Frequently Asked Questions

Snorri West

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Before the Trip

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. 

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.

Travel to Iceland

  • If you are a citizen of Canada or the United States, you do not currently need a visa to visit Iceland or other Schengen countries as long as you do not spend more than 90 days total in the Schengen Area. However, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your trip. If your passport will expire sooner, you will need to renew it before the trip. Please note that new regulations requiring North Americans to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver to visit countries in the Schengen Area (including Iceland) have been approved but not yet implemented. Once the ETIAS visa waiver system has been introduced, Snorri Program participants will be required to apply and pay the fee themselves. Click here to learn more.

  • No. Program fees only cover roundtrip airfare from select gateway cities in North America. You are responsible for any travel costs incurred to get to your departure city, including additional airfare and baggage fees charged by other airlines.

  • Tickets are generally purchased in the spring and sent via email after your final payment has been received.

  • Please refer to your airline’s website for the most up-to-date information on baggage allowances (if you have connecting flights with multiple airlines, be sure to check each one’s luggage policies). You are responsible for any luggage fees not included with your flight ticket (i.e. for extra bags, overweight/oversize bags). However, we strongly encourage you to pack smart and limit your luggage to one checked bag and one carry-on item. For packing tips, click here.

  • Please contact us as soon as possible if you would like to request special arrival or departure dates. Note that if a participant requests changes to their travel dates after tickets have been ordered, they will be responsible for the change fee charged by the airline, plus any possible difference in ticket cost. Participants planning to come early or stay longer are also responsible for familiarizing themselves with rules governing stays in the Schengen Area and ensuring they do not stay beyond the limit.

General trip questions

  • A detailed itinerary is usually sent out in May. To get a general idea of what your itinerary may look like, click here. Please note that the itinerary is always subject to change due to weather conditions, speaker availability, and other unforeseen circumstances. But as we say in Iceland, “Þetta reddast!” (it will all work out!). 

  • The itinerary varies from year to year but always includes some physical activities (almost always outdoor), such as hiking, river rafting, swimming, snowmobiling, and horseback riding. If you have any physical limitations or concerns about something on the itinerary, please contact us. Note that you can always opt out of activities like rafting or horseback riding if you have a compelling reason, but we cannot refund any fees for activities in which you choose to not participate.

  • Icelanders rarely use cash, and you will be able to use a debit or credit card to pay for almost anything. However, you should check with your bank regarding any fees you may be charged for international transactions, including ATM withdrawals. If you do want to carry some cash, we recommend that you do not exchange money at your departure airport in North America. The easiest option is to wait until you’re in Iceland and then use an ATM to withdraw cash from a US or Canadian account. If you really want to bring dollars, you can visit a bank to exchange them for krónur.

  • Access to laundry facilities in Reykjavík is usually available but may vary depending on that year’s accommodation. Please check with the program manager for up-to-date information. You should be able to do laundry while staying with your host family. You should not expect to be able to do laundry during the final week adventure tour.

  • If accepted to the program, you will receive a detailed packing list prior to departure. For some general packing tips and insights from former participants, click here.

  • Experiencing culture shock is a perfectly normal part of traveling to a foreign country. Even if you’ve traveled before and think you won’t experience culture shock on a relatively short trip, you might be surprised. You may feel a bit disoriented being in a new environment, surrounded by a different language and different cultural norms. The good news is, these feelings are normal, they will pass, and they can even help you develop a better understanding of yourself and lead to personal growth. If you are struggling with symptoms related to culture shock, like loneliness, homesickness, or other mood changes, know that you can always contact the program manager. If you feel comfortable, share your feelings with another participant; they might be feeling the same way! 

  • It’s not required, but we do recommend it. Most families appreciate a small gift. It does not need to be large or expensive. We suggest something representative of where you’re from in North America. We’ll give you some more specific ideas in our pre-trip info letters if you’re accepted to the program.

  • Weather-wise, you could experience just about everything but scorching heat! Icelandic weather is famous for being unpredictable and changing quickly. In the summertime, average temperatures range from about 10-15 degrees C (50-60 degrees F), but can dip down lower and (occasionally) get a bit warmer. For most North Americans, that means dressing much more warmly than you’re used to in the summertime. You should also expect some rain and wind. Be prepared to dress in layers and don’t forget to bring a warm hat or headband and a pair of gloves or mittens. Click here for packing tips!

  • Iceland has an advanced universal health care system, so you will be well taken care of if you get sick or injured. All participants are insured for the duration of the trip (included in program fee). If you get sick or injured, the program manager will help you access the care that you need. If you find yourself in an emergency situation, dial 112. Please note that all accepted applicants will be required to fill out a health history form and disclose any pertinent medical information to help us help you in case of an emergency. Participants who take prescription medication should bring at least enough for the entire trip plus a copy of their prescriptions.

  • Yes! Although the two-week language and culture program is jam-packed with classes and activities, there is some free time built into the schedule, particularly in the evenings and on the weekends. Please be aware that all activities on the itinerary are mandatory unless otherwise noted. You should have plenty of free time during the homestay period, though it is up to you to communicate with your host family regarding how you spend your time outside of your volunteer position.

  • Participants are expected to follow all local laws, be respectful of your fellow participants as well as of your host families’ rules and wishes, and behave responsibly as representatives of the Snorri Program. In Iceland, you must be 20 to consume alcohol and 18 to purchase tobacco or vaping products. Iceland’s smoking laws are quite restrictive, so if you’re a smoker, it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re well informed.   

  • Yes, all participants are required to carry an insurance policy. Your program fee includes the required insurance policy. In other words, we’ve got you covered!

  • Travel insurance is not required, but is strongly recommended, particularly to cover the possibility of cancellation.

  • Once you’ve been accepted, check the email address you provided on your application form regularly so you don’t miss out on any important information from us. Make sure you complete the required online language course. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can continue on to the next level of Icelandic Online or check out some other language-learning resources. You may also want to talk to your family members about your Icelandic heritage and see if you have any family photos or stories that might be fun to share with your Icelandic relatives.

    Additional suggestions: 
    For current events enthusiasts: If you want to stay informed about what’s happening in Iceland, there are several English-language news sites, including RÚV English, Iceland Review, Iceland Monitor, and the Reykjavík Grapevine. Or put those language skills to the test and see what you can work out on Icelandic sites like RÚV, Vísir, or Morgunblaðið!  
     
    For bookworms: Every year, more and more Icelandic books come out in English translation. Check your local bookstore or library for titles by authors like Halldór Laxness, Sjón, Ragnar Jónasson, Auður Ava Ólafsdóttir, Andri Snær Magnason, Yrsa Sigurðardóttir, and Arnaldur Indriðason. 
     
    For music lovers: Iceland has a thriving music and cultural scene, and you can easy find Icelandic music playlists on Spotify, YouTube, and elsewhere. 
     
    For couch potatoes: Netflix often has a few Icelandic titles available. Even if you need subtitles to follow along, movies and TV shows are a great way to get your ear tuned in to the sound of spoken Icelandic.

  • General questions, including questions about eligibility, the application process, and payments can be directed to us at info@snorri.is. If you would like to talk to a former participant about their experience, email the Snorri Alumni Association at snorrialumni@gmail.com and they will put you in touch with an alum!

Electricity + technology

  • In Iceland, standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz, compared to 120 V and 60 Hz in North America. Electrical outlets are the standard Europlug shape, with two parallel round prongs. Devices such as phones, tablets, and laptops are generally dual voltage, but you will still need a plug adapter in order to connect to a wall outlet. If you plan on bringing any electronic devices, we recommend buying a plug adapter in North America (they are available in the travel section of many larger grocery stores, as well as at outdoor shops like REI or MEC, and of course online). If you forget, you can always pick one up at a tourist shop in Reykjavík, but it will be more expensive. Note that hair dryers and straighteners are often single voltage; make sure you check before packing! We do not recommend bringing any single-voltage devices; without a voltage converter, they probably won’t be returning to North America with you, and you may even cause damage at your accommodation!

  • Iceland is one of the most wired countries on earth. There are no shortages of places to connect to the internet in Reykjavík, and most, if not all, host families will have wifi. The only time that you may not have continuous internet access is on the adventure tour.

  • In order to use your phone in Iceland, it needs to be unlocked so you can switch out your US/Canadian SIM card for an Icelandic SIM (this also applies in the case of eSIMs). If your phone is locked because you're under contract with a mobile carrier, you may want to consider buying a relatively inexpensive unlocked phone for the trip. To avoid a hefty surprise bill, make sure you turn off roaming when you arrive in Iceland if you don't switch to an Icelandic SIM card. You can also check with your mobile company in the US or Canada to see what sort of options they offer for international travel, but those options are almost never the cheapest.

  • It’s up to you. If you’re a photographer and want to be able to edit your photos right away, for instance, you might want to, otherwise a phone and/or tablet should be more than enough to keep you connected. You should not expect to rely on public-access computers, as most (e.g. at libraries and universities) will not be available to you as a visitor.

Reykjavík: Culture and Language Period

General questions

  • Unless otherwise noted, yes. The itinerary is carefully crafted to give participants a well-rounded experience, and full participation is expected.

  • A typical day starts with the group eating breakfast together at the hostel before setting off for the morning’s activities, which may include Icelandic lessons, a lecture, a visit to the Parliament, the US or Canadian Embassy, or more. The group will usually have lunch together to fuel up for more activities in the afternoon. For dinner, we may cook and eat together at the hostel or go out. There will be some evening activities, but other nights you’ll have free time - just don’t forget to do your Icelandic homework! Reykjavík is quite a compact city, but we will be on the move a lot, so be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes (at least one waterproof pair recommended). 

  • While we are careful to build some free time into the schedule, some days will be busier than others. You may have little free time one day but then be free after dinner the next day.

  • Maybe! Our cultural program varies from year to year depending on a number of factors. Topics covered in previous years include Icelandic history, genealogy, nature/geology, politics, gender equality, and literature. If there’s a certain topic you’re especially interested in, it doesn’t hurt to let us know, though we can’t promise to accommodate all requests. We can also help you find ways to explore your interests during your free time if you like.

Room + board

  • Yes. In Reykjavík and on the adventure tour, you will generally share a room with 1-3 other participants. Occasionally, depending on a number of factors including room availability/layout, gender distribution, and participant preferences, you may share with more than 3 others or have a private room for one or more nights. While staying with your host family, you will have your own room. Exceptions may be made if siblings/cousins stay with the same host family, but such arrangements will always be cleared with participants beforehand.

  • During the two weeks in Reykjavík, participants eat breakfast together at the hostel and usually eat lunch as a group as well. For dinner, we will sometimes eat out and sometimes cook together back at the hostel. Each participant will be asked to help with meal prep and cleanup at some point. During your homestay, it’s up to you to communicate with your host family regarding meals. The adventure tour will also include a mix of eating out and cooking together.

  • While in Reykjavík, kitchen access may vary depending on accommodation. All participants will have kitchen access during their homestays. Kitchen access will be limited during the adventure tour. If you have concerns related to allergies or other dietary restrictions, please contact us. 

  • We will do our best to accommodate dietary preferences but cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet all requests for all meals. For meals out, we will communicate with restaurants regarding any allergies/intolerances disclosed on your health information form or otherwise disclosed in a timely manner. If you have severe allergies, we will communicate that information to your host family.

Icelandic instruction

  • No, absolutely not. We’ve had participants who’ve taken modern Icelandic or Old Norse language courses at university, and we’ve had participants who’ve never heard a single Icelandic word before the trip (well, except vínarterta, maybe). Our Icelandic teachers have experience working with students with diverse linguistic backgrounds. Whatever your background, and whatever your level of motivation for learning Iceland, you will be stretched and grow.

  • If you have the time and inclination, yes! Spending some time in self-study ahead of the trip can help you tune your ear to Icelandic, learn some of the basics, and give you a foundation that we will build on with in-person language lessons. No one expects you to be fluent when you arrive, but we do expect you to have a good attitude and try your best in the Icelandic lessons!

  • Probably, but it is not a requirement. Nearly all Icelanders, particularly younger generations, are conversant in English. However, some past participants have stayed with relatives who spoke virtually no English, so you should be prepared for anything!

  • Absolutely!  


    Icelandic Online is a free interactive online course developed by the University of Iceland. It offers several modules at different levels, from total beginner to advanced intermediate. 

    The “Viltu læra íslensku?” (“Do you want to learn Icelandic?”) video series may be a bit dated visually, but it’s an excellent resource for practicing your listening skills. 


    Íslenska fyrir alla (“Icelandic for everyone”) is a fantastic (and free!) online resource with printable practice pages, audio files, and more. The website is only in Icelandic, so it’s a good choice if you’re really looking to challenge yourself.  


    If you want to learn on the go, language-learning apps with Icelandic content include Memrise and Drops. 

    To get more familiar with how Icelandic looks, check out news sites like RÚV, Vísir, and Morgunblaðið. Some articles even have an audio feature, so you can listen and try to follow along. 

    Find Iceland-related Facebook and Instagram accounts to follow! Some ideas might be the news networks mentioned above, Icelandic Roots, and of course The Snorri Programs and the Snorri Alumni Association. 

    If you have a local Icelandic club, connect with them to see if they have any upcoming events or available resources. Not sure if there’s a club near you? Check the Icelandic National League of North America and Icelandic National League of the United States websites for a list of their member organizations. 

    You can always check with your local public or university library to see if they offer access to any language learning resources for Icelandic. 

Homestay

  • We do our best to place all participants with relatives, ideally in the area where your ancestors lived. However, due to a wide variety of circumstances, that may not always be possible. If you’re not able to stay with relatives, we will do our best to make sure you still get a chance to meet them when possible.

  • Participants are placed all around the country. You may end up in downtown Reykjavík, on a farm in the north, or in a tiny fishing village in the Westfjords. Each placement is different, but we work hard to ensure that you will have an amazing experience no matter where you stay.

  • If you already know some relatives in Iceland and would like to stay with them, please let us know. A number of factors go into confirming homestay placements and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet all requests.

  • During the homestay portion of the trip, you will have your own room. Exceptions may be made for participants traveling together (siblings or cousins) who are placed in the same home. However, you will never be asked to share a room with a member of your host family or anyone else other than a fellow participant.

  • Volunteer placements range from housekeeping or reception in a guesthouse to processing or packing at a fish factory! These volunteer experiences are meant to introduce you to a typical Icelandic workplace and are generally similar to summer jobs that a teenager or young adult might have.

  • That may vary depending on your volunteer placement, but hosts are instructed that participants can volunteer a maximum of 35 hours per week (similar to a full-time job).

  • It’s perfectly normal to find your volunteer placement challenging at first. You may feel out of place or struggle with the language barrier, or even experience culture shock. Part of the Snorri experience is to get out of your comfort zone and try new things. Give it a few days, and do your best to keep an open mind. If you have serious concerns about your volunteer placement, you can contact the project manager at any time during the program. 

  • We do our best to confirm host families as early as possible, but it is a long and sometimes complicated process with a lot of factors involved, so we ask you to be patient.

  • Not necessarily. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, one host family is unable to accommodate a participant for the entire two-week homestay period. If that’s the case for you, you may split your time between two host families.

  • Participants have stayed with a wide variety of families, from retired couples to young professionals to families with children of all ages. Your host family may be large or small, with people of any age in the household. The most important thing is that they’re excited to meet you and open their home to you for two weeks!

  • You can always tell us if you have a preference, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to accommodate every request.

  • It’s normal to be a bit nervous about staying in an unfamiliar environment. We want you to be challenged and grow while on the program. If you have specific concerns about staying on a farm, e.g. grass allergy or animal allergy, please let us know on your application or as soon as you are accepted.

  • Host families are generally very eager to introduce you to their area of Iceland, and many take their participants on day trips or even overnight trips. However, we do not require this, and you should be aware that your host family may have work and/or family obligations that limit the amount of time they can spend away from home.

  • You are certainly not required to be with your host family 24/7! It’s up to you to communicate with your hosts about your mutual expectations, especially regarding your time outside of your volunteer position. Please remember that your host family is opening up their home to you, and you are expected to treat them with respect and be a good representative of Snorri. Among other things, that means that you need to check with your family if you want to travel while staying with them, particularly if your plans involve staying overnight somewhere else. 

Adventure tour

  • Our primary mode of transportation on the adventure tour is a minibus or large van with a private driver. Depending on the itinerary, the group may also travel by ferry or on a larger bus or smaller boat for certain activities. We will not travel by plane on the adventure tour. 

  • Accommodation for the adventure tour varies depending on the itinerary in any given year. We may stay in guesthouses, hostels, or hotels. Generally, you will be 2-4 to a room. In some cases, we may have dormitory-style accommodation with 8-10 to a room. However, you will never have to share a room with anyone other than fellow Snorri participants.

  • More or less, yes. We will spend a good amount of time on the road, and most activities will be group activities. However, there may be some optional activities, and you should have down time on at least some evenings. We know that 24/7 togetherness for a whole week can be a lot, so we do our best to build in some down time!

  • There’s a saying in Iceland: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Some days, summer in Iceland means sunshine and a light breeze. Other days it might mean rain and gale-force winds. Of course, we hope you don’t experience too much of the latter, but you should be prepared for a wide variety of weather conditions. In case of severe weather, we will adjust the itinerary as needed. Make sure you’re prepared for Icelandic weather by reading through our packing tips here.

  • We switch up the itinerary every year, but it always includes a memorable mix of awe-inspiring nature and amazing activities. Some destinations from previous years include the Westman Islands, the Snæfellsnes peninsula, and the Westfjords. Every group visits Hofsós, a small village in northern Iceland that’s home to the Icelandic Emigration Center. 

  • Maybe! The adventure tour itinerary changes every year. Iceland may be a relatively small country, but there's a lot to see. Unfortunately, we can't pack it all into a single week, but we try to design our tours so that we cover a lot of ground without spending all our time on the road.