17 rising eleventh and twelfth graders recently returned from an immersive nine-day trip to Iceland that blended science, history, culture, and environmental stewardship. The Global Studies program  in Iceland, which was previously offered in 2018 and 2023, provides students the opportunity to learn how the country confronts global warming by utilizing its natural sustainable energy sources while exploring regional culture and history.

The faculty chaperones were Director of STEAM Director Dr. Cathie Bischoff, Upper School Humanities Teacher Johnny Flynn, and ​​Director of Performing Arts Spaces and AV Technology Jac-que Robinson. RCDS partnered with Atlas Workshops, a leader in creating innovative educational travel experiences for students, to deliver the program.

The journey began in Reykjavík with a traditional Icelandic breakfast at Viking World followed by a visit to a geothermal power plant, where students learned how Iceland harnesses its natural resources to provide 90% of its energy. In addition to expanding their knowledge about geothermal engineering, the students had the chance to swim in the Secret Lagoon, the oldest swimming pool in Iceland boasting warm water coming from hot springs. 

The adventure continued with an exploration of the famed Golden Circle scenic route. At Thingvellir National Park, students stood between tectonic plates, met Iceland’s former president-turned-ranger, learned about the country’s democratic roots, and visited a geothermal tomato farm. After watching the breathtaking Gullfoss waterfall and the erupting Geysir, the students reflected on the day together in a medieval monks’ hall.

Heading south to Vik, students visited a family farm to learn about Icelandic rural life from local farmer and musician Ms. Valborg Ólafsdóttir. The morning they spent with Ms.Ólafsdóttir was a special highlight. As Ms. Ólafsdóttir discussed rural life in Iceland, she treated the students to homemade Icelandic pancakes and a few songs. “The students were entranced,” recalls Mr. Flynn. “Showcasing the power of connection, this was a part of the trip that made a deep impression on many of the students,” he added. Modeling the RCDS motto, Not for Self, but for Service, the students also helped clean a black sand beach in Vik.

Another memorable experience was the glacier expedition–students climbed across centuries-old ice, peered into moulins, and descended into a glacial cave. They met the founder of Glacier Adventure, who discussed climate change and emphasized the fragility of Iceland’s natural landscape. The discussion urged students to reflect on the state of climate change and how they can be stewards of the planet. The students ended their trip back in Reykjavík, exploring Viking settlements, writing their names in ancient runes, and enjoying a final Icelandic meal.

Each night of the trip, students engaged in guided journaling and their thoughtful reflections connected the people and places they visited to their own learning and awareness. “I feel a lot of respect for these people. They battle often unpredictable and harsh environments, but still are one of the most happy populations globally,” one student wrote. The phone-free element of the trip also factored into the reflections as one student said, “This whole program taught me that sometimes all I need to do is take a deep breath and live in the moment.” Another shared, “I have become much less grateful for my phone and much more grateful for the opportunities that I am given to explore the natural world and surround myself with amazing people.”

With lessons in culture, sustainability, and natural sciences, the RCDS Iceland trip exemplifies how immersive global learning promotes ethical and active world citizenship–and creates lifelong meaningful memories.