#annescott

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Final Reflections: Iceland, Computer Science, and Everything in Between

I know this blog post is coming a few weeks after I've already returned home, but honestly, life got busy, and that turned out to be a good thing. The extra time gave me space to reflect on my experience in Iceland, beyond the immediate rush of unpacking and reentering the US. Now, with some distance and perspective, I can even better appreciate what this summer meant to me.

The Hardest Adjustment

Without a doubt, the hardest part of adjusting to life in Iceland was being away from the people I love. I missed at least some aspect about home every single day, and that feeling never really faded. It was harder than I expected to be so far, but at the same time, I was surrounded by an incredible group of people in the program. Over the weeks, we built friendships through shared meals, late night games, beach trips, and so much coding. These connections made the adjustment easier and turned Iceland into something that felt like home in its own way. I'm so grateful for the support, laughter, and adventures that helped fill the space where homesickness lived.

How I've Changed

I came to Iceland excited to explore, but I didn't expect how much I'd learn about myself. I've become more independent, more confident in unfamiliar settings, and more comfortable stepping outside my comfort zone. Whether it was hiking through rain to see a geothermal plant, navigating mountain roads to chase puffins, or simply figuring out the bus system, I've learned to lean into uncertainty. I've also learned how deeply I value being around people, both with the people I met here and the ones I've missed back home. Being away from people I care about was so much harder than expected, but it reminded me how important those relationships are, and how much I want to carry that awareness with me moving forward.

Bringing Iceland Back to U-M

Academically, this program pushed me in ways that felt different from a typical semester. Our Environmental Sustainability class gave me a broader understanding of how engineering intersects with climate, energy, and global systems. Working on a long term project with real world implications helped me think beyond the classroom and consider how my work can contribute to something bigger.

EECS 280, on the other hand, was fast-paced and intense. Condensing a full semester into seven weeks meant constant coding, testing, and collaborating. It was challenging, but it also showed me how much I can accomplish under pressure, and how important it is to find balance. I’ll be bringing that mindset back to U-M: the ability to dive deep into technical work while still making space for exploration, connection, and reflection.

Engineering Growth Abroad

Studying abroad as an engineering student (I'm technically in LSA, but CS is close enough) isn’t always easy. The workload doesn’t pause just because you’re in a beautiful place. But that’s what made it so valuable. I learned how to manage time, prioritize tasks, and stay focused, even when puffins and waterfalls were calling. I also saw firsthand how engineering is woven into Iceland’s infrastructure, from geothermal pools to hydroelectric plants, and it made everything we studied feel tangible.

Already Over

It’s surreal to think this chapter is already behind me. Iceland gave me so much: new friends, unforgettable views, and a deeper understanding of myself as both a person and a CS student. I’ll carry these memories with me, but I’m also grateful to be home. I missed my home throughout this entire journey. I’m excited to reconnect, to reflect, and to bring everything I’ve learned back into my life at Michigan.

Anne Scott

Computer Science

IPE: Engineering in Reykjavík, Iceland

[umichenginabroad]

Week 6: Sunshine, Smores, and Countdown Mode

This week was a whirlwind of surprising weather, cozy treats, and spontaneous adventures, all against the bittersweet realization: there's only one week left.

Friday (Last Week): Uno, Sculptures, and Sparkly Beach Finds

Okay, I completely forgot to include this in last week's post, but it deserves its spotlight, because it was one of the most laid back and fun nights I've had here. Last Saturday, a group of us stayed in a played a long, intense game of Uno. The rounds stretched late into the night and definitely got a little heated (classic Uno energy), but it was all in good fun. After the last card was thrown, very dramatically, we talked down to a nearby "beach", which was actually more of a rocky shoreline. The spot was quiet and full of beach glass scattered among the stones, and all around were these really cool, unique metal sculptures. It was a little art installation tucked into nature, and the mix of laughter, breezy night air, and unexpected beauty made it feel kind of perfect.

Monday: Sun and Sand

We kicked things off with what can only be described as a weather miracle - 70 degrees in Iceland. Apparently, that only happens once every few years here. Our EECS class let out early, and several of us decided to walk down to the beach near the university. I guess we weren't the only ones with that idea. The tiny beach was absolutely packed, cars everywhere, kids running around, people swimming, lounging, and soaking up this rare heatwave.

The beach itself is small, but there's a manmade swimming area that connects to the Atlantic Ocean and is geothermically heated. So yes, it was still a bit chilly, but much warmer than the ocean attached to it. There were also two geothermal pools right on the beach, bubbling with warm water and swarmed with people, including lots of energetic little kids. It was the kind of unexpected day that Iceland tosses your way every once in a while, and it felt like a summer vacation moment snuck into the study abroad program.

After our beach time, we headed back to the apartment to drop off our bags and sandy towels. Then a friend and I walked over to the famous hot dog stand that apparently gained its reputation after Bill Clinton tried one there. Verdict: not life changing, but not bad either. On the way, we stumbled into a tiny old-fashioned bookstore, an adorable cozy place that has been in Reykjavík forever. To top off the evening, we craved dessert and grabbed donuts and ice cream, and let me just say, it was probably the best sweet treat I've had this whole trip.

Tuesday: Smores in Iceland

Tuesday brought a little DIY fun. A few of us did a grocery run specifically for smores ingredients. Since we didn't have a firepit, we improvised; we baked the chocolate and marshmallows until they melted together and then dipped the graham cracker type cookies into the gooey mess. Unsurprisingly good. Plus, it turned into a fun night of chatting and laughing.

Friday: Sugar for Breakfast

On Friday, some of us woke up early and went out for breakfast, but mostly for donuts again (yes, we're on a donut streak). I got a crème brûlée donut and watched them torch the sugar right in front of me, which felt very gourmet for a bakery run. The top was crispy, and the filling was very sweet.

Saturday: Darts and the Mall

Saturday was a mix of low key and dressed up. I decided to explore the mall on my own, which ended up being more of a time commitment than expected- nearly an hour bus ride each way. I wandered the stores for a couple of hours, just taking it all in before heading back.

Later that evening, a few of us got dressed up and did our makeup before heading out for a night of darts at Bullseye Reykjavík. We paid for an hour, through a few darts (I wasn't quite as bad as I thought I'd be), met up with friends, grabbed snacks from 10/11 (Iceland's version of 7/11), and ended the night chilling back at the apartment.

Sunday: Souvenir Mission and Missing Home

Sunday was all about souvenir shopping. I spent a few hours walking through the streets and shops, trying to find just the right gifts for friends and family back home. As I wandered, it really hit me: this is our last full week here. Even though I've been having so much fun and this experience is one of the best of my life, there's someone back home that makes being away harder than I ever imagined. I've missed them every single day since I've arrived, but now that I'm just a week away from being home, that feeling is stronger than ever. The excitement to be back is overwhelming, but it's also tangled with the sadness of leaving a place that's given me so much in the past weeks.

Anne Scott

Computer Science

IPE: Engineering in Reykjavík, Iceland

[umichenginabroad]

Week 5: Power Plants and Pizza

This week was all about energy, literally and figuratively. Friday's "Power Trip" was the main event, and it lived up to the name. From geothermal views to hydroelectric exhibits, we packed in a full day of exploration, learning, and cheesy breadsticks. And yes, I fell asleep the moment we got back.

Friday: The Power Trip

We kicked off the day bright and early, leaving at 8:30 a.m. with our group in a small charter bus. Our first stop was a short hike to a lookout point where we could see a geothermal power plant nestled below. The view was absolutely breathtaking, mist rising from the earth and mountains framing everything like a postcard.

Next, we drove to a black sand beach, which was surreal. The sand was a deep charcoal. We took tons of photos, and I pocketed a few volcanic rocks to bring home for my little brother; he's going to think they're the coolest thing ever.

From there, we visited a hydroelectric power plant and information center. The exhibits were interactive and surprisingly fun, with models and diagrams that helped explain how Iceland harnesses its rivers and waterfalls to generate electricity.

After that, we circled back to a familiar spot: the crater we'd visited during our Golden Circle trip. Seeing it a second time was just as impressive. Some of us who had already been there decided to walk the trail around the top, which gave us a new perspective looking down into the blue lake below.

By then, we were starving, so we stopped at a pizza place for lunch. We chilled there for a little while and I ordered cheesy breadsticks.

Before heading to the geothermal power plant's information center, we made a quick stop to see part of the plant up close. As soon as we stepped off the bus, the sky opened up. Completely the opposite of the beautiful weather we had all day, it was pouring and wind coming from all directions. We were completely soaked within minutes, but thankfully we made it a short stop.

Our final stop was the geothermal power plant and info center. Chris and one of our professors walked us through the exhibits, explaining how geothermal energy works and sharing the history behind Iceland's geothermic power.

Academics Abroad

Since we're five weeks in, I figured it's time to talk about the "study" part of study abroad. Yes, we're exploring Iceland, but we're also working hard in two classes that keep us very busy.

We have classes Monday through Thursday, which gives us long weekends to travel, rest, and catch up on work.

Enviromental Sustainability (10:30 - 12:00)

This class has been a mix of lectures and project work. In the first few weeks, we had rotating professors who taught us about physics, power systems, and environmental impact. Now, two graduate students have taken over and are guiding us through our sustainability projects. The entire grade for the class is based on this project, which includes two mini presentations, a final presentation, and a final paper.

EECS 280 (1:30 - 4:00 ish)

This class is fast paced. Like, really fast paced. It's condensed into just seven weeks, so we're constantly juggling projects, exams, and participation. There are three major projects: the first was individual, and the next two are group based (teams of two or three). We've already had our midterm, and the final is creeping up. I've heard people say EECS 280 is easier here than at UMICH, but honestly, I think it just depends on how you learn. The pace is intense, but the environment is very supportive and getting out of class early some days had been a nice bonus.

Lunch Breaks and Study Balance

Between classes, we get an hour and a half for lunch, which has been a lifesaver. It gives us time to relax, grab food (which we normally pack), and sometimes take a quick walk. Balancing academics with travel and social life has been somewhat tricky, but doable, especially as everyone in the program is in the same boat.

Anne Scott

Computer Science

IPE: Engineering in Reykjavík, Iceland

[umichenginabroad]

Week 4: Puffins, Projects, and One Day Trip

It's so hard for me to believe we're officially halfway through the program. This week was equal parts academic marathon and adventure, and somewhere in between I fell in love with puffins.

Saturday to Wednesday: Midterm Cramming

The week kicked off with work. From Saturday to Tuesday, I was in prep mode for our EECS 280 midterm. So many hours went into lectures, practice problems, debugging, and just trying to understand the logic behind C++. On Sunday though, I locked in again a different cafe from last time and had a shake.

By Tuesday night, my brain was completely fried, but somehow, I managed to retain just enough to survive Wednesday's exam. Once the midterm was over, the wave of relieve was immense. It's funny how coding can hold so much power over your sanity.

Friday: Westfjords and Puffins!

After pushing through a week of constant studying, Friday felt like a breath of fresh Icelandic air. A bunch of us planned our own trip to the Westfjords, one of the more remote and jaw dropping beautiful regions of Iceland. Our car opted for the long day: 6 hours there and back in a single day.

The drive itself felt like its own mini adventure. I was glued to the window the entire time, constantly pulling out my phone to take photos. Every turn unveiled winding coastlines, kind of terrifying mountain edges, wild horses, and so many sheep. Everything really looked like it came out of a movie.

That said, the mountain roads were something else. As we climbed higher and the roads got tighter, things got a little scary. The car seemed very close to the edge at some points and some parts were so bumpy that I was sure we had popped a tire. At one point the fog got so bad that you could barely see 20 feet ahead and looking down the side of the mountain was just a sheet of white. We survived though.

Eventually, we stopped at a little gas station that doubled as a restaurant and a hotel. I grabbed a hot chocolate, and we all shared some very good fries. Then, we took a short walk along the fjord where I took so many pictures of the rocks and the water.

A little further along, we had one of those spontaneous detours that turn out to be highlights: a shipwreck. We saw it alongside the road and decided to check it out.

Eventually we made it to our main destination: Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Iceland and Europe. We weren't just here to see the geography; we were there to see puffins! They are truly the cutest. We spent quite a while watching them pose for us along the cliffs, which themselves were stunning. Peeking over the edge and seeing the impossibly blue water was one of those moments I'll remember.

We retraced our route home in the evening, stopping back at the same gas station to refuel, until we finally made it home around 11:30.

Sunday: Academic Mode Again

On Sunday, it was time to go back into academic mode. Most of us met in groups, brainstorming for our environmental sustainability project and diving into Project 2 for EECS. I still can't believe we're already on the second project; it feels like we just went straight from Project 1 to the midterm and now to this.

Week Four Reflection

This week was definitely the most balanced week I've had since I've gotten here. There was a lot of academics and a bit of stress, but it was balanced out by the calm of seeing Iceland's natural world.

Anne Scott

Computer Science

IPE: Engineering in Reykjavík, Iceland

[umichenginabroad]

Week 3: Code, Culture, and Cinnamon Rolls

Week three had a slower rhythm compared to the first two, but honestly? I needed it. Between all the coding, cozy, cafes, and a few Icelandic experiences, this week was a quieter chapter of this journey.

Sunday Through Wednesday: Hot Chocolate, Code, and Icelandic 101

Sunday was a low-key day, and a necessary one. I spent several hours at a cafe downtown, camped out with my laptop and working away at our first coding project of the class. It was actually a really nice environment to be productive in. Most of the beginning of the week followed a similar pattern, with my head buried in code and frequent cafe breaks for hot chocolate and sanity.

Wednesday brought a welcome break from the programming grind with a cultural detour: an Icelandic language workshop after class. We learned a handful of common phrases, explored how the language is structured, an even got a little history lesson on how Icelandic has stayed so close to its Old Norse roots. Super fascinating, but super difficult. It's safe to say I won't be holding fluent conversations anytime soon, but I might be able to say hi and bye without messing it up.

Friday: Poolside Unwind

By the time Friday rolled around, I was beyond ready to decompress, and what better way than revisiting the public pools. It was just as relaxing the second time. The warm, steamy outdoor pools melted the week's stress away, and there's something about sitting in a naturally heated tub while chilly air hits your face that just calms you down. We still didn't make it into the ice bath though.

Saturday: Markets and Mementos

Saturday was a solo adventure kind of day. I walked down to Reykjavík’s flea market and ended up getting a bracelet handmade by a local, created from the lava stones from the area. I loved that it is a small way to literally take a piece of the island home. Afterward, I wandered into a handful of tourist shops and then took a break at a little cafe where I treated myself to a cinnamon roll. It hit the spot.

Housing and Getting Around

Since this week was a little lighter in activity, it feels like the perfect time to share a bit about daily life. More specifically housing and transportation. Our program includes housing in the cost, and we’re lucky to be placed right in Reykjavík. It's about a 35-minute walk to the university, which sounds ambitious, but honestly isn't too bad when the weather cooperates. Most mornings, though, we opt for the bus, which takes around the same amount of time once you factor in waiting and transferring, but it keeps us warm and dry, so no complaints there. We were given unlimited bus passes at the start of the program, which has been a huge perk.

There are 17 of us in the program, split across three apartments. My apartment has six girls, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and one shared living room/kitchen space. The first week or so, we tried communal dinners, splitting grocery costs and cooking together. It was fun until we realized that coordinating six people’s schedules and food preferences was easier said than done. By week three, we’ve pivoted to doing our own thing. There's a small grocery store just a five-minute walk away that works for our needs, though options are a little limited. A larger store about 15 minutes away has more variety, but both are noticeably pricier than what we're used to back home. One solid tip we've all been warned of: if the packaging isn’t in English, don’t assume you know what it is. Google Translate is your best friend, unless you want to be surprised by what you're cooking with.

A Slower Week, but Still so Full

While this week didn’t have the epic excursions or wild weather stories of previous ones, it was still incredibly fulfilling. I finished my coding project, picked up a few Icelandic phrases, and carved out time for self-care and quiet exploration. Sometimes, the most productive weeks don’t feel the most exciting and this one reminded me that work and recharging are parts of the trip, too.

Anne Scott

Computer Science

IPE: Engineering in Reykjavík, Iceland

[umichenginabroad]

Week 2: Parades, Popcorn, and the Golden Circle

Week two came in with the same busyness as the first and some more incredible sights. This week we immersed ourselves with Icelandic Pride on National Day, watched an Icelandic movie, and went on another excursion.

Tuesday: National Day in the Rain

Tuesday was Iceland's National Day, so we had the day off from class to experience the celebration. We started the morning at a nearby park where an official ceremony was taking place, complete with French horns, singers, and speeches... all in Icelandic. We just kind of stood there and nodded like we understood what they were saying.

As the rain started coming down a bit harder, we made our way to a cozy bookstore/coffee shop. I grabbed a pastry and a hot chocolate (both very necessary), and we all lingered there for about an hour, hiding from the cold. Bookstores are one of my favorite places because there's something magical about being warm and surrounded by books, especially in a foreign city.

Next, we headed to Rainbow Road to catch the start of the parade. The parade itself was pretty small in terms of scale but stretched a surprisingly long distance. Instead of spectators lining the route, most people (including us) just followed the parade along. At the end, everyone gathered in another park where there were food trucks, a massive stage, bounce houses, and even a climbing wall. The vibe was festive, but between the steady drizzle and chilly wind, we bailed earlier than planned and headed back to the apartment to thaw out.

Thursday: Icelandic Cinema & Subtitles

On Thursday after class, our advisor/API coordinator Chris brought over popcorn and queued up Women at War, an Icelandic film that turned out to be surprisingly entertaining. Once you got over the fact that all the English came in subtitle form, you could understand the movie and get pulled in even more to the Icelandic culture.

Friday: The Golden Circle Adventure

Friday was jam packed. Eleven of us spent the entire day exploring the Golden Circle, a route filled with many of Iceland's natural greatest hits. We started at Þingvellir National Park, where a tiny church and gentle waterfall sat among these huge cinematic views.

Lunch came next and my mozzarella sticks were elite. I still have no idea what was in the dipping sauce, but I was told that Icelanders know how to make sauces, and now I just have to agree.

Then we rolled up to Geysir, home to the original namesake of all geysers. The biggest one has been dormant for years, but its neighbor still erupts every few minutes, which gave us some pretty cool videos to look at later. Afterwards some of us browsed the gift shop where we saw a very large wooden Thor and played trivia, while we waited for others to be done at the geyser.

From there, we hit two absolutely stunning waterfalls. One was wide and dramatic; the kind of place that makes you stop mid conversation to just stare. The other had water so turquoise it didn't look real. Both stops felt like waking up inside a painting.

Our final destination was a crater with a deep blue lake at its center. We hiked down to the bottom and skipped stones across the surface. A couple of boys were competing to see who could throw their rocks the farthest.

Saturday: Museums & Indoor Cookouts

Saturday morning, my apartment crew and I visited the Icelandic Phallological Musuem. It was unique. Definitely weird, but also one of those "when in Iceland" experiences. It's the only one of its kind in the world, so how could we not go? That said, the real highlight was the drinks and waffles afterwards. The waffles were topped with fresh fruit, ice cream, and Nutella, which was a great lunch.

Later that evening, we were supposed to have a group cookout in the park, but the weather had other plans. Chris dropped off all the food, and we turned our apartment into an indoor picnic. There were many people crowded in one apartment, but there was music and laughing, which kind of made it feel like home in a sense.

Sunday: Reality

And now it's Sunday. My to do list has one big item: finish the computer science project that's due on Tuesday. Right now, I'm writing this blog post instead, but hopefully this project will get done in time!

Anne Scott

Computer Science

IPE: Engineering in Reykjavík, Iceland

[umichenginabroad]

Week 1: From Jet Lag to Waterfalls

If you'd told me a week ago, I'd be standing behind a waterfall, drenched and freezing but having so much fun, I wouldn't have believed you. Iceland has a funny way of pulling you in from day one and this first week has been the perfect mix of awe, exhaustion, and unforgettable memories.

Day 1: Touchdown in Reykjavík

After a long (and sleep-deprived) flight across the ocean, we touched down in Reykjavík on Monday morning. But there was no time to rest, just time to jump into Iceland.

After dropping off our luggage at our new apartments, our first stop was Hallgrímskirkja, the famous church that towers over the city. The building itself is stunning, but the best part was taking the elevator to the top of the bell tower. Wow - what a view. The city unfolded below us with the mountains and ocean in the background. The view was enough to take your breath away.

After quite a bit more walking around the city to see what it had to offer (and to kill time before our dinner reservation), we went to a welcome dinner full of traditional Icelandic foods. It took about two hours for the meal, but the food was delicious.

Wednesday: Back to Academics

On Wednesday, the academic side of our program kicked off as classes officially began. There's a lot to say about the coursework even after the first week, but I think it deserves its own post. For now, I'll just say my brain has started working overtime again- but in the best way possible.

Sometime Midweek: Public Pools

At some point during the week (Thursday, maybe?), we decided to unwind like the locals, with a visit to one of Reykjavík's geothermally heated public pools. And let me tell you, it was exactly what we needed. Despite the chilly air, the outdoor pools were so warm and steamy they felt more like a row of hot tubs. There were five outdoor pools in total, each varying slightly in temperature, and we rotated between them as we got hot or cold. There were also two indoor pools, but we spent most of our time outside. There was, of course, an outdoor ice bath as well... which I did not go in. Some people did, but I watched them from the warmth.

Friday: Fire, Ice & Waterfalls

Friday was hands down the highlight of the week. Our full-day excursion, named "Fire, Ice & Waterfalls," lived up to every ounce of its dramatic title.

We started at the Lava Center, an interactive museum that helped us understand the fierce geological forces that shaped the island of Iceland. It was both mind blowing and mildly terrifying to learn just how alive Iceland really is, made up of volcanoes, shifting tectonic plates, and the constant earthquakes (most of which are too small for humans to feel).

From fire to ice, our next stop was the glacier. Standing at the base of this giant, ancient sheet of ice, I felt a strange mix of awe and humility. The wind was sharp, the air cool, and everything in sight looked like it had been plucked straight from a National Geographic magazine. There's something surreal about being near something that's existed for thousands of years, yet seeing the lake in front of it, realizing it might not survive another thousand. It was definitely one of those moments that made me pause and think.

But Iceland wasn't done showing off yet. Our final stops were two massive waterfalls, and they were spectacular. The roar of the water, the spray that soaked us through our jackets, the rainbows arcing through the mist, it was pure magic. One of the waterfalls allowed us to walk behind it, and we just laughed as we were all soaked to the bone. It's impossible to explain how cold and wet we were without sounding miserable, but somehow, it was my favorite part of the day.

The ride back to the apartments was quiet as we were all tired from the long day and couldn't wait to get back in our warm beds.

Saturday Night: Becoming Icelandic

To close out the week, we went to a comedy show called "How to Be Icelandic in 60 Minutes." It was a good mix of humor and cultural crash course. By the end, we had our "certificates" and can officially call ourselves honorary Icelanders.

It's wild to think that it's already been a week and I can't wait to keep you updated on the next ones!

Anne Scott

Computer Science

IPE: Engineering in Reykjavík, Iceland

[umichenginabroad]

Week 0 - Leaving for Reykjavík

Hæ!

My name is Anne, and I am a rising sophomore majoring in computer science. After a 6-hour plane ride across the Atlantic, I've officially arrived in Reykjavík, Iceland for my 7-week study abroad adventure and honestly, it still doesn't feel real!

I'm here taking EECS 280 to fulfill one of my CS requirements and I'll also be taking an environmental sustainability class. More than the classes though, I'm super excited to see all the sights here!

I have to admit I procrastinated packing. A lot. It started off with saying "I'll just do it next week," to "I'll do it tomorrow," until I finally made it to "Oh no, I leave this weekend!" However, after some chaos I finally made it to the airport and hopefully I haven't forgotten anything.

After everyone arrived at the airport, we had a 45-minute bus and the sights along the way were beautiful!

Pictures from the bus ride.

Over the next 7 weeks I have some goals I hope to...

Live Like a Local: Learning Icelandic customs, eating their foods, and taking their transportation is on my list to do. I'm hoping to immerse myself as fully in the culture here as I can.

Capture Everything: I want to capture as much as I can of this journey through pictures and words, much of which I will be recording in this blog. (And take SO many pictures!)

Find Career Ideas: I don't know exactly where I want to end up in tech just yet, but maybe seeing the technology (especially the tech relating to sustainable energy) in Iceland will give me some ideas.

Being here feels like I'm caught in some kind of dream, and I'm not rushing to wake up any time soon. I'm so excited to keep you updated on my adventure, growth, and challenges on this once in a lifetime experience!

Anne Scott

Computer Science

IPE: Engineering in Reykjavík, Iceland