Over nine hundred international students begin their studies at the University this autumn; 288 exchange students and 621 degree students. The number of students in both groups has increased compared to last year.
There were considerably fewer exchange students that embarked on their studies here last autumn. Due to the uncertainty in the development of the corona pandemic some of the partner universities did not send any exchange student overseas. There was, however, an increase in the number of international degree students last year when 543 international students began their studies.
Orientation for international students
Orientation days for international students are held on 25 to 27 August. The programme takes mostly place online due to disease prevention and restrictions on gatherings. The aim is to introduce students to each other as well as to the support services offered, how to get around campus, and to help them adjust to a new culture.
The programme includes various interesting courses, organised walks around campus, School welcome meetings and events organised by the Student Council. Rector Jón Atli Benediktsson and Isabel Alejandra Díaz, president of the Student Council welcomed international students at the beginning of orientation days.
The course, The Keys to Success at the University of Iceland, organised by the UI Student and Career Counselling will be available, where students are given pointers on how to succeed in their studies at the University, and enjoy their stay in Iceland. Those students who want a crash course in Icelandic can sign up for Icelandic in 90 minutes. The courses will be held online this year.
To help students adjust to Icelandic culture and society we got the Icelandic-Portuguese stand-up comedian Villa Neto to guide us through some Icelandic quirks. The stand-up will be online and followed by a Pub-Quiz.
The orientation programme, information on events, and information on services on offer can be found here on this communication portal on the University website.