Snuggled in Húsavik, Iceland observing the beautiful snow-capped mountains that frame a quaint calm harbour, is a UWinnipeg team of 14 participants that includes a diverse group of eight students (geography, environmental studies, biology and education students), Dr. Bill Buhay, (geography professor), as well as Weldon Hiebert (cartographer) and Brian McGregor (geography instructor). They are all there September 4, 2015.
This trip was the brainchild of Buhay, whose geology background inspired him to bring UWinnipeg students to Iceland, an amazing landscape full of volcanoes, glaciers and waterfalls and the occasional troll and elf, as legend has it.
“This trip is a chance for students to experience the physical and cultural aspects of their “in class” studies and, at the moment my personal observations suggest that they are finding out that there is no substitute for actual experience,” explained Buhay while still in Iceland. “I am certain that every student, everyone in fact, on the trip will be changed as a result of their time spent in Iceland.”
The trip was mainly due to the fortitude of Buhay’s colleague Hiebert, the driving interests of his wife Ina, and recently retired geography professor Dr. Bill Rannie and his wife Elaine, who dedicated themselves to the planning and funding of this memorable 10-day trip for the UWinnipeg students.
These are the voices of some of the students on their experience.
Nadine Kanik
“As a physical geography major, I have been taught many earth processes in the various courses I have taken,” explained UWinnipeg student Nadine Kanik (Hon., Physical Geography). “Traveling to Iceland has provided me the opportunity to experience these fascinating phenomena firsthand. Feeling the sheer power of the Dentifoss (Iceland’s largest waterfall) and traversing the breathtaking glaciers sculpting the mountains has completely changed my perspective on features that make up this majestic landscape. Having our professors along to provide added insight and share their personal field stories with us has been truly inspiring.”
“Traveling with this group of students and professors has provided me with a new perspective on all the things we study in the classroom,”expressed Justine Backer, (Environmental Studies student). “I believe experimental learning is an integral part of education that enhances the university experience. This trip has inspired a new admiration for everything we study and allowed us all to discover our new love of Iceland.”
Adam Dubinsky
“Iceland has greatly changed me and how I view life forever,” said Adam Dubinsk. (Environmental Studies student). “The Iceland trip was a big eye opener and I will forever remember it and learn from the lessons that I have learned.
