Glacier gliding and sustainable subsistence, culminated by a cube of sour shark! Past Review

By (Bioenvironmental Engineering, Rutgers University - New Brunswick) - 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?
This was my most rewarding experience by far, thus far! I have found new inspiration to pursue my studies with fervor, and beheld one of the most beautiful landscapes on this planet.

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

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Icelandic staff was inviting, informative, and enjoyable as you like!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

From the quaint Hjarðarból guesthouse, to camping out at the Volcano Huts in Þórsmörk, our abodes were top-notch from start to finish!

* Food:

The Icelandic diet is refreshingly simple and nourishing, with enticing foreign twists that warmly welcome you into their culture.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Over such a brief span, it is difficult to fully immerse yourself in Iceland's veritably rich culture & history. That being said, during my stay I felt whole-heartedly welcomed by the natives; they are the friendliest strangers whom I have encountered.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not encounter any of these issues, nor did any of my companions. However, our program was so well organized that, if there had been any issues, I am confident that they would have easily been remedied.

* Safety:

Iceland is a very safe country relatively speaking; I never once felt threatened.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? All necessities were provided for us; any extra money spent was for miscellaneous purpose, and born our of want, not need.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Spend your money evenly throughout the trip; you do not want to be penniless at any point!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

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

Select all that apply

  • Americans
  • International Students
  • 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?
  • The location-Iceland's natural beauty & cultural magnificence.
  • The people-I have never been surrounded my so many like-minded humans.
* What could be improved?
  • Nothing I can think of
  • They have a great model
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I have proof that the world is bursting with opportunity, and that one can always start anew.

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.