Guidance and Counselling in Higher Education
Academic Guidance
Student counselling centres are operated at most higher education institutions. Counselling centres provide courses and counselling for students regarding the choice of programmes, the organisation of their studies, career opportunities and personal problems. Some higher education institutions offer preparation courses e.g. in mathematics before student start their higher education.
Permanent faculty members have regular office hours for students and are available during those hours to give educational advice. No set rules apply to the educational counselling provided by teachers or regarding the referral of students to other counselling parties.
All foreign exchange students in Iceland may use the support services offered by the Office of International Education.
Higher institutions offer counselling for disabled students. The universities have formalised their services to students with disabilities or special needs. Students can apply to the Counselling Service for special study circumstances and special examination procedures. Special study circumstances include the provision of information on curriculum in good time to allow sufficient preparation, flexibility in programme arrangements and personal progress, recording of lectures and a choice of suitable location for instruction. Adjustment of examination procedures include the extension of exam time, private exams, reading and writing assistance and finally alternative examination form, such as multiple choice, brief written responses or oral exams instead of long essay-type examinations. The universities also offer technology which is customised to the needs of disabled students or students with dyslexia.
Psychological Counselling
Student counselling centres are operated at most higher education institutions. Counselling centres provide courses and counselling for students regarding the choice of programmes, the organisation of their studies, career opportunities, as well as personal problems.
Career Guidance
Student counselling centres are operated at most higher education institutions. Counselling centres provide courses and counselling for students regarding the choice of programmes, the organisation of their studies, career opportunities, as well as personal problems.
In the professional disciplines, students are required to gain practical experience in their field of study. A part of this experience is frequently achieved through employment, and the higher education institution involved often serves as the mediator for the placement of students for practical training.
Research institutions at the higher education institutions hire students to work on research projects that have been negotiated with state and private agencies. At the University of Iceland, students also run a company that does contractual work for outside agencies where students are hired to work on projects related to their field of study. The Icelandic Students' Union at the University of Iceland also runs a placement service for students for summer work, where an effort is made to place students with employers in their field. Thus, relations with possible future employers are cultivated.
Faculty members, companies or entrepreneurs can apply to an Innovation Fund, established by the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture, to hire students to work on defined projects. The Fund pays the students´ salaries, while the company or the supervisor for the project provides workspace and materials. This gives students the opportunity to gain practical experience that may open future job opportunities and promotes innovation.