Urge to Explore the World
Eugenie’s first encounter with Iceland was in 2016, when she came to Hornafjörður for a two-month stay as an au pair. After her au pair period ended, she remained in contact with the host family. These connections later contributed to her decision to return to Hornafjörður in 2023 and she got an opportunity to work for a season for the family at their guesthouse.
Learning and Knowledge-Seeking
When Eugenie arrived in Iceland as an au pair, she had recently completed a law degree in France. She later earned a degree in anthropology and is now working on her master’s thesis in the field.
“My research looks at how tourism and the migration linked to it affect identity with a focus on language. As tourism grows in a globalized world, English is increasingly used as a common language. The aim of my thesis is to explore how Icelandic and English coexist in everyday spaces, how this coexistence reveals new forms of connection, and how it may influence how people who live here experience their sense of belonging.”
Travel has played a significant role in forming her interest in anthropology, providing an important backdrop to both her academic and personal journey.
“Since my first solo trip to Mongolia at the age of 18, I have nurtured a deep interest in human relationships and socio-cultural exchange. For nearly three years, I alternated between seasonal jobs (mostly in the vineyards) and travels, with a common thread of connecting with others along the way.”
Eugenie describes living in Hornafjörður as a deeply enriching experience—“embracing her role as an expatriate: observing, but above all, learning.” Conditions here allow her also to combine work and studies which she values greatly.
“I enjoy a great deal of autonomy and flexibility. I don’t think I could ever have combined work and studies in my home country, France.”
A Relaxed yet Active Community
Eugenie finds life in Hornafjörður calm and with few distractions, making it less stressful and more easy-going. “Yet there is always something to do, as the community is very active,” she adds.
“I love being around people, but I also cherish time alone. I love being outdoors, especially hiking, but I also enjoy being cozy at home with a book.”
Eugenie is also interested in crafts and launched her own brand of textile accessories a few years ago. She was pleased to learn about the range of facilities available in the area, particularly for creative work as well as for studies.
“I was pleasantly surprised to have access to a dedicated place to study and stay focused at Nýheimar. I also sew, but I couldn’t bring my sewing machine with me when I moved to Iceland. The FabLab is a wonderful place with amazing equipment for creative people, and I was truly amazed to be able to use a professional sewing machine freely here. And you know what else I love—maybe you’ll find it funny: going out to play cards (félagsvist) and enjoying a coffee afterward during the winter.”
Felt Natural and Easy
Without really thinking about it, as Eugenie puts it, she found herself settling here more and more.
“It was never about having to make a decision; it all felt natural and easy. When you feel happy and at peace somewhere, you don’t overthink it, you just let it be. I asked if I could continue working at the guesthouse, and then everything else gradually fell into place: I found an apartment to rent, I started Icelandic classes at Nýheimar, I bought a car and later on got additionally part-time shifts in Gamlabúð.”
Surrounded by stunning landscapes, Eugenie enjoys a quality of life she describes as incomparable and deeply precious.
“To be completely honest, the only thing that could make me leave Hornafjörður is missing my friends and family in France.”