I’m in a Masters program on Tourism, and one of the key reasons I chose it is for the Field School element that we get examined on. Originally, we were going to go to Bethlehem but some of the students can’t enter (or would have a good deal of hassle entering) for political reasons- it’s a very diverse program with many different nationalities. So a month ago, when it was too late to change units, this got moved to Iceland.

And Iceland is fine. Really it is. Except that our itinerary is focused around Geopark tourism which is focused on mainly 1) hiking and 2) glacier walks.

I know not all fattys like me are unfit, but I am. I’m not ashamed of it, but I don’t know if I can do this. 2 hour walks in flat countryside at my own pace? Yes. Day long hikes in an Icelandic Geopark at everyone else’s? I don’t know. I think I’m going to have to try and find something else while my fellow students are hiking- our accommodation is B&B so I can’t stay there during the day.

I can’t back out of this unit at this stage without failing my degree- there’s nothing to replace it with.

If I go but back out of these activities, how will that affect my grades?

It seems like a real kick in the teeth that this program was rearranged to suit other students needs, but my needs have been put to one side. It was hard enough negotiating for an extra seat to and from Iceland on the airline through the University. Which I had to pay extra for, of course.

I’m paying more to go on this Field School then anyone else, and I’m going to be able to participate the least.