An Incredible Way to Experience Iceland and Learn About Renewable Energy Past Review

By (University of British Columbia) - abroad from 05/12/2014 to 05/23/2014 with

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I gained field experience visiting a variety of full-scale renewable energy generation plants and seeing some amazing landmarks in Iceland. The trip was absolutely worthwhile, I met fantastic people and saw unimaginable scenery all while learning more about renewable energy.

Review Photos

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad Photo

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.

The academic expectations of the program were variable depending on the course requirements of your university. The range of academic backgrounds from people in the group made certain parts of the program less technically focused.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very knowledgeable and friendly staff who made the entire program run very smoothly.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

We stayed at a great variety of places, all very well kept and comfortable with great access to the outdoors.

* Food:

Delicious! Lunches were a bit small (especially for vegetarians) but otherwise great.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Our night in the capital city was a great way to experience more of the local culture.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Did not experience any healthcare issues but I'm sure it would have been easily accessible. No vaccines were needed.

* Safety:

I felt very safe for the entire trip

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)

Staying and living in Iceland is fairly expensive but the cost of the program covered the housing and most food for the two weeks.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Connect with your school for more scholarship opportunities which can help fund the trip costs

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Outdoor adventures (hiking, snorkeling, etc)
  • Geothermal, Biofuel, and Hydro Plant tours
  • Meeting other students who are excited about renewable energy
* What could be improved?
  • More technical information provided in course
  • Smaller group size
  • Cost of program
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had extended my trip to stay after the program ended to travel with other people from the group.