By Andi Anderson
A group of Purdue University students recently traveled to Iceland to learn about sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and community resilience through a unique study abroad experience. The program, titled Iceland: Food, Farming and Sustainable Futures, was developed by Christie Shee, Clinical Assistant Professor of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, and Christine Wilson, Senior Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs.
The 10-day program gave students an opportunity to explore how Icelandic farmers, researchers, and communities adapt to a landscape shaped by volcanic activity, cold weather, retreating glaciers, and long periods of winter darkness.
Speaking about the value of international learning, Shee said, “Studying abroad and immersing yourself in another culture is transformational and invaluable. I want to be a mentor for that experience.”
One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to Friðheimar Greenhouses, where students observed how tomatoes are produced throughout the year using geothermal energy and artificial lighting. The experience demonstrated how innovative farming methods can overcome environmental challenges.
“It’s amazing how they sustainably grow tomatoes and other vegetables year-round in a climate where it’s cold and dark for many months of the year,” Shee said.
The greenhouse operation also showed students how agricultural businesses can diversify through food products, dining experiences, and tourism activities.
Reflecting on Iceland’s approach, Shee said, “What I find most compelling is the innovation, the focus on sustainability and the resilience that comes from living and farming in a challenging climate.”
Throughout the program, students studied the effects of volcanic activity on farmland, land reclamation efforts, glacial changes, sustainable fisheries, and Iceland’s growing blue economy. Meetings with local farmers, educators, and researchers helped students understand how geography, culture, and natural resources influence food production and resource management.
The program was designed to connect academic learning with real-world experiences. “We worked with GeoCamp Iceland to connect the program with local life and provide students with relevant educational experiences,” Shee said.
For Aaliyah Carlisle, a Senior from Central Indiana majoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Science, the trip brought classroom concepts to life. “During my time in Iceland, it was amazing to see how people use the resources available to them,” Carlisle said. “Iceland has an amazing and sustainable fishing industry where they use up to 90% of each fish they catch. I was able to try an energy drink that had fish collagen in it, and it was delicious! Experiences like that really helped connect me to what I’m learning since, as a student, I tend to thrive on caffeine while learning about sustainability.”
According to Wilson, “Study abroad gives students an opportunity to apply what they are learning at Purdue while examining agricultural and environmental challenges from a different perspective. They return with a deeper understanding of their fields, greater confidence navigating unfamiliar situations and a stronger ability to work with people whose experiences and approaches may differ from their own.” The program helped students gain a broader understanding of sustainability, innovation, and resilience in agriculture.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Sustainable Agriculture