Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

One of the greatest experiences I have ever gone through and wish it was longer. Past Review

By (Chemical Engineering., University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) - abroad from 08/13/2014 to 08/22/2014 with

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Not only the renewable energy components and the educational aspects, but I learned how to push myself, how to get along with people from different backgrounds, and also how to not only respect the land and its culture, but also how to respect one another.

Review Photos

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad Photo The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad Photo The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad Photo The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad Photo

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.

Great lectures from intriguing professors. Capstone project helped to strengthen understanding of Renewable Energy.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Unbelievable staff members. Always were prepared, never ran into any issues, and were able to be down to earth and very organized with the 41 person group.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Sometimes I felt like I lived in nice building than at my student housing. Even when camping we were provided with necessities and were always satisfied.

* Food:

Amazing food selection. Was very interested in trying new foods, so I loved the cool food plates in Iceland. The program did a great job for those students that were vegetarian and we always had plenty of food.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was starting to become familiar with the streets of Reykjavik. The southern cities were great to understand the way of life for Icelanders and we learned of the struggles of the volcano explosion in 2010.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

Healthcare was not an issue. There were hospitals and the country was very developed to account for issues.

* Safety:

It can be challenging at times for the hikes and camping. Definitely should be a bit out-doorsy or like to challenge yourself. The staff and guides were all trained to help in situations if a student was in trouble and many were even trained as rescue personnel.

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)

The program provided most food and drinks. Very minimal outside costs.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Outside of the program, food and drinks do tend to get expensive in Iceland
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buy any food, drinks, or any other supplies at the duty-free at the airport upon arrival.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
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?
  • Seeing the Northern Lights
  • Attending lectures at Reykjavik University
  • The 13 mile hike through beautiful peaks and views
* What could be improved?
  • Make a longer program :) (was too fun)
  • Maybe have more dates to attend the program so the groups do not get too large.
  • Cannot think of anything else because it ran very smoothe.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about biofuels going into the program. We learned much from the program lectures and even for our Capstone project. I seriously can see myself getting into a field related to biofuels as a Chemical Engineer.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!