Iceland Research Expeditions & Internships

Summer 2026 field dates in Iceland: May 25-June 1, June 3-10, June 12-19, June 20-28, June 30-July 7, July 9-16, July 18-25

We are currently reviewing applications for Summer 2026. Apply now to be considered for one of our teams.

 Research in Reykjavik, the Golden Circle and south iceland

The research expeditions during the summer of 2026 in Iceland will focus on conducting cultural and environmental field research for our “Trails & Secrets of Iceland” journal publication. Researchers will travel to Iceland for 8 days of field research and then spend 2-3 months working remotely, before and after the field research, synthesizing the information to be included in the journal. The ultimate goal of these publications are to provide travelers with insight into the culture and natural world they will be traveling through. This will include information on the island's culture, geography, geology, wildlife, plants, marine life, natural resources, hiking trails as well as tourism and its impacts. 

2026 RESEARCH TEAMS

Who should apply to our field research program?

Our programs are designed for individuals who are passionate about experiential learning, field research, and adventure. You would benefit from participating if you are:

• Undergraduate or Graduate Students – Seeking hands-on research experience in environmental science, sustainability, history, renewable resources, GIS, geography, geology, biology, anthropology or related fields.

• Aspiring Researchers & Academics – Interested in developing field research skills, publishing work and contributing to global knowledge.

• High School Seniors & Gap Year Students – Looking for an immersive educational experience to strengthen college applications and explore career interests.

• Future Scientists, Conservationists, & Environmentalists – Passionate about sustainability, ecology, and conservation with a desire to study real-world environmental challenges.

• Writers & Journalists – Eager to develop field-based storytelling skills and contribute to professional publications.

• Educators & Lifelong Learners – Wanting to enhance their knowledge through immersive, hands-on exploration of global cultures and environments. We build upon educators’ previous skillsets into the realm of place-based and project-based learning.

• Adventure Seekers with an Academic Focus – Individuals who enjoy travel and adventure but want an enriching, structured learning experience expanding leadership and communication skills.

• Students Considering Graduate School – Those who want to build their research portfolio and gain mentorship from experienced field researchers.

• Professionals Looking for Career Experience – Career changers or young professionals seeking practical research and field experience in an international setting.

Research Examples

Plant Research

Each participant will be assigned an individual research assignment. It will be their job to conduct literature reviews, seek out information from organizations, conduct field survey work, and then develop a contribution for the publication. For example, a participant whose focus is on studying plants, they would geospatially record observations of Iceland plants with our GPS equipment, visit the local botanical gardens and naturalist centers to learn about Icelandic cultural and medicinal plants and their uses, and then write up a 3-8 page section of the magazine that showcases the most commons plants that visitors will see as they travel through the dramatic nature of Iceland.

Geology Research

A participant assigned to research the geology of Iceland will spend their time visiting and documenting all of the geological phenomenon along the trails that we will be geospatially mapping. This information will be recorded and georeferenced using our GPS equipment. The participant will collect photographs that represent the geological features, spend time visiting naturalist centers, geology centers, and talk to local experts at the national park to ask questions and confirm the geologic features they are observing. The participant will then write up a contribution for the publication that provides the background on geologic features that visitors will encounter, helping them understand the natural work they are traveling through. Specific examples would include capturing pictures of basalt columns and describing the process of why they form in such a unique way, providing background on why Iceland’s beaches are made up of black sand, and what Pahoehoe and A’a lava are.

What you will gain from this research expedition

1. You become a contributor in a scientific journal.

2. Gain experience designing, researching, collecting, and synthesizing data.

3. Experience traveling abroad and immersing yourself in another culture. 

4. The opportunity to participate in and complete a collaborative project with fellow researchers.

5. Build an impressive resume with job experience that will set you apart from other candidates.

What you can expect

We work with each intern/researcher to set up an individualized topic of research. Working weekly with your Research Director, participants spend 10 hours per week for the first couple of weeks working remotely from school researching their assigned topic. Participants then spend 1 week conducting action research in Iceland. It is during this time participants investigate their research topic and document the findings gathered through surveys, observations, interviews, literature reviews, and photographs to include in the publication. Each research team is made up of 10 researchers and 2 lead researchers/instructors. Participants spend approximately 10 hours per week for the 2 months following the field research working with their research director to develop their contribution to the book. The total amount of hours spent over the course of the internship is approximately 180-200 hours. Our office team and editors provide assistance and feedback on each intern’s chapter content and grammar. Once the publication is published, each contributing researcher’s name will appear as a contributor in the back of the book with the team’s biographies and head shots.

The interview process

These research expeditions are competitive (over 400 applicants during the first 3 months of our 2025 spring hiring season) and we encourage applicants to be yourself while also putting effort into their application. The online application is a series of short answer questions designed for Global Treks to get to know the candidate, their background, and their personality. Our teams are small, intimate and efficient and we look for positive and dynamic people to help us make the best publication possible. Once your application is submitted, selected candidates will be contacted and given the option to set up a zoom interview or to submit the interview questions via a pre-recorded video. Upon completion of the interview/video submission, our selection committee meets once a week to determine the best candidates for each team. If a candidate is offered a position we provide access to the team’s private expedition page with all of the information needed for the travel and research. Our team will also develop a personalized research plan for each research assistant. We are also more than happy to help organize internship credit through the intern’s university.  

Optional video application submission

We understand that we all have busy schedules who heavy school loads, jobs, and travel. Applicants can choose to submit a pre-recorded video submission in lieu of the formal 45 minute phone interview. These video application submissions are reviewed each week with a follow-up 15 minute phone conversation to answer any questions you may have.

STILL CURIOUS?

Check out past participant’s videos of their research expedition to Iceland.

THE research base

The research teams will be staying in two local houses rented in Reykjavik, the capital city of Iceland, where 70% of the population lives. Each house has a full kitchen, living room, dining room, laundry, and bedrooms. The pictures below are a collection of both houses. Each gender specific bedroom will have 2-3 twin beds. Communal spaces such as the kitchen, living room and bathrooms are shared. Dinners are prepared buffet style each night and the group eats together while debriefing the day’s accomplishments and talking about the plan for the next day. All food will be provided. Breakfasts are made on your own with an abundance of food made available in the kitchen, there will be plenty of food for packing a lunch each day, and the team will be assigned cooking crews to take turns preparing dinner for the group each night.

Program Cost: $2,950

What’s included: The travel fee covers lodging, supplies, food, local transportation, and access to educational, natural history, and cultural centers. Basically, once we pick you up at the airport in Iceland you would not have to spend a penny unless you would like to purchase souvenirs.

What’s not included: Airfare transportation to Iceland not included. We are more than happy to help you book your flight. Flights typically start at $450 depending on your location. We will meet you at the Keflavik airport (airport code KEF) with our company shirts on and a sign that says, “Global Treks.”

*We are happy to assist with scholarship applications and working with your university in order to receive credit.

Ready to Apply?

Field Research Dates

Field Dates in Iceland to choose from: May 25-June 1, June 3-10, June 12-19, June 20-28, June 30-July 7, July 9-16, July 18-25

During the application process you will have the option to choose your preferred dates you would like to travel for your field research in Iceland.

Iceland Expedition Activity Descriptions

Expeditions with Global Treks are unlike any other field research experience on earth. The research we conduct is hands-on, relevant, and applicable to each intern’s academic and career goals. The places we explore are far beyond the realms of a standard classroom. But, what’s it like to live the experience? 

DAY 1: ARRIVAL DAY
After arriving at the airport and meeting with your team, today is spent acclimating to your new home abroad.  Orientation is provided to your research base and surrounding area. The team spends time getting to know one another and the week’s agenda is outlined in detail.

DAYS 2 – 8: RESEARCH AND EXPLORATION TIME
Research days are absolutely PACKED to the max. Interns work collaboratively as they visit various locations around the country collecting data. Specific data collection techniques match each specific research project. For example, geographers and biologists will collect data via interviews, GPS data point collection and observational species surveys. Anthropology and cultural studies projects will focus more on participant-observations, interviews, photography and collecting film footage. 

Interviews are conducted with professionals, government officials, business owners and employees, everyday citizens and local villagers. Interviews provide depth to the publication by representing as many perspectives as possible for the audience reading the publication. Interns work together throughout their time together to collect data and organize the publication. 

Each evening, researchers work with their guides and directors to expand field notes, learn new field techniques, set goals for the following day and attend various research or writing-related workshops. Each day’s agenda is reviewed the prior evening and interns are held accountable daily for their field notes and progress.

Iceland Highlights

What past paticipants have to say about their experience:

Molly M. | LEE University  

"Now being done with school and having a degree in journalism and a passion for traveling, I've been in that stage of life where I'm looking for all different kinds of opportunities to use my skills and expand them as well. I just happened upon this company and trip, and immediately was blown away at all that gets done in just a week's amount of time in the coolest places all over the world. During my time on the boat, I felt so motivated and trusted which makes a huge difference. I feel like I have the fire to write and get work done for the sailing guide professionally and I believe this will put me in the direction I want to go in with travel writing. Personally, I am so grateful to be in a welcoming environment with patience and adventure."

Eric N. | Texas A&M

  "My Global Treks experience was truly one of the best of my life. The trip gave me an incredibly valuable academic experience. I probably learned more about hands-on, geographical data collection during the 8 days with the team than I have in two years at A&M. Though I think that says more about value of quality field experience than it does about any lack of quality from university education, because universities courses are hugely valuable, but nothing can replace high quality field experience. Furthermore, I believe my experience with Global Treks will give me a significant edge when applying to future internships with National Geographic (fingers crossed) and graduate school. 

Joseph B. | Baldwin Wallace University

 "This expedition was an overall amazing experience and definitely one that will stick with me forever. I felt that throughout the trip, my expectations and goals were exceeded. Academically, I was able to conduct valuable field work in regards to both geology and GIS. To be in the field collecting and analyzing samples from a remote location is valuable knowledge that will only help me and help me grow further as an individual in the field of geology. As for GIS, this was the first of GPS tracking and collecting data, so to go into the field and actually learn hands on how to do so is invaluable. I consider myself a hands on learner, so this field work helped me exceptionally and it will help me in the long run to apply these new skills to further my education. Professionally, this expedition taught me how to do real life work outside of the classroom in a group setting and individually. Instead of just doing group work in the lab, I was outside in the field tracking in a team. As well as looking at rock formations and identifying rock types as an individual. Not to mention working as a team throughout the week on the sailboat. That alone took an innumerable amount of teamwork and camaraderie to get through the week. This helped so much especially going into a setting where we were all strangers. You can’t always pick who you work with and you must adapt to the setting and what you’re given. Thankfully, the team was amazing and it was so refreshing to work with such an awesome group of people. Personally, this trip overall was an amazing experience and it was definitely an adventure that helped me grow as an individual. Constantly helping others to accomplish a common goal is something I’m used to because of always being in a team setting, but never in this capacity. Sailing and living on a boat for a week was such an amazing experience and the lessons, memories, adventures, and experience will stick with me forever. I look forward to applying these skills in the future. 

Where are they now?

Greg Farley

Greg was a researcher on the 2016 San Juan Islands expedition. He helped to build the GIS maps for the Naturalist Guide to the San Juan Islands. Greg now works as a Human Geographer and Geospatial Analyst for a federal agency.

Katherine Kavanaugh

Katherine was a researcher on our 2017 Iceland Research Expedition. She helped map some of the first hiking trails of our Trail Guide project. Katherine currently works with NASA mapping climate change.

Adam Weaver

Adam was a researcher on one of our Iceland research teams with the responsibility to explore Iceland’s dynamic history and economy. Adam now works for Patagonia in California.

Lauren Caine

Lauren jumped into Iceland’s Search and Rescue Teams and the world of disaster relief. Following the expedition, Lauren is now working with FEMA helping with disaster relief management around the United States.

Molly Mann

Molly was a researcher on the Spanish Virgin Islands team utilizing her passion for creative writing to capture life on the archipelago. Molly now works with a publication company in Nashville and maintains a travel blog.

Jackie Bussjaeger

Jackie was on our Apostle Islands research team. She researched and wrote about the history of the islands. Jackie now works with Global Treks as an editor as well as a writer for the White Bear Lake Newspaper.