Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Changing the World Past Review

By (Siena College) - abroad from 09/07/2016 to 11/30/2016 with

Center for Ecological Living & Learning: Solheimar - Iceland Program

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was worth every moment. I learned so much about people, environmental studies, the planet, Iceland, etc.

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.

CELL worked hard to provide us with a variety of new information to open our eyes to the world of sustainability through community. Through classes, fieldtrips, research, and community activities we received a wide range of education from many teachers.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Organized, helpful and communicative. I was incredibly impressed with how they ran the program.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Comfortable, spacious, and equipped for housing all of us for 3 months. A good place to study.

* Food:

So amazing! Local, organic veggies are constantly available, and the chef made delicious lunches everyday.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

You truly feel like a member of the community when you leave. I came to call it home.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

None of us had any health issues, but they provided plenty of easy options should something have happened. They were very accommodating.

* Safety:

The village was close knit and everyone takes care of one another. We never went anywhere alone and all excursions felt very safe.

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

I feel like I gained a new family and home. They helped me to grow, change, and become the person I want to be. I am forever grateful for them.

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)

There are no additional expenses for this trip unless you would like to buy souvenirs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? None, I probably spent $200 on souvenirs total at the end.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend the summer/semester before you go! Save for the adventures you'll want to have abroad.

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 language class once a week, but the program focused more on history, sustainability, and change than language.

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? None in Icelandic
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? Use DuoLingo or Youtube videos before to learn the basics!

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* 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 learning
  • The hikes!
  • The food
* What could be improved?
  • More language immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Your entire world is about to be turned upside down, in the most amazing way <3

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.