Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Explored Iceland and learned about renewable energy Past Review

By (University of Toronto) - abroad from 05/14/2014 to 08/23/2014 with

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The trip to Iceland was one of the best trips I have made so far. I was able connect with like-minded students from diverse backgrounds and appreciate the beauty of the environment and our need to adopt sustainable Earth practices. Iceland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and the Green program is mostly spent outside of urban centers. The natural beauty is inspiring and invigorating, and itself is strong motivator for responsible environmental husbandry. The Green program staff are super cool, friendly and as passionate in their vision and mutual love of the environment. We visited green electrical generation (geothermal, hydro, wind) sites, attended lectures in Reykjavik University and enjoyed the natural beauty of the country. I gained new knowledge concerning certain types of renewable energy sources, specifically geothermal, I was impressed by the efforts on behalf of Iceland to achieve energy sustainability and inspired to labor to that effect in other places. My exposure sharpened my plans for the future by exposing me to certain realities in the energy field. I made some great friends, domestic and international with whom I will stay in contact and maybe partner with. Totally and absolutely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 6 months+

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

Not as much new material learned. More time could be spent talking about the potential uses, pros and cons of sources of renewable energy, and the correct context.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

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)

Iceland is a very expensive country

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 250

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • vision
  • enthusiasm
  • location
* What could be improved?
  • content
  • bit more time in Reykjavik
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? A better sense of weather

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.