"Good travel. Good times. Iceland." Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 08/03/2015 to 08/12/2015 with

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I really learned how to be independent by traveling to Iceland on my own. I camped and snorkeled for the first time while on this trip. But even more importantly, I loved experiencing the ten days with awesome and passionate people.

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.

Being able to study at the University of Reykjavik and learn from their lecturers was such a unique and eye opening experience. Icelandic culture is very different from American culture in some ways so I enjoyed learning a new perspective. I felt that a lot of the hands on activities and field trips were helpful in learning about green energy. Being very close with nature on this trip also gave me an experience I could never receive in a classroom.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Green leaders were waiting for students at the airport right when we got through customs. This was extremely helpful as it was my first time flying by myself. The program seemed to have everything planned out perfectly. The leaders were all confident and could handle any situation.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The living arrangements were very suitable for what our trip entailed. We never spent too much time in the housing since the program always had a lot of activities planned. It was cool staying in three or so different housing accommodations that seemed to be authentic Icelandic. They also helped the group of students bond since we spent so much time with each other.

* Food:

It was not difficult to adjust to Icelandic food in any way. The meals were always delicious and we got a nice variation during the trip, especially while at the different housing spots. However, I wish I had more snacks with me during the bus trips because the days were very long.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I definitely felt like the Green Program immersed students in the culture, rather than treating us like tourists.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I never had a health related issue while in Iceland. However, the program was sure to obtain students' medical information and a copy of our insurance cards before departing on our trip. I felt as though if I had run into a health care problem, they would be able to handle it.

* Safety:

I never felt so safe in a new city in my life to be perfectly honest. Every Icelander I met was very welcoming, warm, and relaxed. Even while walking around the countryside with friends in the dark, I never feared for my safety.

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 covered all meal costs, except when we stopped at grocery stores for snacks.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? I spent maybe $50 on snacks and other expenses during the 10 days.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Look for scholarships as early as possible from outside sources.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? none
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Other
  • Host Family
  • 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?
  • the people
  • the adventure
  • the nature
* What could be improved?
  • More snacks on the bus rides
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack lightly!

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.