Awesome Iceland Maymester for those interested in sustainability and easiness Past Review
By Ashley T (Ecology and Environmental Sciences, University of Maine at Orono) - abroad from 05/15/2013 to 06/05/2013 with
Center for Ecological Living & Learning: Solheimar - Iceland Program
I learned a ton about sustainability and met some really awesome people. I now have some contacts with amazing people both from Iceland and from America. I really grew myself, even though it was only three weeks. It was definitely worthwhile and possibly the greatest three weeks I've ever experienced in my life. It was a whirlwind experience as we were constantly doing things to fit everything we possibly could in.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Maymester doesn't involve too many interactions with people other than your group, but they are all valuable and you are definitely living in an eco- village with other members of that community. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
The program mostly pays for everything so it was really easy to live there. Once you've paid for the program the only thing you have to pay for is souvenirs and possible equipment. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? |
A Look Back
| * What did you like most about the program? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | The main thing was layers. According to all the locals we had one of the worst Mays in a long time weather-wise. Layers are stressed, but knowing exactly what sorts of layers and exactly how much is necessary. Also getting really sturdy rain gear. When it says bring a wool sweater, bring a wool sweater. Also under armor is really useful. |
