Explore the Arctic
On this first-ever Texas A&M international field trip, you will travel to Iceland’s Golden Circle and set sail to visit the spectacular and intriguing mountains, glaciers, fjords, Inuit villages, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and cities of Greenland. Now is the time to come on board!
Expect experiential learning, exposure to spectacular remote environments and communities, and inspiring Expedition Guides. This is your opportunity to truly expand your horizons and reach new frontiers academically and personally.
Dates – July 26 – August 10, 2025 Apply – by January 24, 2025 Cost – US $14,820*
*There is a $1,000 cost reduction for CEHD students.
Earn up to 9 core curriculum credits:
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- INST 301 – “Educational Psychology” – Social & Behavioral Sciences (CORE)
- ANTH 205 – “People & Cultures of the World” – Language, Philosophy, and Culture (CORE)
- GEOL 101 – “Introduction to Geology” – Life & Physical Sciences (CORE)
Why come on board this inaugural expedition?
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- Engage in experiential learning activities in the field, in this truly unique study abroad program.
- Explore remote regions and communities with TAMU faculty from the Colleges of Education and Human Development, and Arts & Sciences.
- Gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the cultural, educational, geological, and sociological dimensions of life in the Arctic.
Iceland’s Golden Circle
– By land –
July 27 – 29, 2025
Stay in Reykjavík, Iceland
You will begin your pioneering journey in Iceland. During a full day trip, you will follow the Golden Circle, a famous scenic route that combines stunning landmarks and historically significant places.
Iceland highlights
1,000-year old political site – Stop at UNESCO World Heritage Site Þingvellir, site of the annual Icelandic parliamentary assembly where laws were made and disputes settled for almost a thousand years. Þingvellir is also geologically significant as the park lies on the boundary between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates.
Geysir – This geothermal area inspired the term ‘geyser’ now used for erupting hot springs around the world. Explore the hot springs, steaming vents, bubbling hot mud pools and have your camera ready as Strokkur geyser erupts up to 30 meters every 8-10 minutes.
Farm visit – Have lunch with a local family on a dairy farm.
Gullfoss waterfall – Known as the “Golden Falls”, check out the two dramatic stages of this expansive, glacier-fed waterfall.
Free morning – Explore Iceland’s colorful capital, Reykjavik, from vibrant street art to historic churches, during your free morning.
From the port in Reykjavik, you will embark on your journey from Iceland to Greenland aboard the expedition ship.
Aboard the ship you will enjoy informative lectures by the expedition team, delicious buffet and a la carte meals, entertainment, jacuzzi and incredible views of landscapes, seascapes and wildlife.
Arctic Greenland Voyage
– By sea –
July 30 – August 9, 2025
11-night voyage
Live aboard the M/V Ocean Albatros, an X-Bow-Infinity class Arctic expedition ship for 11 nights.
Planned ports of call include:
Denmark Strait – Cross the Denmark Strait, between Iceland and Greenland, a nutrient-rich body of water where cold and warm currents meet, supporting abundant marine life.
Tasiilaq, East Greenland – As East Greenland’s largest settlement, Tasiilaq offers rugged landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and opportunities to explore the indigenous Tunumiit heritage through hiking, museums, and watching a drum dancer perform a millennia-old spiritual tradition.
Ikateq, East Greenland – Ikateq, a WWII airbase abandoned by the U.S., provides insight into the complicated histories and long-term impacts of international politics on even the most remote regions.
Kuummiut, East Greenland – With no roads in or out, Kuummiut is a beautiful but isolated fishing village in East Greenland, where sled dogs and boats are the primary forms of transport.
Sermilik, East Greenland – The Sermilik Fjord, filled with icebergs from the Helheim Glacier, is an incredible sight surely leaving you to marvel at the endless natural icebergs.
Skjoldungen, Southeast Greenland – Sail into this impressive fjord named for ancient Danish King of legend, and spot glaciers and saw-toothed mountains while on a hike through a flower-lined glacial valley.
Prins Christian Sund and Aappilattoq – Travel into the sheltered Prins Christian Sund, one of the most spectacular waterways anywhere on Earth. Mountains rise straight out of the water, some reaching over 6,000 ft in height, and large glaciers flow from the ice sheet directly into the sea. Experience the slow pace of Aappilattoq village, nestled between towering mountains and renowned throughout Greenland for the local choir.
Igaliku and Qassiarsuk – The fjords here are lined with lush green meadows and dotted with small sheep-farming settlements. Come ashore and follow a farm trail that leads to the village of Igaliku and trek through the hills to see the remains of the Norse Bishop’s palace at Garðar – once a place of great power and influence in this remote corner of the Norse world. Visit also the village where Norse explorer Erik the Red settled after being banished from Iceland. He named the land he discovered ‘Greenland’ to encourage other settlers to follow him! Explore archaeological remains and stunning reconstructions of buildings and the first church in the Americas. These settlements are now part of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nuuk, Capital of Greenland – A mixture of skyscrapers and traditional wooden houses, the quaint and the cosmopolitan, Nuuk is a city of contrasts and also the largest city in Greenland. Visit the Greenlandic National Museum, with artefacts going back to the first inhabitants of this icy island, including the Paleo-Inuit and Norse periods. Explore Greenlandic culture at Katuaq, the city’s cultural centre and an architectural marvel.
Kangaamiut and Evighedsfjorden – Visit a community where locals still live a largely traditional lifestyle, surviving by hunting and fishing. Hike to the hilltop for stunning views over the town and surrounding fjordlands and meet the friendly local people and learn about their traditional clothing, foods, and well-known art.
Please note the voyage itinerary is subject to change and contingent on weather.
Program Contacts
Dr. Jay Woodward, Clinical Professor, Educational Psychology
drjay@tamu.edu
Dr. Heather Thakar, Assistant Professor, Anthropology
thakar@tamu.edu
Dr. Woodward’s dedication to his students and deep appreciation of other cultures turns every moment abroad into an authentic learning experience. His thoughtfully crafted itineraries are not only full of adventure, but full of educational opportunities that will serve you throughout the rest of your studies.”
Madeline Sweany, 2023 participant on TAMU EPSY in New Zealand (led by Dr. Woodward)
Arctic Program Gallery
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