Jón Jónsson on his years at Boston University

A look back at 2017, when we met Jón Jónsson at Kaplakriki to hear about his years in Boston.

Which university did you attend?
“I went to Boston University in 2006 and graduated in 2009.”

What was your experience like?
“Overall, it was fantastic, both academically and in soccer. Everything is on such a large scale, and you are really well looked after. I have a lovely memory of just arriving in Boston. Coach Neil Roberts picked up my friend Pétur Óskar and me, and we drove along the Charles River. Then we came onto campus and saw this enormous Boston University sign. You just think: it’s on, brother, it’s on! The excitement I felt was completely justified, because those years were incredible in every way.

In soccer, the facilities are amazing. The training is excellent and playing is great fun, although a few things felt strange at first, like unlimited substitutions and the countdown at the end of the game. You get used to those things. If you have the ambition and desire to improve, you absolutely can. The equipment and facilities are there, and the people around you are fully committed to helping.

Academically, I could not recommend it more highly. You are so well supported. If you start falling behind in a subject, someone steps in and sends you to a tutor who goes through everything with you. From the time I went out there until today, I have constantly recommended studying in the United States to anyone who has the opportunity. When you have played soccer all your life, it makes sense to use it to open a door like this.”

What were the facilities like in Boston?
“Today I play for FH, and the facilities here at Kaplakriki are excellent. I hope my dad will not be upset when I say that the facilities in Boston might be even better. The gym had absolutely everything and was considerably larger. There was also an indoor athletics facility. One detail that stands out is that if you trained at ten in the morning and again at two, your clothes had already been washed in between. Bob, an older gentleman, would collect everything in a big bin. When you returned to the locker room, your clean kit was hanging in your locker.

I really want to emphasise how good the facilities are. The universities invest so much in sport. This is not just about soccer: they take care of the students across all sports, which is why everything works so well.”

What did you study?
“I studied economics and graduated with my degree in 2009. I would say I am the greatest master economist in Iceland today, and that is all thanks to Boston — no, I am joking! Of course the degree is useful in everyday life. I have been teaching children about financial literacy since 2012, and that would never have happened if I had not studied it. I also work for myself and need to make sure the numbers add up.

Although I had been involved in music and performing for most of my life, Boston gave me that final push. The people there are so encouraging that I came home full of confidence and started working as a musician. Otherwise, I probably would have chosen a more predictable path. When you meet so many new people and arrive somewhere with a fresh start, new doors open, your horizons broaden, and you discover strengths you did not even know you had.”

Any final words?
“If you are thinking about studying in the United States, stop just thinking about it and start working towards it now. Talk to SEUSA, because they really know what they are doing. I am not only saying that because they are interviewing me: I know them and know it is true. Make it happen. Go abroad, play soccer, study something, and you will come home a much better person!”

You can watch the full interview below.