MAY TERM 2019
Austin College Travel MayTerm 2019: Iceland
"Nobody can discover the world for somebody else. Only when we discover it for ourselves does it become common ground and a common bond and we cease to be alone." – Wendell Berry
This course fuses the rugged beauty and dramatic Nordic landscapes of Iceland with the curious mixing of myth and Viking history that is the Icelandic Saga Age.
During this May Term, students will travel the famous Icelandic Ring Road hitting all of the major regions of Iceland: from the cosmopolitan capital of Reykjavik to the Sagaland, the Arctic fringe, the Eastfjords, and Southern glaciers.
Mixed with this sampling of Iceland’s landscapes will be an induction into Icelandic culture through: a) the genre of the Icelandic Saga; and b) Iceland's commitment to renewable energy. The juxtaposition of ancient sagas and modern geothermal and hydropower technology will acquaint students with Iceland's unique negotiation of tradition and progress.
PLACES WE'LL VISIT
Just a sampling of the many sites we'll see in Reykjavik and along the Ring Road
ABOUT US
Tom Blake is assistant professor of English at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, where he teaches medieval literature and works in the English and Gender Studies departments. He traveled to Iceland for the first time in 2014 as part of a scholarship program to study saga manuscripts at the University of Iceland and immediately fell in love with country's rugged beauty and traditions. Tom has traveled the country extensively and can’t wait to share the otherworldly sites, unique culture and folklore that make Iceland truly spectacular!
Larissa Pitts is a Postdoctoral Teaching Fellow in East Asian Studies. Her research and teaching center on environmental studies. She has lived in four countries outside of the United States, including Germany, Austria, China, and Taiwan. Once a small-town girl, now she is an experienced world traveler in both Europe and Asia. She is looking forward to sharing her love of nature, the environment, and folklore with students in Iceland!
PRICING
Course Fees: $4,900
Spending Money: $600
Course Fee Covers: 1. Flights to and from Iceland
2. All lodging in Iceland
3. Ground transportation for group activities
4. City Bus Pass (2 Days) in Reykjavik
5. Coach bus for travel around the Ring Road
6. All breakfasts
7. Admittance to Glacier Hike tour
8. Departure Celebration Dinner
9. VAT
10. Local Driver/Guide
11. Faculty Guides
12. Admittance to local museums (like here, here, and here
13. Tours of geothermal power stations
14. Whale watching fee and other nature tours
15. And much much more . . .
Out of Pocket Spending Covers:
1. Lunches and dinners
2. Souvenirs
CONTACT US
Dr. Tom Blake
121 Sherman Hall
Dr. Larissa Pitts
128 Sherman Hall
Please contact either of us to schedule an interview.