Iceland: An AMAZING Experience September 08, 2022
By Cici C (Environmental Studies, Bates College) - abroad from 02/20/2022 to 06/01/2022 with
SIT Study Abroad: Iceland - Climate Change and the Arctic
A lot about climate change in the Arctic, Icelandic history and culture, some of the language, and how to climate model.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
It is what you make of it! I was able to get an immense amount out of the courses and independent study project, arguably more than I do at my normal institution in an average semester. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The professors pair you extremely well with a family you will be best suited in. I loved mine and am still in touch! |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
You stay in some funny hostels, which make the experience fun and new. Housing with the families is amazing, and the last month you get to find your own apartment which is extremely nice. Iceland does not really have a "run down" place you can stay, and everything is extremely safe. |
| * Food: |
I love fish and lamb, so the food was amazing. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Icelanders are amazing people. I felt grateful to get to know so many. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I threw out my back and called the healthcare providers on a Sunday, and a doctor travelled to the office to see me to prescribe me medication. I did not pay a single thing! |
| * Safety: |
Iceland is one of the safest places to travel. I spent most of my time in Isafjordur, which is one of the safest places I have ever been. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I was so blown away with this program. I did not know what to expect and am so happy with everything I learned and experienced. |
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) |
It is easy to use up the budget, but if you are smart with the money it is easy to have leftover cash at the end of the week. I worked an extra job before leaving and ended up barely tapping into my saved cash. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | Depends where you are in Iceland. Maybe 20-50 dollars. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Be smart about groceries and get to know what food is cheap in the stores. |
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 |
Icelandic is extremely tough, but they always love for you to try. |
| 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? | I took Advanced French in high school. |
| 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? | Duo Lingo! |
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 I knew a little more about Icelandic culture and language before going. |
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 AdventurerThe 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. |
