Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

An unforgettable trip with amazing people! Past Review

By (Environmental Science with a concentration in Ecology and Organismal Biology, University of Delaware) - abroad from 06/11/2014 to 06/20/2014 with

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
This program was amazing! I gained a lot of knowledge about renewable energy sources, renewable energy plants, and how it works. I know that the knowledge I gained will help me get ahead in my school as well as my career! Not to mention I learned all about the Icelandic culture and truly experienced all the country had to offer! It was a worthwhile trip and I would do it again in a heartbeat! I would highly recommend this program!

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.

This program provided a hands on educational experience. We had classes through the University of Reykjavik taught by experts in the renewable fields. We also visited many renewable energy sites and were taught all about the processes while doing hands on activities. We had a Capstone project that we had to create, research, and present to our group as well as many university professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Our program leaders were very professional, fun, and intelligent. We had two Icelandic guides that helped us to understand the culture and tell us things we would have never known about Iceland.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Each place we stayed at helped us to immerse into the Icelandic culture and truly experience all Iceland had to off.

* Food:

The food was very good and as someone who has dietary restrictions they were very accommodating!

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

We traveled around the southern part of the country and got a great feel for the culture through our hikes, lodges, guides, and the local people we met and talked to.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

The Green Program made sure to have all documentation necessary in case of an emergency. They made sure that everyone was in good health before engaging in outdoor activities.

* Safety:

I felt very safe.

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? For the total trip I spent about $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy the plane ticket well in advance to save money, and pack snacks in our luggage before you leave.

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

There was no foreign language requirement, but we did learn many Icelandic sayings and words!

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? seven years of French and four semesters of Spanish
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Other
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • People
  • Outdoor Adventures
  • the "White Nights"
* What could be improved?
  • More food options
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To pack waterproof gloves!

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.