Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing outdoor science experience!! December 08, 2021

By (Brandeis University) - abroad from 08/14/2021 to 11/22/2021 with

SIT Study Abroad: Iceland - Climate Change and the Arctic

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned skills in field methods and critical thinking, but most importantly I learned how environmental scientists communicate and inform politics. It was very helpful to see how Europe handles climate change differently than the U.S., and bring home new ideologies.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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)

Iceland is a very expensive country, and so it was challenging to live on a budget. The program administrators did an excellent job of helping students regulate spending and navigate prices.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Eating out in Iceland is very expensive, but cooking with grocery store ingredients is not far from prices in the U.S.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Host Family
  • Apartment
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • Host Family
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
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?
  • Time in unique nature spaces
  • Variety of locations/activities
  • Program staff
* What could be improved?
  • More interaction with college-aged Icelanders
  • More interaction with local academics
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Participate in group activities even if you're a little tired at the end of the day! It is always worth it!

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.