Over seven hundred international students begin their studies at the University this autumn; 174 exchange students and 543 degree students. There are fewer exchange students compared to last year, however, the number of degree students has increased.
The situation was different this spring when there was a considerable increase in applications for exchange studies at the University, but due the COVID-19 pandemic many of the partner universities did not send any exchange students overseas this autumn. The latest developments in the pandemic further influenced the decision of some exchange students not to travel to Iceland. So of the 264 students who were approved for exchange studies at the University of Iceland 174 turned up. However, there is an increase in the number of international degree students, who were 517 last year as opposed to 543 this autumn.
Orientation was different this year
Orientation days for international students were held on 27 and 28 August. The programme was a mix of on-site and online events. At individual school orientation meetings students had the option of attending or following live streaming from home. Representatives from the International Office and the International Officer of the Student Council attended the school meetings to welcome new international students.
The Student Counselling and Career Centre offered the course The Keys to Success at the University of Iceland, where students receive guidance on how to succeed at at the University of Iceland and enjoy their stay in Iceland. Another option for international students was a crash course in Icelandic: Icelandic in 90 minutes. The course was run online on Zoom with active student participation.
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 in this fun video. Additionally the International Committee of the Student Council organised an event where international students met their mentors who led groups through the campus and played games.
A new communication portal has been launched on the University's web where the orientation programme, information on events, rector's address and information on services on offer can be found.