Choose this program for its beautiful scenery, not for its affordability. August 13, 2026

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I initially thought that the experience would be much more academically intense than it actually was. This notion was based on the information in the syllabi. The seminar syllabus listed weekly required readings and even an in-class exam, but neither occurred. In the project class, the weights for each assignment were far from accurate, and the required word count was double what it should have been. I am not complaining that I did not have much work to do, but the syllabi should be updated to represent the classes accurately.

On-site administration of your program

The two individuals who led the program did a good job planning the experience and ensuring that students were in the know about the activities that would be done each day. However, some activities and site visits felt like fillers to make sure students did not have too much free time.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The dorms and hostel we stayed at were overall very solid. The only negative was the kitchen at the hostel in Akureyri, which only contained a mini fridge, a microwave, and one burner.

The food in Iceland is extremely mediocre due to its reliance on imported products. This means that produce and food overall were often below the standards of food in the U.S. On top of this, any above-average food you want to eat will cost you an arm and a leg, so eating out often is impossible if you want to stay within budget.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

One positive of Iceland is that almost everyone knows English. This made traveling and communicating very easy. Icelanders are known to be very honest and can sometimes be judgmental if tourists are not abiding by the country's norms.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Iceland's health care system is excellent. Anytime I had a health issue, a solution was always available.

Reykjavik and Iceland overall are extremely safe countries, and resources are readily available if one does not feel safe.

As someone pursuing environmental economics, this program touches on both aspects. Additionally, the program taking place during the summer reduces the difficulties of living abroad for an entire semester.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Because Iceland is regarded as one of the most expensive countries in the world, staying within the given stipend is extremely difficult. As everything is imported, food and basically everything else is extremely expensive. If you want to go out on the weekends, expect to pay at least 70 bucks. If you want to buy good food at the grocery store, go out to eat occasionally, and go out on the weekends, then, unfortunately, your budget will be gone halfway through the program.

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• Dorm
• Hostel

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• Americans

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• Americans

• I was able to meet new people and making lifelong friends
• I was able to explore the countries vast nature
• I became a much better researcher

• The syllubi online need to be changed to better match what actually takes place
• Some activities felt like fillers and wastes of time
• More money should be given to students to better reflect the cost of living

The Avid Adventurer