One of the Best Trips I've Ever Been On Past Review
By Makenzie M (Geography and Environmental Studies, Queen's University) - abroad from 05/11/2015 to 07/21/2015 with
The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad
I made invaluable connects with likeminded students, I discovered the natural beauty of Iceland and I'm even more motivated to save this planet of ours.
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. |
I learned more from my fellow participants than I did from the professors at the university. The lectures were too basic for someone with two years of education in the sustainability field. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Great accommodation. I enjoyed the guest houses because they provided some cultural insight. |
* Food: |
More effort could've been made to accommodate vegetarian/lactose free diets. I know European breakfasts are focused on cheese and meat but it was disappointing having to eat toast for 10 days. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
It would've been nice to have a night out in Reykjavik where we could explore. |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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* Safety: |
Great safety, especially with the adventure activities. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
I spent more money on gifts for friends than I did on food. It was very manageable. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $50 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Don't waste your money on alcohol. |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We had a bit of language work but not a ton. Icelandic is difficult. |
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? | None |
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | Nothing |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | No |
Other Program Information
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
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About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? | 0 |
A Look Back
* What did you like most about the program? |
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* What could be improved? |
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* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | There wouldn't be very much rest time- I definitely needed some. I would've brought more snacks. There wouldn't been a night walking around Reykjavik. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |