Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A Life-Altering Experience Past Review

By (University of Hartford) - abroad from 08/29/2016 to 12/09/2016 with

Iceland University of the Arts: Reykjavik - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I made connections with people from many disciplines and from many nations, such as Iceland, Norway, France, Netherlands, Slovenia, and India. This placed me in contact with so many viewpoints, allowing me to both discover the similarities and differences between cultures.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Overall, my educational experience at Iceland Academy of the Arts was highly involved and engrossing. Each course relied on student participation, thus forcing each student to interact with the subject matter presented to them, and to truly integrate it into their developing skill-set and identity as a musician. The faculty were very warm, friendly, and willing to work with students in order for them to be successful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration were always readily available, and were very understanding and helpful during the scheduling of courses.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing situation is quite difficult in Reykjavik, as the Academy does not provide housing of any kind. As a result, because of increasing tourism, finding housing can be quite tricky, so searching for months in advance for living arrangements was necessary. Once arrangements were made, however, I had no issues whatsoever.

* Food:

Food, though can be quite varied, is very expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I felt right at home with the culture in Reykjavik, and became as involved as much as possible in the music/art scene there.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Reykjavik is an incredibly safe city. I was out in many different sections of the city at many different times of the day, and never once felt unsafe or witnessed any suspicious activity.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I felt I have grown so very much during this experience, and both the Academy and Reykjavik itself was a stimulating and encouraging environment to be in.

Finances

* 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)

Living on a student's budget, especially when considering the price of food, can be rather difficult, especially if one is a vegetarian or a vegan.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Expenses on food was at least $100-$120

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Exchange

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
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?
  • Location
  • Faculty
  • Variety of Courses
* What could be improved?
  • Facilities (The music building could use more practice rooms and more available technology)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew just how expensive the cost of living in Reykjavik would be.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!