Introduction to Iceland

Reykjanes Excursion

In this excursion, we will head to the Reykjanes peninsula, where the mid Atlantic ridge rises from the ocean, to give you a better view of the area most foreigners describe as "moon landscape". More than half of the penisula is covered with lava flows, some of which are only a few hundred years old. You will see lava cones and craters of different size and shapes.

More on Introduction to Iceland

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The Icelandic educational system is divided into four levels:

  • Pre-school level: up to 6 years of age
  • Compulsory school: primary and lower secondary school in a single structure, 6-16 years of age
  • Upper secondary school: 16-20 years of age
  • Higher educational: aged 20 and older

Education in Iceland has traditionally been organised within the public sector, and there are very few private institutions in the school system. Almost all private schools receive public funding.

The Icelandic Parliament is legally and politically responsible for the educational system. It determines its basic objectives and administrative framework. All education comes under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, with the exception of a few specialised schools.

The Icelandic higher educational system dates back to the foundation of University of Iceland in 1911. The University of Iceland remains the principal institution of higher learning in Iceland, but over the last three decades, new institutions of higher education have emerged, and there are currently seven institutions of higher education operating in Iceland.