The course of my life has been changed forever. Past Review
By Justin M (Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering., University of Central Florida) - abroad from 05/13/2014 to 08/23/2014 with
The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad
Well I will attempt to not write a novel. I learned that there are other people exactly like me in the world, and that I do not have to change aspects of myself just to be accepted. I saw a piece of myself in every person that I shared time with. I learned that I have the tools necessary to create the future that I want for myself and family. I found a path that is currently leading me straight into the renewable side of energy production. I rediscovered how much I love the outdoors and traveling. Before this trip I was getting stuck in a cycle, getting burnt out on school, and becoming disillusioned by the system in general. This program was the spark I needed to continue the pursuit of a goal that I had lost sight of: to live sustainably and in harmony with my surroundings. I wish that I could have stayed longer in Iceland, but my schedule did not allow. The trip was most definitely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
An in-depth educational program must be completed prior to the trip. The quizzes are easy to pass, but the sections motivated me to do my own additional research and reading. Also, the classes at Reykjavik University were taught in a completely different environment; the professors were much more down-to-earth and easy to converse with. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Words cannot explain how awesome our guides were, local and program included. Two of our guides were Icelandic locals, and the other two were Adam and Connor; meeting these people alone made the trip worth it. The program was very well organized. I really liked how an agenda was not provided to us at any time on the trip. Each night we were told what time to be up for breakfast and what to have ready in a bag for the day. Letting go of the reins of my life for a bit and just trusting these, initially, complete strangers was a wonderful life decision. |
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were superb. The hostels were cozy, and the hosts were very amenable. Camping was by far my favorite, since we had to compete for the tents and the losers got stuck with dope cabins; so it was a win-win for all involved really. |
| * Food: |
I love Icelandic food! I mean, I love all food, but this green-house-grown and geothermally-cooked food will always hold a special place in my heart. Personally, I am a very picky eater with respect to the food quality. The food was far better than most food found here in the US. I am also lactose intolerant, so the one lunch where they served a cream-based soup the cooks were able to make me my own bowl of chicken soup without cream in it. |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
The Icelandic people are some of the warmest that I have ever met; which is kind of funny considering that the place never really gets that warm, compared to FL. I had one of the existential conversations of my life the very last day sitting outside of a world-famous hotdog stand with a hefty fellow named Magnus. If you meet him please tell him that I say hello! |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Nobody was injured!!!!! And we did some semi-reckless things at times, but everybody shipped off from Iceland the way that they got there... at least physically. I'm pretty sure that the way we all look at the world after that trip was forever changed. |
| * Safety: |
I never once felt endangered while in Iceland... Probably because we had Thor himself, known as Adam by us mere mortals, protecting us the entire time. So, yeah don't worry about your safety in Iceland!! |
| 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) |
Once the trip was paid for, you only needed money for the gifts that you wanted to bring home for your family and friends. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | I didn't bring back much, so $20 per week. |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | If you get there, then you truly don't NEED any money. But, I am quite simple, so if you live a frivolous lifestyle then bring money. I feel that we all know ourselves and our needs at this point in our lives. |
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 learned to count! Otherwise, the local guides would try to teach you anything that you asked. But I think it is one of the most difficult languages to learn.. At least that is my opinion. But they were more than willing to try and teach me! |
| 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? | English 2 |
| 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? | Live in Iceland for your entire life. |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I almost pulled out of the program at the last minute because of stress due to work, classes, and life in general... So, I wish that I could go back in time and slap myself for even thinking that this trip was not meant to happen for me. This trip came at the perfect time in my life. |
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. |
