Reflection / the most memorable things about a course, short exchange in Iceland :)

25.3.2025 0 Like 0 kommenttia

Student Ambassador Chen from the Theatre Academy reflects on her experience of a short-term student exchange at the University of the Arts in Iceland.

In this blog post, I will expand on my visit to Iceland, as part of a short-term student exchange through the Norteas Nordplus network, and my participation in a course at the University of the Arts in Iceland.

I am Chen Nadler, a master’s student in choreography, and student ambassador. I am in my second (and final) year of studies. This reflective sharing is intended to tell a little about my experience as a student visiting another university, about the educational experience, the connection of this to my choreographic research, and also, of course, about the cultural experience, nature trips and the special atmosphere of Iceland.

About the course, University of Arts Iceland, and Student experience

In March 2025, I took part in a course on ‘Failure’ alongside a group of master’s students in performance art. The group welcomed me very generously and I felt part of them very quickly. Led by Brogan Davison, Program Director of the MA in Performing Arts, the course focused on exploring and reflecting on the concept of failure. Through examples from various art discourses, we examined our own relationships with expectations, norms, and tensions—considering how failure can be a tool in our artistic research. I personally found it very interesting, although, failure is a big topic- and also… the relation to it varies from person to person. The course broadened my perspective on social expectations, highlighting how they vary across cultures, locations, and shared social norms. It also led me to reflect deeply on choreographic artistic processes and how I can embrace failure as an integral part of them.

In connection with my own research interests, I am now writing my thesis on the concept of ‘Visiting’—examining its relationship to choreography, performance, and dance practices. My journey to a different context—an Icelandic countryside, a new art university, and an unfamiliar landscape—became a meaningful extension of my writing and thinking process, offering rich insights and inspiration

What can you do in one week combining studies?

Even though I’ve only been in Iceland for a week, I’ve made an effort to explore the surroundings and areas beyond the city. And yes—the landscapes of Iceland are among the most breathtaking and dramatic I have ever seen. So, if you have the time, resources, and opportunity, it’s definitely an experience worth exploring.

As I was participating in a course, I didn’t had so much spare time. BUT- I did have two full days to explore the natural places close to Reykjavik, and lucky enough, one of those days, I traveled with a local friend who had a car.

Here I will recommend on specific natural places and share how I found my way though the really expensive travel in Iceland… Many places aren’t accessible without a private car, and unfortunately, public transportation isn’t well-developed for reaching nature spots outside the city.

So—my first recommendation is for those with access to a car, and the second will focus on traveling via public transportation.

’Mars-like’ Landscapes: Reykjanesfólkvangur

About 45 minutes from the city, my friend and I drove to Reykjanesfólkvangur, a nature preserve filled with lava formations, crater lakes, bird cliffs, and bubbling geothermal fields.

On this day trip, we left the city and first stopped at a lake surrounded by black mountains covered in snow—an incredible sight. Then, we continued to an area where hot water rises straight from the earth. It was an amazing experience! I felt like I had stepped into another world. The striking colors of the mountains blending with the clean, fresh, and smoky hot water created a unique, almost surreal landscape you don’t want to miss. Even the smell of the gases was something special. ;)

Even the road itself—small, empty, and peaceful—made the journey feel like a slow, relaxed exploration. I felt like I was at the edge of the world, and I enjoyed every single minute of it.

Kermóafoss Natural Park

One hidden gem I discovered is Kermóafoss Natural Park, a beautiful spot surrounded by a small river and featuring a small but very scenic waterfall. The best part? It’s easily accessible by public transportation from the city center.

I spent a few hours there, wandering through the forest and sitting by the waterfall, listening to the powerful rush of the water while enjoying my lunch. The time in the park was incredibly relaxing—the lush green of the trees, the moss-covered stones, and the contrast of the lively water against the snow-covered mountains created a truly special atmosphere.

Geothermal Pools, Old City, and Useful Tips

On weekdays, my course took up half of my day, so from 16:00 onward, I spent most of my time either writing my thesis or walking around the old city. I wandered through the charming streets lined with wooden houses, passed by bars and shops, and eventually ended up by the ocean—where the view of the snowy mountains was absolutely breathtaking. Another great walk is to the harbor, where massive ships meet the open sea.

One of the coolest things to do in the city is visit the public pools, where you’ll find a variety of geothermal pools—warm, very hot, and even cold ones—along with steam baths. You can pick whichever suits you best, as there are plenty to choose from. I decided to end my Iceland trip with a long visit to Vesturbæjarlaug, a public pool where I spent three full hours. The ritual of soaking in hot water, switching to cold pools, or just relaxing in the 38-40°C geothermal baths while breathing in the fresh air was the perfect way to reset both body and mind.

Compared to other experiences in Iceland, public pools are much more affordable—and absolutely worth it! If you love saunas and want a truly local experience, this is the place to go.

All in all, combining study with a bit of nature and city exploration filled me with inspiration and helped shape my artistic thinking as I approached the final part of my thesis. I also had the chance to meet and network with the artistic director of a dance festival in Reykjavík and connect with students from diverse performative backgrounds.

The opportunity to visit new places, learn from different methodologies, and gain artistic tools expanded my perspective. And as a naturally very curious person, this experience influenced not only my artistic thinking but also my everyday life.