An opportunity for members of the Icelandic Association of Washington DC
Not a member? Click here to join!
The Icelandic Association of Washington DC offers a scholarship program in support of our mandate to promote Icelandic language and culture. Each year we offer one or more scholarships to study Icelandic at the University Centre of the Westfjords in Ísafjörður.
About the Program
The scholarship is dedicated to participation in a three-week total immersion beginners (A1-A2) program in Icelandic that takes place during the summer.
Visit the website for the University Centre of the Westfjords for more information about the program, the application process for the program, and any prerequisites.
It is highly recommended to complete the Icelandic Online basic survival course before starting the program. This is an easy course that you can do at your own pace.
What’s included in our scholarship program?
- Tuition Cost
- Partially subsidized airfare for up to $500 per student from Dulles to Keflavik, Iceland (IAD-KEF) via Icelandair
What’s not included?
The student is responsible for arranging their own travel, lodging and meals, including ground transportation to and from airports and to Ísafjördur. The University of Westfjords does not provide meals.
Who can apply?
Current members and their immediate family, 21 years old or older.
How do I apply?
Application is easy:
1. Submit an essay of no less than 500 words telling us about yourself and why you think you should receive this scholarship. We would like to hear about why you are interested in learning Icelandic, what your personal connection to Iceland is, how you are affiliated with the Icelandic Association of Washington, D.C., and what Icelandic Association activities you have participated in.
2. Include the following information:
- Full name (First MI Last)
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Phone (best number to reach you)
Applicants must submit their own application — and be accepted — to the program and complete necessary prerequisites before the Icelandic Association of Washington DC will pay any scholarship fees the University Centre.
Application Period
Email your application to scholarships@icelanddc.com between April 15 and June 1.
Practicalities
Getting to Ísafjördur
Daily flights are available from Reykjavik Airport to Ísafjördur. You can also choose to take a bus, or if you are old enough and have sufficient driver privileges you can rent a car.
Staying in Ísafjördur
You will need to find your own housing during the stay. Traditional hotels and guesthouses can cost up to $3,000 for three weeks. A limited number of rooms are available at the University Centre’s Student Housing that cost approximately $1,200 for the period.
Eating in restaurants every day can be expensive so we recommend cooking at home and buying food at local grocery stores. Students can expect to spend about $140 every 2-3 days or so on food. Fast food can cost $20-$40 per meal.
Visas
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Iceland as tourists for a stay of fewer than 90 days. The total stay within the Schengen area must not exceed 90 days in any period of 180 days.
Please note, that U.S. citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least 3 months beyond their intended stay in Iceland.
Detailed information can be found on the website of the Icelandic Directorate of Immigration: https://island.is/en/o/directorate-of-immigration
Disclaimer
The Icelandic Association of Washington DC (“the Association”) is in no way affiliated with the University Centre of the Westfjords or its program. The Association offers this scholarship as a public service to its membership. Scholarship applicants will assume all risk and responsibility for their participation in this program and their subsequent visit to Iceland, including any travel related expenses, risks, injuries or accidents. The Association is not responsible for lost items, missed flights or ground transportation from the Keflavik airport to Reykjavik and Ísafjörður and back.
Following completion of the course, scholarship recipients are required to share their experience through the presentation of an essay, series of articles, or other engaging media, including photographs that the Association may publish on its website. Scholarship applicants also agree to allow the Association to publish their name(s) and picture(s) to announce the scholarship winners.
Questions?
Contact us at info@icelanddc.com