Looking back on my Icelandic adventure, I can confidently say that I?ve learned a lot about how people live in this land of fire and ice. Certain presuppositions I held before this study abroad were challenged, or proven false entirely. Other times, my beliefs weren?t necessarily wrong, but rather missing a sheen of nuance that I was able to gain on this trip. Overall, I?m so thankful I got to participate in this experience. I?ve received priceless lessons on sustainability and the world at large, which will undoubtedly allow me to sow even more positive change in the future.
One of the aspects of Icelandic business that surprised me the most was the general lack of emphasis on sustainability. Considering Iceland is a world leader in sustainable solutions, the prior statement seems nonsensical. However, it turns out that the bulk of Icelandic business owners don?t actually underscore the need for ?corporate sustainability? – they just do it. People naturally look to reuse resources and recycle waste, minimizing the need for constant endorsements of those ?obvious? practices. Sustainability is simply part of the culture – an everyday expectation, as opposed to a lofty goal. For instance, the world-famous Blue Lagoon is actually just heated groundwater that was already used for electricity generation. Instead of stopping at this single use, Icelanders found a way to reapply the hot water in another lucrative business venture – a relaxing spa. By infusing their corporate culture with the principles of efficiency and ingenuity, Icelanders have found a way to be sustainable without necessarily making it their goal.
Another insight that shocked me was the generational discrepancy among Icelanders regarding their perceptions of the country. I talked to several young employees in Reykjavik, as well as a few more senior business owners. The elders were very content with the reigning Icelandic government and felt the country had provided for them well. By contrast, the younger individuals lambasted the Icelandic government for making life in the country far too expensive and almost unlivable. Obviously, there was variety on both sides – but a clear generational disjunct remained. The majority of young Icelanders I talked to said they wanted to leave the country eventually. I guess I had always thought such a highly progressive and sustainable nation would be extremely popular, with the youth in particular. However, it seems the opposite is true. I wonder to what extent the globalization of pop culture has contributed to this trend. Much of the music, cuisine, and entertainment in Reykjavik are imported from more populous countries. From what I gathered speaking to locals, many individuals in this upcoming generation of Icelanders seek to move to one of those cultural hubs, tired of always feeling ?on the fringe?.
In conclusion, my education abroad in Iceland has taught me so much about a place so far away from home. By reflecting on the myriad insights I was able to gain, I can hopefully become a better student, thinker, and person. Perhaps I?ll even be able to change society for the better one day – though that will take even more bravery, adventure, and exploration. I couldn?t be more excited for what the future holds.
