Háskóli Íslands admits around 2,000 international students each year, approximately 14% of total enrollment. Student backgrounds vary across continents, but the international student population is united by a desire to embrace living in the Arctic and pursue an Icelandic education. As an international student myself, I set out to gain insight into what our diverse group of peers brought with them from home, and how they stay connected to their roots while integrating into Icelandic culture.

“After moving away, the one element I could not live without that has helped immensely with my mental health is my dog, Pantufa. I have had him for the past 9 years and, no joke, he is the most important thing I brought with me from Portugal 2 years ago, when I moved to Iceland. Keeping up with my family a couple nights a week through video calls and visiting my country once or twice a year have become the best way to feel connected with my roots so far away from home.” – Ana, Graduate Student from Portugal.

“I mostly use WhatsApp to stay connected with my family members back in Pakistan. There is a 5-hour time difference, so I make the most out of whatever chance I have to share pictures of where I'm going and what I'm doing. Everyone back home is moving at their own pace, and there is no right or wrong when it comes to appreciating the presence of your loved ones. I make sure to ask about their plans for the day or the weekend, and write about them in my calendar or student book. Knowing what they're up to or what they had for dinner makes me feel connected and encourages me to appreciate the good things in life.” – Ahmad, Graduate Student from Pakistan.

Sara, Graduate Student from Iran, with her daughter, Anna.

“I don't physically travel back to Iran because it is very far away, but to stay connected while in Iceland, I use messaging apps and video calls on WhatsApp to keep in touch with my friends and family back home.” – Sara, Graduate Student from Iran.

Alexander, Undergraduate Student from Denmark.

“I stay connected to home by calling my grandpa twice a week. It’s always great catching up and speaking my mother tongue for a bit. I often call him while doing the dishes. I also make dinner at my apartment with other students from my home country Denmark. We often play cards afterward and it gets competitive.” –Alexander, Undergraduate Student from Denmark.

“As there are a lot of Polish people living in Iceland, it is easier to stay connected to my home. There are a lot of amazing events in Polish, such as concerts, art exhibitions, dance classes, and food tasting. When I feel homesick, I like to go to Bio Paradis to watch a movie in my language or to eat dumplings in a Polish restaurant. I was raised next to a forest, so I like to spend my Sundays in Heiðmörk, as I used to do back home.” – Dominika, Graduate Student from Poland

“One way I stay connected to Ghana while in Iceland is by wearing clothing from Ghana. Sporting traditional Ghanaian attire or clothing with Ghanaian designs helps maintain a sense of connection to my home country, reminding me of my roots and culture while exploring a different place.” – Ella, Graduate Student from Ghana.

“Now that I am in Iceland, I stay connected with home and people I care about through a Telegram channel in which I post every experience I do here with pictures, videos, messages and vocal messages. I also call and text with people I am closer to. Many of my friends from Italy have been coming to visit and spend time with me as well.” – Andy, Undergraduate Student from Italy.

Far From Home: International Perspectives