Hi everyone! My name is Alina Stalker, and I am a senior studying criminal justice. I am also a member of the Global Bachelor’s Program, and I have studied abroad in Belfast, Northern Ireland and Auckland, New Zealand. This semester I am in Reykjavik, Iceland, and so far, everything is incredible!
While I am sad this is my last semester abroad, I am absolutely making the most of it! I arrived about a week before classes started, and in that time my dad, his girlfriend, and I drove around southern Iceland to see the Golden Circle, Vik, Diamond Beach and Glacier Bay, a couple of lagoons, black sand beaches, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes. The two of them had been to Iceland a couple times before, so they were able to show me some of the sites in the city and help me get oriented before classes started.
One of the things people asked me most when I said I’d be studying abroad in Iceland was, “Isn’t it going to be freezing?” Yes, it’s colder than I am used to, and that has definitely been an adjustment, but I’ve found that wearing lots of layers chases away any chill. Plus, this is the perfect weather for sweaters, tea, and reading, and those are some of my favorite things :)
As far as classes go, I am taking three this semester, one history class, one literature class, and one class on nature and culture in Iceland. That last one is a bit more science heavy than I am used to, but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed learning about the landscapes of Iceland, how they were formed, and about the plant and animal life here!
Speaking of animals, one of my friends and I went to Kattakaffihúsið, Iceland’s only cat cafe!
All of the cats are up for adoption, and they are super friendly and playful. Cats have a lot of historical significance here. Walking through the city, you’ll see many of them walking around or lounging in the sun. Most of the cats you see outside have owners, they just like wandering around for pets :)
There is so much to do and so much to see here! I am currently on my reading week break and I plan on going to several museums in between working on my midterm assignments. I am also planning on going back to the old bookstore bar, which has incredible live music by The Bookstore Band.
There’s no shortage of music here between the bars, restaurants, and Harpa, which is the big concert hall. In fact, on Culture Night at the end of August, there was a marching band competition and lots of other live performances all around the city. I quite literally followed the sound of music to different events.
One of the most difficult parts of studying abroad is knowing that you’re missing out on events with family and friends. Even though you get to see and experience so many incredible things, sometimes it can still feel a little lonely. However, studying in a country so close to home means that more of my family and friends are able to visit, and even though I don’t see them as often as I would at home, I get to make new memories with them in incredible places!
Alina Stalker
Fall 2024 – GW Exchange - University of Iceland
Spring 2024 – GW Exchange - University of Auckland
Fall 2022 – GW Global Bachelor's Program - Belfast Semester
Columbian College of Arts & Sciences
Criminal Justice Major
The Global Bachelor’s Program