Iceland: A Surreal Adventure Past Review
By Iqra A (University of Florida) - abroad from 03/08/2015 to 03/15/2015 with
The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad
I learned a lot about the renewable energy systems in place in Iceland and how they work as well as how they are implemented in the country. I gained so many priceless, surreal memories of adventuring abroad in this magic countryland - from hiking to swimming in hot springs to trekking around in ice. It was truly unforgettable; I made friends who can relate to me on this like no one else can, I made memories that won't ever be topped, and I explored one of the most beautiful and underrated countries in the world.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Despite the spring break program only being one week long, I was surprised at how we managed to fit in classes with our adventures and how much I was able to learn from these classes about renewable energy processes. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
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| * Food: |
I am a vegetarian and was always accommodated for this without ever feeling like a burden or awkward about imposing on anyone - the food was always delicious, filling and nutritious. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Since it was a short program, we did not get to immerse ourselves in the culture as much as we immersed ourselves with the natural aspects of the culture. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
No health scares while I was on the trip but since it was an intensive trip, they made sure we were in good health and were able to keep up. |
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| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | None |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Save a bit every week, create a travel fund and don't take from it. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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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? | As a native Floridian and someone who has not hiked much, I wish I had prepared myself a bit more for hiking up a snowy mountain in the middle of a snowstorm (which was still an AMAZING and empowering experience). |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
