One of the Best Trips I've Ever Been On Past Review

By (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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
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

* 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?

* Safety:

Great safety, especially with the adventure activities.

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)

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

  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people I was on the trip with
  • The adventure components
  • Capstone project
* What could be improved?
  • Vegetarian food
  • Better lectures
  • More rest time
* 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 Linguist
You 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!