Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

The Trip I Will Never Forget Past Review

By (ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGIES AND ENGINEERING-RELATED FIELDS., Temple University) - abroad from 05/28/2014 to 06/06/2014 with

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being an engineering student, it's near impossible to attend a typical five month study abroad program while in a four year program. The GREEN Program was able to give me that once in a lifetime opportunity to take a condensed study abroad program for an unforgetable trip in something of interest. The trip was honestly something I tell all of my friends and family about and I'm very happy to have had the opportunity to attend. Before The GREEN Program I was an Engineering Technology major who was contemplating taking up an Environmental concentration. Without a doubt, this program solidified my choice in pursuing an environmental concentration and I couldn't have asked for anything more from the trip and all of it's leaders. Throughout the trip I learned a great deal of information regarding renewable energy. The combination of class lectures by professions and teachers, as well as going out into the field to first-hand see the facilities was a great way to understand the industry. You could tell that all of the facility members truly cared about us and took an interest in our program and our thoughts. In addition to the educational aspect of the trip, The GREEN Program did an outstanding job of incorporating some amazing activities into our time in Iceland. Whether it was six hour hikes, snorkeling between tectonic plates, super jeep rides, glacier hiking, and other amazing activities; this trip has it all and really shows what Iceland has too offer.

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.

The educational experience was truly one of a kind. Being able to spend time at Reykjavík University greatly enhanced our learning and benefited everyone.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The GREEN Program did an excellent job teaching us all about Icelandic culture and all that Iceland has to offer.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The housing was great with such nice and welcoming host. A lot of bonding time between our group took place at the various hostels which made our trip more enjoyable.

* Food:

The food was amazing. I love how they didn't attempt to Americanize our meal and kept it authentic.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I think the local guides on our trip really did a good job teaching us about the Icelandic culture and life style.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I thankfully never needed any assistance but I was confident that if I needed any care, I would be well taken care of.

* Safety:

I never once felt unsafe throughout any part of the trip. The people in Iceland were genuinely nice and made me feel very comfortable.

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)

All cost including food, housing, and transportation, were provided once in Iceland by our trip and the only additional money I spent was on souvenirs. The prices are a little higher in Iceland but nothing too substantial.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Learning/Experiencing the Icelandic life style
  • A first-hand experience as well classroom learning
  • Being able to connect with all of the other members of the trip
* What could be improved?
  • A detailed itinerary before the trip
  • Planned accommodations for people wanting to arrive before the trip started
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I never thought I would have this much fun during the trip and would do it the exact same way again.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.