The left shows our class in the blue lagoon and getting hot dogs at a stand. The right is a picture of the entire journalism class. I showed these samples because they were the most enjoyable experiences of the trip and really bonded our student group together as a team.
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What was involved
This course was an immersive exploration of travel writing, combining in-depth study with hands-on practice and a culminating travel experience in Iceland. Throughout the semester, we examined various forms of travel writing, including destination articles, journey narratives, outdoor recreation pieces, and historical accounts. Through in-class and out-of-class writing assignments, travel journals, and readings about different global destinations, we learned contemporary approaches to travel writing and the many techniques used to craft compelling narratives. A significant component of the course focused on developing journalistic skills, such as observation, in-depth research, and informal interviews, to enhance our ability to tell rich, detailed travel stories. We also discussed the philosophy of “being there” and how firsthand experience shapes writing. Iceland was a central focus of our studies, and we explored its culture, history, natural wonders, folklore, language, politics, and people through readings, discussions, presentations, and guest speakers. Each student conducted research on a particular aspect of Icelandic culture that interested them, which allowed for a deeper and more personal understanding of the country. The highlight of the course was a week-long trip to Iceland, where we applied everything we had learned in real-time. We traveled to various locations, engaged with local culture, and recorded our experiences through travel journals, photography, and interviews. This trip provided the opportunity to practice travel writing in an authentic setting, capturing the landscapes, people, and moments that made the journey memorable. Overall, this course was a blend of academic study and experiential learning, equipping us with the skills to analyze and write about travel while giving us the unforgettable experience of exploring Iceland firsthand.
What I learned from the experience
From this experience, I learned not only how to write about travel but also how to truly engage with a place on a deeper level. Throughout the course, I developed a stronger understanding of the various forms of travel writing and the techniques that make for compelling storytelling. I gained practical skills in journalistic observation, research, and interviewing, all of which helped me capture the essence of a place in my writing. More importantly, I learned that travel writing is not just about describing destinations; it’s about conveying the emotions, history, and culture of a place in a way that resonates with readers. The week-long trip to Iceland was the most transformative part of the experience. It allowed me to apply what I had learned in real-time, sharpening my ability to observe details, take effective field notes, and translate my experiences into vivid narratives. I realized the importance of slowing down, immersing myself in my surroundings, and engaging with locals to gain insights beyond what a guidebook could provide. The trip also taught me the value of curiosity, asking questions, seeking out stories, and looking beyond the surface to understand a place’s deeper meaning. Beyond writing, this experience shaped the way I think about travel itself. It reinforced the idea that travel is not just about sightseeing but about connection, understanding a place’s history, people, and traditions. It also showed me how personal and subjective travel writing can be; each traveler experiences a place differently, and the best writing comes from capturing that unique perspective. Ultimately, this course and the trip to Iceland expanded my worldview, deepened my appreciation for cultural exploration, and gave me the confidence to approach writing and travel with greater intentionality and depth.
How it impacted my life
This course and the trip to Iceland had a profound impact on my life, shaping the way I experience travel, storytelling, and the world around me. Before, I saw travel as an exciting way to visit new places, but through this experience, I learned to approach it with deeper intentionality. I now understand that travel is not just about seeing famous landmarks but about immersing myself in a place’s culture, history, and daily life. This shift in perspective has made me a more observant and thoughtful traveler, someone who looks beyond the surface to uncover the stories that make a destination unique. The skills I developed, observation, research, interviewing, and journalistic writing, have changed the way I document my experiences. Instead of simply taking photos or writing generic descriptions, I now focus on capturing the essence of a place through meaningful details, personal reflections, and local perspectives. This has not only improved my writing but has also changed the way I engage with people. I am more comfortable striking up conversations with strangers, asking insightful questions, and listening to different viewpoints, which has made my interactions more meaningful both while traveling and in everyday life. Most importantly, this experience instilled in me a greater sense of curiosity and appreciation for the world. Exploring Iceland firsthand and learning about its history, culture, and landscapes made me realize how much there is to discover, even in places I thought I already understood. It inspired me to seek out new experiences with an open mind and to value the process of learning from different cultures. Whether in my future travels, writing, or personal growth, this course has given me a new way of seeing the world, one that prioritizes depth, connection, and storytelling as a way to preserve and share experiences.
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