Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A sensational and unforgettable experience Past Review

By (Civil Engineering, University of Southern California) - abroad from 06/07/2015 to 06/17/2015 with

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
The trip was absolutely worthwhile. I believe the most valuable thing I gained was a huge network of extremely close friends from around the country and globe, as well as intimate knowledge of just how easy it is to be inspired. This type of program is almost guaranteed to attract a certain type of person - one who is adventurous, ambitious, probably outgoing, and nothing if not inspired. To be surrounded by such people even for only 10 days is an absolute gift in this world, and one that I have every intention of dearly remembering for the rest of my life.

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.

Unfortunately, just about all of the lecture material was review for an upperclassmen studying civil and environmental engineering, and thus was not very valuable. I cannot speak for the intensity of the course requirements because I did not attempt to receive course credit for this.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Definitively the best administrators/advisers we could have asked for, and even some of the most amazing and inspiring people I've ever met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The houses were completely satisfactory in every way - the workers were awesome and friendly, the quarters were fully serviceable, and the beds were comfortable enough. No complaints here.

* Food:

This was not something I expected to be a highlight of a trip to Iceland, but the food was consistently incredible. There was a large variety of fantastic food and I was surprisingly in love with the local cuisine, to which I was initially ignorant.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I don't think there would have been a good way to truly immerse us in Icelandic culture as well as do all of the things we did both academically and adventurously, so I would be confident in saying we got as much exposure to and integration with local culture as was possible.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

They were accessible, thorough, persistent, and best of all - kind, when it came to any sickness or injury. I think we all felt very comfortable in this respect.

* Safety:

Despite the potential dangers inherent to some of the adventure items experienced on the trip, I was never once worried about our safety. The guides made us all feel very taken care of and we were fully aware of all potential safety issues long before they were active or present.

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)

This is only in regards to living expenses while there. They provided for every truly necessary expense - I never felt the need to spend money while I was there. I only did so as a luxury.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? No tips needed. I could easily have gone without spending any money. The money I did spend were on things I wanted, not needed.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • 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?
  • People I met (and that the program attracts)
  • Natural beauty
  • Variety of experiences/sites
* What could be improved?
  • Cheaper cost
  • More independence
  • Perchance smaller group
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I simply wish I knew about it earlier on so that I could have further explored different funding options.

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 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.