The experiences are amazing and unforgettable. Past Review

By (Electrical Engineering, Drexel University) - abroad from 12/13/2015 to 12/20/2015 with

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about myself, my interests and experience with renewable energy. I also had the opportunity to meet so many others with my interests! It was definitely worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes our group took on Renewable Energy were informative and detailed. As an engineer having taken renewable energy classes before, I would have liked a more in-depth technical discussion on the workings of the different power plants, especially when touring the facilities. However, the knowledge we received about Iceland's economy and culture were both unexpected and incredibly informative. I felt confident and comfortable discussing Iceland's history and their potential for economic growth in the future. Furthermore, the Capstone projects were difficult to complete, as we did not have time to get into the detail that I felt the professors from Reykjavik University would have liked. The internet connection at each place we stayed was also very poor, especially when all of us were trying to work on our projects simultaneously.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The administration were friendly and accommodating! They provided us with a once in a lifetime experience.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I expected to stay in hostels with a lot of people I did not necessarily know, but each place we stayed was again accommodating and cozy! The water and the rooms were always warm, and the beds were clean.

* Food:

Every single cooked meal was excellent, prepared for the entire group and vegetarian options were provided for those who needed it! Bring a small amount of cash for snacks during the day if you want, and if it's available!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Obviously, we were a tour group, so it's tough to feel completely integrated. That, and the Icelandic language is hard, (and beautiful)! However, we went to local pools and experienced life as a native Icelander would! We also learned so much about their culture and had the opportunity to try all of the authentic Icelandic staples!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Reykjavik boasts about their low crime rates, and they are absolutely true! No cops, no crime to be seen. The tour group leading our excursions was practiced and trained, even when the weather hit while we were hiking one night. I felt safe the entire way down the mountain.

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)

Be careful with spending, especially if you want to get souvenirs at the end of the trip for family members! There are no tips in Iceland, and things are expensive due to the good cost of living.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $400
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend all of your money at the bars. Spend some, and have fun, but don't spend all of it.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • The Renewable Energy Theme!
  • Breathtaking Sights Every Day
  • Becoming part of the GREEN Family
* What could be improved?
  • The Capstone Projects
  • Planning the Week (and telling the students)
  • The Internet connection...
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Before I went on this program, I wish I knew how many expeditions we were going to go on! I was ready for 2 more days in the classroom and we spent them experiencing nature and the beautiful landscape of Iceland!

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 Adventurer
The 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.