Wonderful Experience March 21, 2026
By A student (Applied Mathematics, Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, University of Colorado - Boulder) - abroad from 08/20/2025 to 11/29/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Iceland - Climate Change and the Arctic
I gained an understanding of climate change that I didn't have the same way before--actually being in a place that has experienced great warming and extreme weather of all sorts is very different from learning about it in classes. I also gained some really close friends, colleagues, and a sense of direction for my future.
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. |
There are plenty of opportunities to engage with the material and tailor the rigor to what you're looking for. |
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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? |
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| * Food: |
There aren't as many options as you might be used to, but the food is good. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Safest country in the world at the time of this review. In the town, people left their bikes unlocked and I never felt unsafe walking around at night. The only safety concern is the weather and trail conditions! |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
This program is the one that transferred credits for my major, so this was the only option for me. That being said, it was spectacular and I learned so much and met some really cool people. |
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) |
The stipend with this program covered my food expenses. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Find less expensive housing during your ISP, and eating out will probably be a big dent on your personal expenses, so try to make your own food and utilize the hostel kitchens. |
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 |
Everyone speaks very good English, but speaking Icelandic helps you to engage with the culture and talk to the locals better. There are language lessons covering the basics with this program. We were encouraged to use basic phrases (good morning, thank you, etc) but learning more of the language on your own is really helpful too. |
| 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 |
| 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? | Practice with your host family. It will be scary, but absolutely worth it. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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? | Communicating with people back home gets tough after a while, since you start to become a part of a different world. It's good to have some anchor back home to talk to though, and the homesickness is usually the worst for me at 3 weeks away from home. Also beware of the darkness in winter, stay active, stay social, and give yourself grace. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
