Become inspired by the renewable energy sectors of Iceland August 04, 2025
By A student (Renewable Energy, Technology, and Resource Economics, Brandeis University) - abroad from 06/01/2025 to 07/14/2025 with
SIT Study Abroad: Iceland - Renewable Energy, Technology & Resource Economics (Summer 1)
I learned about renewable energy and how successful renewable energy can be for a country. By being in Iceland and seeing these resources being used effectively, it showed me that countries can be sustainable.
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. |
The academics were well integrated into this program as we went on many excursions to different types of power plants in many parts of the country. Additionally, I felt very supported when working on my research project and was always able to get my questions answered. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
I felt very supported by all staff members during the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Hostels were very clean in Reykjavik and Akureyri. However, the kitchen was quite limited in Akureyri which made it more challenging to cook for myself. The dorms in Isafjurdor were amazing. |
| * Food: |
We were provided with a meal stipend and occasionally we had group meals paid for by the program. Budgeting the meal stipend was not too difficult. |
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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: |
I never felt unsafe at any point when I was in Iceland, even when walking alone in the cities and towns. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
I learned so much about renewable energy and sustainability by being in Iceland, yet there is still so much to learn. Iceland has so many experts in these fields, and their knowledge is invaluable. |
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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| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | The meal stipend lasted me throughout the program. I spent money on pool passes (~$75 total), and a few day excursions that were done outside of the program (~$200 total). |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Not going out to eat for every meal is important. Grocery shopping and preparing your own meals will help with budgeting your meal stipend. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
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? | 0 |
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 had a little bit more of a background in renewable energy before this program. |
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. |
