Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Life Changing! September 05, 2024

By (Chemistry, Montana State University - Bozeman) - abroad from 06/16/2024 to 07/29/2024 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 loads about decision making regarding energy development in Iceland and on new technologies for combating climate change, whether that means carbon capture or new methods of producing biofuels. I also learned a lot of Icelandic.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

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?

Reykjavik and Isafjordur were very nice. They're working on Akureyri.

* Food:

It's an expensive country.

* 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? No

If it would have been feasible, I would've chosen the semester program so I could integrate myself even better with the country.

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)

I really only had to pay for food and laundry during the program, and with the stipend I was able to do that relatively easily.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Probably around 20,000 to 25,000 ISK.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
  • Apartment
  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The country
  • My classmates
* What could be improved?
  • none
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Buy the raincoat before you arrive :)

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!