For her semester abroad, Madeleine Schwindt chose an unusual travel destination: the capital of Iceland, Reykjavik. Just back from the north, the MA student in Entrepreneurship is enthusiastic about the time she spent studying at Reykjavik University and discovering Iceland’s natural treasures (see also her blog «Nordlichtgeflüster» [Northern Lights Whispers].
Stone arch in Arnatapi, Western Iceland
Why did you choose this country and this university in particular for your Erasmus semester? And what was the language of the course?
Of all the countries to choose from, Iceland jumped out at me right from the start. It just was somehow something completely different – a country about which I had no idea, and one that sounded exceptionally exciting.
How did you prepare for your stay abroad? Was the team at the International Office helpful?
When you’ve once got through all the formalities – the applications, registering abroad and so on – the best preparation in my view is the anticipation! After all, you can’t possibly know in advance what to expect. All the same, it certainly can’t do any harm to pick up a few basic bits of information from a guidebook or from the internet (with reference to the weather and so on) – it’s a help when it comes to packing! And if you know somebody who has been there before, it is certainly helpful to meet up with them for a coffee and a chat. The International Office likewise gave me some information about the university (a brochure). And if you’ve lost your way in the jungle of official forms, the International Office team can help you out.
Strokkur geyser on the Golden Circle Tour
What did you most look forward to? And what was the biggest challenge?
The most exciting thing to look forward to, for me, was the thought of being able to discover a country and its culture and people on my own account – and not just for two weeks as a tourist, but with enough time to get really well acquainted with it – having enough time for studying, travelling, finding out about things and getting to know people. And of course I was thrilled that I would get to see the Northern Lights!
The first month was sometimes a bit hectic – you have to find your feet in the new place, locate and organise all the things you need – food shops, the university, courses, accommodation, bus tickets and so on. And then it was university assignments at full throttle, right from the start – it might have been a good idea to arrive a few days before the start of term.
What kind of welcome and support during your course did you have from our partner university?
Before the official start of term, two induction days were organised for us exchange students. We had plenty of opportunities of asking questions, getting to know other students, getting our bearings and just having fun. The staff of the International Office in Reykjavik also said we could always go to them if we had any problems. 
A phenomenal colour display – the Northern Lights
What did you like best? What have you acquired from this adventure – for your future studies, and for yourself personally?
The delight of discovery, the curiosity to find out about new things, lots of good friendships and 3500 fabulous photographs...
What would you recommend to Liechtenstein students who decide to follow in your footsteps and spend an Erasmus semester in Reykjavik?
Before or after the semester you should definitely give yourself time to explore the country. It’s really worth it! With a pair of good, weatherproof shoes, a warm jacket, woolly hat and gloves, camera and credit card (as security for the car hire) and an abundance of good spirits, you can have a fabulous time in Iceland’s great outdoors! Whether in winter, with snow and the icicles hanging off the waterfalls, or in summer, when everything is green and blossoming, the landscape is simply overwhelming! 
Harbour idyll in Husavik, Northern Iceland
Madeleine’s blog «Nordlichtgeflüster» [Northern Lights Whispers] may be found online at http://nordlichtgefluester.jimdo.com. 
Madeleine Schwindt
- Country of origin: Switzerland
- University of Liechtenstein course: Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship
- Semesters: 2
- Home address: Amriswil
Erasmus semester
- Country: Iceland
- Partner university: Reykjavik University (RU)
- Number of semesters: 1
- Accommodation: guesthouse
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