Marie Valgarðsson

My name is Marie Valgarðsson and I am a freelance writer specializing in business English for tourism in Iceland. For the last 6 years, I have worked as a writer and proofreader for a variety of publications in Iceland, including Icelandic Times Magazine, Katla Geopark and the English websites for Rangárþing-eystra Mýrdalshreppur and Reykjanesbær communes, amongst others. I have traveled extensively around the country and have written dozens of articles over a wide range of subjects, covering just about everything that Iceland has to offer. (click on links at bottom of page for examples of my work)

As a foreigner, I feel I have a unique vantage point in my ability to see Iceland through a tourist’s eyes, yet with a sound understanding of the Icelandic perspective as well. This translates into an ability to help clients articulate the essence of their business into clear, concise English that will resonate with the many potential visitors to Iceland.

Born in New York, I left the States to study in France when I was 18, and virtually never looked back. Living and working amongst a variety of different peoples and cultures in 12 countries across Europe and Africa has given me a more global outlook, as well as a broader perspective on life, all of which continues to influence my life today.

I am fluent in French, having lived in France for over 5 years and have a good working knowledge of Spanish and Italian. Icelandic is the most challenging language I have seriously studied and it is an ongoing, long-term project. I am a language dabbler and have dabbled in Dutch, German, Russian and Chinese at various times throughout my life.

I moved to Iceland in 2007 with my Icelandic husband and our 4 children and currently reside in Selfoss.