CELL- A Unique, Environmentally Focused Study Abroad Program Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The CELL program follows an alternative learning system that considers the students to be the primary instructors while the actual instructors are fascilitators to our learning. The curriculum used the Northwest Earth Institute's reading discussion courses on sustainability as the basis for academic material. It included readings, discussions, lectures, papers, journaling, and service-learning projects as well as individual research. It was largely my own responsibility to make sure I was receiving accurate scholarly information from my peers and my own research. The discussions and coursework suggested by the NWEI books was interesting and thought-provoking. As I said before, I felt like I had to put in some extra effort to be at the level of Environmental Studies majors on certain topics. I have come to value an alternative learning educational system. It encourages many different types of learners to explore their creativity and their natural thought processes by using certain tools such as systems thinking methods and takes a holistic approach to learning. I would like to see more American institutions adopting the alternative learning educational system.

On-site administration of your program

I was disappointed to discover only once I had arrived in Iceland that I had very limited freedom to explore outside of the Solheimar ecovillage on my own. I had no means of transportation to leave the village at any time, and the schedule created by the CELL head coordinators and instructors was so strictly regimented that I had no time to make my own plans. I had actually made some individual plans prior to my acceptance into the program and departure which I had to cancel because I was threatened that I would fail the semester if I continued with those plans that were outside of the schedule. I felt like this was an overly harsh decision for several reasons. First of all, I felt like I was not being treated like a mature responsible adult and I felt like there was no reason for the coordinators who were not in Iceland to exercise that much control over us when we followed all other guidelines of the program. I even received approval from my entire community, including my two instructors that there should be no problem with me following through with my plans. I made numerous respectful efforts to persuade the CELL coordinators of the benefits of independent cultural experiences, but I was still not allowed to go against the schedule. Secondly, I was not informed beforehand about just how strict the program's policy would be. If I had known in advance that I would have little to no access to the world outside of the ecovillage for the entire semester and that I would not be able to anything apart from the community, it would have been easier to accept my circumstances. However, I had not been informed of how regimented the program would be, so I felt more resentful when I was made aware of it after I had entered the program and made my plans. The program emphasizes community building, but it is my opinion that this could still be achieved by allowing independent travel. I think individual experiences are essential to creating a positive, well-balanced study abroad experience.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in a house in the ecovillage with all 12 classmates, and the two instructors lived in an adjoining apartment. I was expecting my living conditions to be of a lower quality, and I was willing to endure it for the sake of honoring a sustainable lifestyle. I was surprised that the house was as comfortable as it was. Almost everyone had their own room. There was a full kitchen as well as other spacious living areas. I was fully accommodated with sheets, cookware, etc. I have briefly experienced living with a host family before, and I really like being able to fully immerse myself in another culture that way. However, I can see how it is beneficial to our community's ability to bond when we live together. We were able to make our own decisions about how we were going to live with the ultimate goal of practicing sustainability together.

We had no problem having food available for those of us with vegetarian and vegan diets in the ecovillage. We were always accommodated when we ate in restaurants. We even found some restaurants in the capital that specialized in vegetarian food. Sometimes, it was hard for my one vegan classmate to find food in more rural areas where we stayed. A majority of people in Iceland sustain themselves on diets of fish, dairy and meat products.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I found the field trips and non-academic events that CELL organized to be interesting and enjoyable. They provided for further immersion into the Icelandic culture. However, I felt like the lack of additional cultural/social experiences apart from the program was particularly limiting.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

I practiced basic Icelandic every day with members of the ecovillage. Some people spoke limited English, but it was necessary for me to know some Icelandic in order to interact with everyone. I was able to practice what I learned with classmates and the residents of the ecovillage. In the capital and other places I traveled to, it was easy to find people that spoke English although I tried to use every opportunity I had to speak Icelandic for my own sake.

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• Americans

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• Americans