After initially applying for Trondheim and Copenhagen, I was ultimately offered a place in Reykjavik by the University of Teacher Education of Styria and luckily it turned out to be the perfect destination for me. The University of Iceland provided interesting courses that were relevant to my development as a future teacher. One of the most impactful courses was “Comparative International Education”, which gave me a broad overview of education systems from around the world. English Language Teaching deepened my understanding of effective strategies for teaching a second language, while Icelandic Nature and Culture offered me an enriching exploration of Iceland’s unique heritage and environment.

Alongside these 30 ECTS credits, I also had the privilege of visiting the International School of Iceland, where I completed 41 hours of teaching practice. This experience of working in a foreign school setting was great. I was exposed to a variety of teaching methods, many of which I am eager to implement in my own future classroom. Although the teaching practice was not an official part of my studies, the Education Campus was extremely supportive, helping me to connect with a suitable school.

The School of Education itself was very invested in ensuring a positive experience for exchange students. While the course on Icelandic culture was specifically tailored for exchange students, the other two courses were part of the standard Icelandic education curriculum. Despite this, both the professors and my peers went out of their way to integrate the exchange students into the classes, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. I was particularly struck by how international the student community in Iceland is. The classmates from diverse countries and backgrounds enriched our discussions by offering different perspectives, which enhanced my learning experience a lot.

One minor inconvenience was that the Education Campus was not located on the main campus during my semester. The university informed us at the start of the term that they were in the process of relocating to the main campus, but construction wasn’t completed before the semester ended. However, I didn’t mind this too much because it was just a 30-minute walk or a 10-minute bus ride to the Education Campus.

Speaking of logistics, the student housing is worth mentioning. While the accommodations weren’t directly managed by the university, they provided helpful recommendations for places to stay. I lived in a student housing complex called “Gamli Gardur”, which primarily hosts exchange students since the residency stay is limited to one year. This created an international community where I could connect with many other exchange students. There were also a few Icelandic residents who were equally welcoming and friendly, which added to the warm environment. Living in shared accommodations abroad proved to be a fantastic way to meet new people, as everyone was new to the city and eager to make connections.

Living and studying in Reykjavik was truly a beautiful experience. The city’s size was just right for me, and I felt at home almost immediately. The Icelandic culture is incredibly welcoming and understanding, making the chances of experiencing a culture shock very slim. It only took me a few days to settle in and feel comfortable.

One of the unforgettable highlights in Iceland was witnessing two volcanic eruptions during my stay. Learning about volcanoes in class while experiencing real eruptions in real time was a surreal and unforgettable experience. I even befriended some geology students who explained the science behind these incredible natural phenomena in detail.

Finally, my Erasmus experience in Reykjavik didn’t just enrich my academic and professional growth, it also shaped me on a personal level. It helped me to reflect deeply on how I could improve my experience as a student back in Austria. Studying abroad influenced my life in many ways I would have never anticipated, and I’m incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity.

Fotos und Text: Simon Wretschitsch