The Unreal, Unforgettable, Utterly Unparalleled GREEN Program Past Review
By A student (Environmental Policy, Rutgers University - New Brunswick) - abroad from 05/28/2014 to 06/06/2014 with
The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad
The 10 days spent in Iceland were out of this world. The GREEN Program gave me an extraordinary educational experience in the greenest classroom in the world- Iceland. I took away first hand knowledge and experience to apply to my studies and career development, as well as establish countless connections amongst the program's facilitators, the university professors, and the students I was with from around the US and Canada. I gained an even deeper appreciation and concern for the Earth, as I was diving in between tectonic plates, trekking through massive valleys, jumping through rivers, stomping up glaciers, scrambling up every rock I could, chasing waterfalls and volcanoes, and hiking up 3600 feet to gain a view so surreal your breath catches in your throat. It blows my mind that the program was only ten days; we did so many things and learned so much information, but it was never overwhelming or dizzying as it would seem . Every day was something new, and each day brought the group closer to one another. The balance between outdoor excursions, visiting renewable energy sites, classroom sessions and down time was ideal. Learning and exploring in such a unique setting provided for an eye opening and soul captivating experience, allowing me to leave with unforgettable memories and an even stronger desire to pursue all the possibilities in Environmental Policy. I could not have put a price tag on my 10 days in Iceland. The friendships, adventures, and knowledge that came from the program will last a lifetime.
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. |
I thought the experience at the University and with the professors was amazing. Being able to take the courses with them and learn what they are involved and working with was great exposure to future possibilities. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The leads were incredible; the trip would be little to nothing without them. I couldn't get over just how awesome the team of them were, and how the combination of two native Icelanders with two americans was perfect. Their hard work was extremely evident, but their encouragement, inspiration, and leadership surpassed all expectations. I found that while we were always having fun with them, I was also always learning from them, whether or not I realized it at the time. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
From hostels to tents, living arrangements were impeccable. Bathrooms and bedrooms alike were always clean. Hostel hosts were super kind and hospitable, making you feel completely comfortable and at home. |
| * Food: |
Food was excellent! I know some of the boys with big appetites were worried about portion sizes and complained a handful of times, but nothing major. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Everyone we interacted with was kind and welcoming, I felt it would have been nice to experience a little more of Reykjavik, the last day before we flew out I felt rushed! |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
While not entirely an experience with healthcare, but I did manage to I cut my foot the day before our hike to Þórsmörk, and was right away taken care of when I asked for bandages. Medical kit was on hand and I was sorted, and checked up on several times which I thought was awesome. |
| * Safety: |
I never felt unsafe throughout the duration of the trip. From the moment I stepped onto the plane (Icelandair is the coolest airline) and set foot into the airport (Keflavik is the coolest airport), I never felt lost or unsafe. Every person was smiling and happy to help with anything. I don't know if I encountered one unkind (never mind hostile) person in the entire country. |
| 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) |
Because mostly everything was provided for, the budget was never really an issue. Though prices are exorbitant in Iceland (I was shocked how expensive just a coffee would be!) it was never an issue. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 25 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | While I tried not spending any money at all, bar the one night we went out to the hostel for festivities, I actually ended up regretting holding back on certain items (presents/keepsake things). I would keep telling myself I would see it again and buy it later on but ultimately miss the opportunity. So if you see something you know you'll want, buy it! Within reason of course. But it will be something you will have always. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
| 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? | Spanish fluency |
| 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? | While we weren't taught or forced to used any Icelandic, the best way to learn any language is to just go for it. Practice without concern of how you sound, you can only get better! |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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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 been somewhat more aware of the fact we would be hiking and venturing outside each and every day. While I was delightfully surprised and ecstatic to do this, I felt slightly underprepared when it came to my gear, in clothing and equipment. |
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. |
