SUNY Oswego Education Abroad

16/09/2026

05/08/2026

🤩📸🏆🎉 WE HAVE A WINNER!

Congratulations, Elyssa Lewis Elyssa Lewis! Your photo won the study abroad portrait contest and will be featured in the upcoming Fall 2026 College Life advertisement for Oswego Abroad!

Elyssa, a SUNY Oswego graduate student in the School of Psychology program, studied abroad this summer as part of the faculty-led Integrative Wellness and Counseling Approaches course in Bern, Switzerland with Dr. Jodi Mullen. When asked why she chose to study abroad, Elyssa shared:

“Studying abroad has always been a dream of mine, as it offers the opportunity to experience another country while learning from diverse perspectives. I chose this study abroad program because it aligned with both my passion for wellness and my professional goals of becoming a school psychologist. Wellness is something I value and intentionally incorporate into my daily life through self-care, mindfulness, and spending time in nature, so I was excited to deepen my understanding of wellness and nature-based counseling from a global perspective.

Although my graduate coursework has introduced me to a variety of counseling approaches, I was especially drawn to the opportunity to explore how therapeutic wellness and nature-based practices are integrated into counseling within a different cultural setting. Switzerland’s strong connection to nature made it the ideal place to experience these approaches firsthand while broadening my worldview. I looked forward to gaining practical strategies, new insights, and counseling techniques that I can apply to better support my future students.”

Elyssa also shared photo highlights from her study abroad journey in Switzerland, where she explored breathtaking landscapes through hikes in Rüschegg and Schwarzsee (Black Lake), visited the St. Beatus Caves in Interlaken, and rode the historic Harderbahn funicular to the Harder Kulm viewpoint for stunning Swiss Alps views.

Congratulations again, Elyssa — and thank you to everyone who entered. You make us look good! Be sure to pick up a copy of the College Life publication (and see Elyssa’s ad!) on campus at the start of the semester.

07/06/2026

🇮🇸✨ ICELAND: Final Day!

🇮🇸✈️ And just like that, our Wellness in Iceland journey has come to an end!

Dr. Sandy Bargainnier () and the Q4 faculty-led Fire & Ice students spent their final morning in Reykjavík at the vibrant Kolaportið Flea Market, searching for unique local treasures, authentic vintage Icelandic sweaters, and saying one last goodbye to the city and its beautiful artwork. 🛍️✨

This study abroad experience has been so much more than a trip—it’s been a lesson in slowing down, connecting with the earth’s elements, and redefining what it means to truly nurture our mind, body, and soul. From geothermal dips and volcanic hikes to animal therapy and community wellness, we are leaving with full hearts, clearer minds, and lifelong memories and friendships.

As they depart Iceland, the class leaves with full hearts, new perspectives, lifelong friendships, and memories that will stay with us long after we’ve returned home.

Thank you, Iceland, for teaching us how to find balance and for sharing your incredible beauty with us. 🌋💙❄️

06/06/2026

🇮🇸✨ BONUS: Strokkur Geyser, Iceland!

🌋💦 Nature put on a show! The Q4 Fire & Ice: Balancing Wellness in Iceland students witnessed the incredible Strokkur Geyser erupting in the geothermal heart of Iceland. Every few minutes, boiling water and steam burst high into the air, reminding them of the powerful forces that shape this island nation.

Experiencing Iceland’s dynamic landscape firsthand is just one of the many ways the class explores the connection between nature, wellness, and adventure. 🇮🇸✨

06/06/2026

🇮🇸✨ ICELAND: Day 6

Day 6 was the perfect blend of epic geology, Icelandic culture, and local connection! 🌍✨
Day 6 began with Dr. Sandy Bargainnier () and the Q4 Fire & Ice: Balancing Wellness in Iceland SUNY Oswego students began at Vorsabær Farm, where they learned about the realities of running a traditional family farm and horse-training business in Iceland. Students met beautiful Icelandic horses, sheep, and plenty of playful baby goats, gaining insight into a family enterprise that has cared for animals and the land for generations. 🐴🐑🐐 There’s something special about farm life that reminds us to slow down, connect, and appreciate the world around us.

From there, Q4 Fire & Ice set out on Iceland’s famous Golden Circle route. The students stood in awe of the powerful Gullfoss Waterfall, witnessed the bubbling geothermal activity of the Geysir area, and explored Þingvellir National Park, where they walked between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. 🌋💧💙💛

Experiencing these incredible natural wonders firsthand offered a powerful reminder of Iceland’s dynamic landscape and our connection to the forces that shape the planet.

05/06/2026

🇮🇸✨ ICELAND: Day 5!

Day 5 saw the Q4 Fire & Ice: Balancing Wellness in Iceland course experience the incredible power and beauty of Iceland’s ever-changing landscape!

The day began at Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, where students boarded an amphibian boat tour and floated among towering icebergs at the edge of the mighty Vatnajökull Glacier. Seeing these massive formations up close offered a firsthand look at one of Iceland’s most breathtaking natural wonders.

Next, the group explored Skaftafell, making several stops to observe ancient lava fields, vibrant moss-covered terrain, and landscapes shaped by centuries of volcanic eruptions and glacial floods. Each stop revealed another chapter in Iceland’s remarkable geological story.

Their adventure continued at the stunning Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, a dramatic canyon formed approximately 9,000–10,000 years ago. Students followed the winding path of the Fjaðrá River as it carved its way through steep, moss-covered walls, while taking in views of the beautiful Mögáfoss Waterfall cascading from the canyon’s western edge.

After a day of exploration, the group settled in for dinner and an evening wellness debrief before recharging for the next adventure. As always: hydrate, reflect, and get some rest! 💙✨

Vatnajokull Skaftafell Fjadrargljufur GlobalLakers ExploreTheWorld

04/06/2026

🇮🇸✨ ICELAND: Day 4!

Dr. Sandy Bargainnier ( ), and the Q4 Fire & Ice: Balancing Wellness in Iceland SUNY Oswego students experienced the incredible natural forces that make Iceland unlike anywhere else on Earth! 🌋💧

Their adventure began in Hveragerði, where they explored a geothermal park and witnessed firsthand how Iceland harnesses volcanic energy. Students boiled and ate eggs cooked in geothermally heated water, sampled traditional Icelandic rye bread baked overnight in underground steam, watched a geyser erupt, and toured a geothermal greenhouse growing tomatoes, herbs, and even bananas. It was a fascinating lesson in sustainability, wellness, and the connection between people and the Earth’s natural resources.

Next, they traveled to the Lava Centre, an interactive museum on Iceland’s South Coast, where the students learned about the powerful volcanoes and earthquakes that continue to shape the island’s landscape.

The afternoon was filled with some of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders:
💦 Seljalandsfoss – walking behind the cascading waterfall and into its hidden cave for a completely different perspective.
💦 Skógafoss – standing in awe of one of Iceland’s most breathtaking waterfalls.
⛪ Vík í Mýrdal – taking in stunning coastal views and the town’s famous hilltop church.
🖤 Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach – exploring volcanic black sands, towering basalt columns, dramatic sea stacks, and even spotting puffins up close!

The class wrapped up the day with dinner and an evening wellness debrief at the beautiful Magma Hotel in Kirkjubæjarklaustur, reflecting on a day filled with learning, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

Today, everyone truly felt the “fire” in Wellness in Iceland while discovering how Iceland’s volcanic landscape continues to shape its culture, environment, and way of life.

03/06/2026

🇮🇸✨Iceland Day 3!

Today was a free day for our study abroad crew to choose their own Icelandic adventure!

Students spent the day exploring Reykjavík at their own pace—some embarked on unforgettable whale-watching excursions 🐋, others wandered the city streets, shopped for souvenirs 🛍️, and discovered local culture around every corner.

Many students also visited Icelandic grocery stores to stock up on travel snacks and experience everyday life through local foods and brands. From fresh sandwiches to uniquely Icelandic treats, stores like Bónus and Krónan offered a taste of Iceland beyond the tourist attractions. 🥪🍫

A group of students ventured to Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach, where they experienced one of Iceland’s most unique wellness destinations—taking in the contrast between the chilly North Atlantic Ocean 🌊 and the warm geothermal pools ♨️.

Whether they were exploring nature, enjoying local food, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of Reykjavík, students today had the opportunity to create their own memorable experiences in Iceland. 💙🇮🇸✈️🌍

02/06/2026

🇮🇸✨ ICELAND Day 2!

Exploring Reykjavik like true locals! The students joined a city walking tour at the Jón Sigurðsson statue to explore iconic spots like the Parliament House, churches, city hall, and local neighborhoods. The group then ventured to see the Hallgrímskirkja church, the Hólavallagarður cemetery, where they explored history, silence, and birding, and we ended near the peaceful Tjörnin pond.

The study abroad crew stopped by Mama Reykjavik for a late, plant-based lunch. Nestled right in the center of the city, this vibrant restaurant and wellness space is the perfect spot for us to pause, slow down, and focus on creating a healthy environment for the mind, body, and spirit.

Tonight, we are diving deep into authentic Icelandic pool culture at the Laugardalslaug geothermal baths. From navigating the mandatory pre-swim shower rules to braving the cold plunges, we are learning firsthand how community and geothermal water form the backbone of wellness here!

01/06/2026

ICELAND FACULTY-LED 🇮🇸✨

Dr. Sandy Bargainnier, Professor of Health Promotion and Wellness, recently led the week-long Q4 faculty-led course, Fire & Ice: Balancing Wellness in Iceland (May 18 - 23). Six SUNY Oswego students journeyed to the land of fire and ice, where glaciers meet volcanoes, hot springs fuel community life, and the rhythms of nature shape everyday wellness.

This 3-credit immersive course combined asynchronous Q4 coursework with experiential learning across Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Join us all week as Dr. Bargainnier and the students take us through their Icelandic adventure, sharing unforgettable moments, wellness insights, and memories from their May 2026 experience abroad!

Day 1 in Iceland 🇮🇸✨
Oswego students started the day by grabbing a famous Icelandic hot dog before heading out on a quick city walk through Reykjavík. From there, the class hopped on the bus to the Sky Lagoon, where the focus of the afternoon was simple: slow down, unplug, and embrace the Icelandic art of relaxation.

Students experienced the Sky Lagoon’s renowned 7-step ritual, taking time to fully engage their senses and savor each moment. The assignment? Take a few photos upon arrival, then lock away the phones, respect the peaceful atmosphere, and be present. 🧘‍♀️💙

In the evening, the class continued their wellness journey with a 1.5-mile walk down Laugavegur Street to Pósthús Food Hall near Austurvöllur Square for a group dinner. Afterward, they gather back at the Fosshotel Reykjavík for their daily wellness debrief before winding down for the night.

Finding balance, practicing mindfulness, staying hydrated, and discovering the power of being present—one thermal pool at a time. ✨♨️

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