Phenomenal! Past Review
By A student (Environmental Science., The College of William and Mary) - abroad from 05/13/2012 to 06/04/2012 with
Center for Ecological Living & Learning: Solheimar - Iceland Program
I learned so much about Icelandic culture and lifestyle. I had the opportunity to work alongside the home people of Solheimar and experience living in a fully sustainable community. I have been empowered to change individually and push others to change as well-sustainability efforts. I learned how to be a traveler rather than a tourist! This trip was beyond amazing. I met over 20 people that I will never forget and forever cherish.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
A lot of what I learned on this trip came from interactions with individuals I met and visits to Geothermal Plants. The workbooks that we used for discussions were insightful, but mostly information that I've already learned. Group discussion really opened the floor to expand on these topics. |
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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? |
The housing was phenomenal! I had the idea that we were going to be backpacking for most of the trip, but we actually stayed in a nice air condtioned house. We stayed 2-3 to a room. Each room had its own bathroom and shower. The living area was fantastic too! There was a large room where we wrote reflection journals, held discussions, ate meals, and just hung out. There was also a nice patio that overlooked Solheimar. It was absolutely gorgeous. |
| * Food: |
The food was insane! Not many of the meals were prepared for us in Solheimar, but when they were it was a treat. The home people made the best hearty meals- a lot of vegetarian options available. Everyone in the group had the opportunity to cook dinner for the program as well! It was really neat to eat together for every meal. We went out to eat a lot in Reykjavik as well. I felt like I was on vacation! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
This program did a very good job of connecting all of us to the home people of Solheimar and the individuals we met on each of our mini trips. I really feel like I got to know each and every person I encountered while in Iceland. We were also assigned the tas of going out in Reykjavik and chatting with locals. This really opened my eyes to Icelandic culture! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Iceland is an extremely safe place with a very low crime rate. I felt safe everywhere I went on this trip. |
| 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) |
I was not required to pay for anything while on this trip. The only purchases I made were on snacks and souvenirs. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | Yes |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $80- I bought a lot of woolen items and souvenirs for family/friends |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | No- I did not spend very much. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
We learned many common Icelandic phrases that we were encouraged to use in everyday conversation. The icelandic people really appreciated any sort of effort to speak in their language. It was really rewarding! |
| 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? | Beginner |
| What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? | High School French 4 |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | No- You do not need any prior knowledge of the Icelandic language. If you want to have some knowledge before arriving, check out youtube videos to hear pronounciation. |
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? | I wish that I did more research on Iceland's history and learned more of the language. |
