, it turned into a fun night of chatting and laughing.

Friday: Sugar for Breakfast

On Friday, some of us woke up early and went out for breakfast, but mostly for donuts again (yes, we're on a donut streak). I got a crème brûlée donut and watched them torch the sugar right in front of me, which felt very gourmet for a bakery run. The top was crispy, and the filling was very sweet.

Saturday: Darts and the Mall

Saturday was a mix of low key and dressed up. I decided to explore the mall on my own, which ended up being more of a time commitment than expected- nearly an hour bus ride each way. I wandered the stores for a couple of hours, just taking it all in before heading back.

Later that evening, a few of us got dressed up and did our makeup before heading out for a night of darts at Bullseye Reykjavík. We paid for an hour, through a few darts (I wasn't quite as bad as I thought I'd be), met up with friends, grabbed snacks from 10/11 (Iceland's version of 7/11), and ended the night chilling back at the apartment.

Sunday: Souvenir Mission and Missing Home

Sunday was all about souvenir shopping. I spent a few hours walking through the streets and shops, trying to find just the right gifts for friends and family back home. As I wandered, it really hit me: this is our last full week here. Even though I've been having so much fun and this experience is one of the best of my life, there's someone back home that makes being away harder than I ever imagined. I've missed them every single day since I've arrived, but now that I'm just a week away from being home, that feeling is stronger than ever. The excitement to be back is overwhelming, but it's also tangled with the sadness of leaving a place that's given me so much in the past weeks.

Anne Scott

Computer Science

This week was all about energy, literally and figuratively. Friday's "Power Trip" was the main event, and it lived up to the name. From geothermal views to hydroelectric exhibits, we packed in a full day of exploration, learning, and cheesy breadsticks. And yes, I fell asleep the moment we got back.

Friday: The Power Trip

We kicked off the day bright and early, leaving at 8:30 a.m. with our group in a small charter bus. Our first stop was a short hike to a lookout point where we could see a geothermal power plant nestled below. The view was absolutely breathtaking, mist rising from the earth and mountains framing everything like a postcard.

Next, we drove to a black sand beach, which was surreal. The sand was a deep charcoal. We took tons of photos, and I pocketed a few volcanic rocks to bring home for my little brother; he's going to think they're the coolest thing ever.

From there, we visited a hydroelectric power plant and information center. The exhibits were interactive and surprisingly fun, with models and diagrams that helped explain how Iceland harnesses its rivers and waterfalls to generate electricity.

After that, we circled back to a familiar spot: the crater we'd visited during our Golden Circle trip. Seeing it a second time was just as impressive. Some of us who had already been there decided to walk the trail around the top, which gave us a new perspective looking down into the blue lake below.

By then, we were starving, so we stopped at a pizza place for lunch. We chilled there for a little while and I ordered cheesy breadsticks.

Before heading to the geothermal power plant's information center, we made a quick stop to see part of the plant up close. As soon as we stepped off the bus, the sky opened up. Completely the opposite of the beautiful weather we had all day, it was pouring and wind coming from all directions. We were completely soaked within minutes, but thankfully we made it a short stop.

Our final stop was the geothermal power plant and info center. Chris and one of our professors walked us through the exhibits, explaining how geothermal energy works and sharing the history behind Iceland's geothermic power.

Academics Abroad

Since we're five weeks in, I figured it's time to talk about the "study" part of study abroad. Yes, we're exploring Iceland, but we're also working hard in two classes that keep us very busy.

We have classes Monday through Thursday, which gives us long weekends to travel, rest, and catch up on work.

Enviromental Sustainability (10:30 - 12:00)

This class has been a mix of lectures and project work. In the first few weeks, we had rotating professors who taught us about physics, power systems, and environmental impact. Now, two graduate students have taken over and are guiding us through our sustainability projects. The entire grade for the class is based on this project, which includes two mini presentations, a final presentation, and a final paper.

EECS 280 (1:30 - 4:00 ish)

This class is fast paced. Like, really fast paced. It's condensed into just seven weeks, so we're constantly juggling projects, exams, and participation. There are three major projects: the first was individual, and the next two are group based (teams of two or three). We've already had our midterm, and the final is creeping up. I've heard people say EECS 280 is easier here than at UMICH, but honestly, I think it just depends on how you learn. The pace is intense, but the environment is very supportive and getting out of class early some days had been a nice bonus.

Lunch Breaks and Study Balance

Between classes, we get an hour and a half for lunch, which has been a lifesaver. It gives us time to relax, grab food (which we normally pack), and sometimes take a quick walk. Balancing academics with travel and social life has been somewhat tricky, but doable, especially as everyone in the program is in the same boat.

Anne Scott

Computer Science