Great Time in Akureyri Past Review

By (Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/02/2019 to 12/06/2019 with

University of Akureyri - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
For me, the program was worthwhile. I learned a lot about Iceland, took classes that I wouldn't have thought to take but ended up enjoying, met great people and interesting professors, and had experiences only available in Iceland.

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.

Although there are seemingly limited courses in English, I really enjoyed all my courses. I was able to take course not offered at my home university such as Polar Law and Modern Studies which were quite interesting.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Easy to communicate with.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I had a large single in one of the student housing buildings. While I enjoyed the kitchen and my room, it was difficult to meet people and most of the friends I made lived in another building. It was very different than a dorm in the United States but over all a decent living experience.

* Food:

Food is self provided, so many trips to the grocery store and a deciding when to go to cafes. Two grocery stores within walking distance and a good number of places to eat in town.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The only healthcare experience I had was getting the correct insurance during the application process which was very confusing, but I did not need to use it while there.

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I really enjoyed living in Akureyri and my classes at the University. It was a unique study abroad experience that I would do again.

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)

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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?
  • Academics
  • Travel/landscape
  • People I met
* What could be improved?
  • Integration with local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Just scheduling wise I got out sooner than I thought I would but it worked out

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.