A life-changing trip I never wanted to end Past Review
By Courtney T (Courtney Thier, Lehigh University) - abroad from 05/28/2014 to 06/06/2014 with
The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad
I gained a whole new perspective on the environment and nature. The trip was educational beyond a classroom. Everyday was an exciting adventure and a whole new learning experience. Getting hands on experience with renewable energy and sustainable development expanded my knowledge beyond just taking tests. It was awesome to be around a group of people with similar interests and encouraged you to learn more. This trip was 100% worthwhile.
Review Photos
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
This trip provided an educational experience that you certainly cannot receive within a classroom. The trip focused on taking the ideas of renewable energy and sustainability seeing these them come to life. I was able to further my knowledge through classroom lectures, hands on experience, open discussions and demonstrations, as well as tours of the many ways Iceland uses renewable energy. The program also included a capstone project which let the students explore their personal interests to create a bigger picture. I found the trip extremely inspiring and motivating to continue my education. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Everyone in Iceland was more than helpful and accepting. I feel as if I created another home in just the 10 days of the program. The trip leaders were also just as involved and excited about the program as we were. They were always right next to us for every adventure, making it easy to feel welcomed. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
On the trip, we mostly stayed in guest houses. Each guest house was beautiful and very comfortable. The hosts of the guest house were also always nice and welcoming. |
| * Food: |
Icelandic breakfasts are a little different then in the US. Mostly sliced meat, bread, vegetables, peanut butter, and eggs. That was the main difference. Every meal we ate was fabulous and delicious. Vegetable options were also available. We ate meals such as lasagna, beef stew, fish, and soup. I really enjoyed every meal. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Besides not knowing a word of the language, I felt very comfortable. Every person I met was extremely kind and happy to have conversation. It was wonderful to get to meet people. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable on the trip. We mostly traveled by bus and never really went out at night, but the city was very safe from the experience. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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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) |
The cost of the trip was on the expensive side, but that cost covered everything on the trip. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | <$20 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Some of the Iceland gift shops are pretty expensive, I would wait until you visit Reykjavik to do your shopping. |
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? |
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? | Don't be nervous to meet people. Everyone on this trip is here for the same reason. Enjoy every minute. |
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. |
