Eligibility + application process

  • Yes, Snorri participants must be of Icelandic descent (in the case of adoptees, at least one parent must be of Icelandic descent). However, Snorri Plus is open to people with no Icelandic ancestry.

  • Snorri is open to applicants ages 20 to 30.

  • Yes, if you are 19 but will turn 20 before or during the trip, you are still welcome to apply.

  • Yes, if you are currently 30 and will turn 31 before the end of the program, you are still eligible to apply.

  • Yes, you are still welcome to apply even if you have previously visited Iceland.

  • Icelandic citizenship does not automatically disqualify an applicant, as we understand there are people who have citizenship through a parent but have spent very little time in Iceland. However, priority may be given to applicants who have not previously lived in Iceland or spent extensive time in Iceland.

  • The number of participants selected each year depends on several factors but is generally between 14 and 16. We do not allocate a certain number of slots for Americans or Canadians.

  • If you’ve been waitlisted, that means all our available spots for this year have been offered to other people. However, if an accepted applicant chooses not to accept the invitation to participate or drops out later, that available spot will be offered to waitlisted applicants, starting at the top of the waitlist. If you're waitlisted, we will keep you updated on any changes to your status, but you are always welcome to contact us if you have questions at any time. 

  • Applications are due in January each year (check here for specific date). Participants will generally be notified by the middle of February at the latest whether they have been accepted.

  • Click here to start the online application process. Besides completing the application form, you will be asked to provide one letter of recommendation on your behalf. The letter must be written by an academic or professional acquaintance (no friends or family members, please) and be sent directly from that person to us via email at info(at)snorri.is.

  • Yes, you and your sibling/cousin/friend are both welcome to apply, provided you both meet the eligibility requirements. However, all applications are evaluated individually, and it is possible that only one of you will be offered a spot.

  • If you are accepted but choose not to do the program this year for any reason, you are always welcome to reapply next year. However, you will not necessarily be given priority. 

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Eligibility + application process

Paying for the program

  • The program fee covers accommodation for the entire five-week trip; most meals; round trip airfare from certain Icelandair gateway cities in North America; insurance during your stay in Iceland; information kit upon arrival; domestic transportation when traveling as a group and to and from your homestay; the two-week language and culture program in Reykjavík (including lectures; Icelandic classes and course materials; and evening programs); detailed genealogy information; three-month access to the Icelandic Roots genealogy database and free training; contact with Icelandic relatives; full board, lodging, and travel costs for the week-long adventure tour; amazing memories that will last a lifetime, and more.

  • The program fee does not cover souvenirs, alcoholic beverages, snacks or drinks between meals, fees for activities that you choose to do during your free time (e.g. museum admission fees, transportation costs). If you have further questions about what the program fee does or does not cover, feel free to contact us.

  • Thanks to the Snorri Foundation and our generous sponsors, the advertised program fee is already considerably lower than the true cost of the program. We recognize that it is still a significant sum, but thankfully our North American partners offer several scholarships to help cover the cost of participating. Click here for more information on available scholarships and other tips for financing your trip.

  • We can accept payments via credit/debit card or international wire transfer. To pay by card, simply use the link we’ll send once you’re accepted. If you prefer to pay by wire transfer, that generally entails a trip to your bank, though some banks may allow you to set up the transfer through online banking. Please note that participants are responsible for any transfer fees charged by their banks. We also charge a processing fee for card payments to ensure that the full program fee is received.

  • All participants, including Canadians, should pay in USD. Please do NOT ask your bank to convert the payment to Euros, which are not used in Iceland, or Icelandic krónur.

  • An initial payment of at least half the total program fee is due on or before March 15, with the remaining balance due on or before May 1. Click here for payment information. If you have any questions or concerns about the payment schedule, please contact us.

  • Under certain conditions, yes. Please click here to view our full refund and cancelation policy.