Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

IF YOU WANT TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE GO GREEN Past Review

By (Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering., University of New Hampshire) - abroad from 01/04/2015 to 01/11/2015 with

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I can't even answer that question in this little box. Yes. So much Yes.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

We took classes in hydroelectric power, geothermal energy, biofuel, and energy economics at Reykjavik School of Energy. Additionally, we used our lessons in creating our capstone projects-- sustainable business models for renewable energy/green projects entirely of our creation. This IS an academically rigorous trip and for many students they can earn transferable credit from Reykjavik University during their time in the Program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our trip leaders were amazing. Tinni, Helga, Erla, and Melissa were all stellar guides. Each one of them engaged personally with all 42 members of our trip. I was lucky to meet them all and am proud to call them my friends.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Very. All of our hosts at the guest house, hotel, and cabin were extremely gracious, engaging, pleasant, and helpful.

* Food:

THIS IS THE BEST PART!! I am a vegan (I eat no animal products). Before this trip I was afraid that it might be difficult to accommodate me, but I could not have been more wrong. At every single one of our meals I was provided with a separately made vegan dish that was DELICIOUS 100% of the time. The fact that our hosts had been informed of my dietary preference and had prepared accordingly actually made me cry a couple of times because I was just so overwhelmed. In many ways it was easier to be a vegan in this foreign environment than it is at home. HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION 5000 STARS.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

3 of our 4 trip leaders were natives of Iceland. They, and whoever else we were meeting, were always giving us facts on the local culture, insights into the language, and encouraging us to ask and learn more. We also had a lot of free time in Reykjavik. I personally haggled down the price of some wool sweaters at a flea market in Reykjavik-- it doesn't get any more "integrated" than that.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

We had regular access to drugstores and our trip leaders were always checking to make sure everyone was doing alright. In addition to being on call for physical injuries, our trip leaders also successfully saw to the mental & emotional health of our group members.

* Safety:

Although some of the hikes were harrowing, you would have had to try if you wanted to fall. Our guides were never more than a leap away when one of us needed help. Nobody on our trip sustained any injury whatsoever.

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)

Most of our meals were provided for us, but things (gifts and such) are expensive in Iceland.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $10-$20
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? convert your money before you go

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • Hotel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • people I met/friends I made
  • experiences I had
  • things learned about myself
* What could be improved?
  • cost of trip
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You're going to become close friends with everybody. Don't worry so much.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.