Energetic and Fun September 06, 2024
By Claire L (University of Wisconsin - Madison) - abroad from 06/01/2024 to 07/15/2024 with
SIT Study Abroad: Iceland - Renewable Energy, Technology & Resource Economics (Summer 1)
I learned a lot about Icelandic history and culture, but I also learned a lot about myself. It was definitely worthwhile because it gave me a fresh new perspective on the environmental challenges we are facing as a society. I also made some really good friends who I’m still in contact with!!
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Very fast paced program, always learning a lot! |
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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? |
We stayed in hostels and dorms, and I love staying with roommates so I really enjoyed it. |
| * Food: |
Food was pretty good, but it’s expensive and there’s limited grocery options in Iceland |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Our guides and teachers were locals that introduced us to the best local spots |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
Iceland is very safe compared to the US |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
The program brings together a group of students who are all passionate about sustainability and renewable energy. The classes were interesting, and the information was jam-packed into each week. We all became really close so outside of class time we went on a bunch of adventures! Our session was structured to have us visit nearly every region of Iceland which was so so cool! |
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) |
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| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook food with your friends to save money instead of regularly going out to eat! |
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 |
Taught a lot of the language at the end of the program. We were only encouraged to use basic greetings that every tourist uses. However, most Icelanders speak english fluently so it’s hard to practice speaking anyway. |
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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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 that we would be getting pre-paid debit cards for food instead of group meals. I just wasn’t prepared to be cooking most of my own food so that would’ve been helpful to know beforehand. I knew I would have to cook my own food because the program description mentioned it but I didn’t know how much. |
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 LinguistYou 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! |
