Program dates correspond closely to the HWS semester calendar, unless otherwise noted. In addition to pre-requisite courses or skills that may be required, students must demonstrate on their application how their participation would help to meet their academic goals and fulfill requirements for completion of major or minor. Numerous field trips are incorporated to observe geological phenomena and natural habitats unique to Iceland, known for its volcanism and arctic flora and fauna. Students earn three HWS trimester course credits. Normally one course can be counted toward the biology major and one or two toward geoscience.
Students reside in furnished rooms in Reykjavik and in hotels while on excursions.
At least one year of college biology and a college course in chemistry is required for the biology track. For geology at least one year of college geology and a college course in chemistry are required and background in biology is recommended. Frequent field trips are physically demanding on difficult terrain. A GPA of at least 3.0 is required for either track. The program at Nanjing University, or for more advanced students at Peking University, offers an opportunity to improve command of spoken and written Mandarin Chinese, and to gain an understanding of contemporary Chinese society .