Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

I spent the summer studying renewable energy and exploring Iceland. October 26, 2023

By (Renewable Energy, Technology, and Resource Economics, University of Oregon) - abroad from 06/19/2023 to 08/01/2023 with

SIT Study Abroad: Iceland - Renewable Energy, Technology & Resource Economics (Summer 2)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about myself and the renewable energy field while abroad. The people who were in my program truly made my time abroad incredible and showed me the power of sharing a new experience with a group of people. Not only have I gained professional connections and experience, but I have gained a bunch of new friends spread across the United States. I was nervous in the beginning, but it was all worth it in the end.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The program maintains a great balance between academic focus and creating time for students to explore recreationally. Time spent in the classroom was engaging and we learned from a variety of people from different disciplines which highlighted the interdisciplinarity of the program.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Between our Academic Director and Program Coordinator, I always felt supported. There was a universal understanding of the importance of exploring Iceland and soaking up every minute of our time abroad.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Overall, there were no problems with housing throughout the program. We stayed in a series of hostels as we traveled around Iceland, so accommodations varied from place to place. Hostels in Iceland are clean and we always stayed in rooms with members of our group, so don't let hostels scare you away from this opportunity.

* Food:

We were provided with a food stipend each week of the program which made food affordable and fun. In some places, we would go to grocery stores and cook most of our meals depending on the kitchen accommodations of the hostel. I never had problems finding something that I wanted to eat.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Iceland is an extremely safe country! Obviously, it is important to be cautious when traveling abroad, but I never felt unsafe during my time in Iceland.

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

If someone offered me the opportunity to relive my study abroad experience, I wouldn't think twice about it. I can't say enough positive things about the structure of the program, the people I met and spent the summer with, and the beautiful country I explored.

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)

For my program, we were provided with weekly meal stipends which made the experience more affordable. Iceland is a relatively expensive country as they have to import most goods, but there is a lot of flexibility in food options.

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 about 5 short language lessons towards the end of the program and were not expected to use Icelandic outside of that time.

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? None
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? Icelandic is a very difficult language to learn and everyone in the country speaks English. It was not super important to me to learn the language, but it was nice to take a few lessons and understand some basic phrases and greetings.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The people were the best part. From the academic director to everyone in my program, they really made the experience special.
  • Exploring the wonders and beauty of Iceland was such a privilege and so much fun!
  • I loved the lecture aspect of the program because we heard from people from all different disciplines.
* What could be improved?
  • Honestly I wouldn't change much of anything about the program.
  • Institute more progress check-ins for the independent research project.
  • More opportunities to immerse in local culture.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Bring a towel. And to go into this experience with an open mind and an open heart. It is not an easy task to study in a foreign country, but growth happens outside of your comfort zone.

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.