Inspirational and Impactful Icelandic Journey Past Review
By Isabella B (Economics and Society and the Environment, University of California - Berkeley) - abroad from 01/02/2016 to 01/10/2016 with
The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad
I came into the program as a lost college student, searching for meaning in my academics and post-grad life. I left the program with a solid foundation as to a path I would love to take in the future and a reinstated passion that had been lost by hours and hours in classroom settings at my home university. This program is unlike any other educational experience I have ever participated in. There was a unique and perfect balance between classroom time and out of classroom adventures that served to further educate me on what I had learned in the classroom. I wish all my classes could be taught like The Green Program! 10/10, I recommend this to every student who is looking to further their educational experience in a "green" manner.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
I was extremely nervous to embark on a program to a foreign country where I knew no one I was traveling with and little about Iceland. I found, however, that The Green Program did an incredible job of turning a group of strangers into a compatible and even inseparable friend group by the end of just a week long journey. Furthermore, I thought the balance between studying Iceland's renewable energy practices and exploring Iceland itself was the perfect mix. I knew that my trip was truly unforgettable and one of a kind when by the end of my stay, I was truly sad to say goodbye to the amazing people I had met. I don't regret for one second spending my winter break alongside strangers turned friends in a country so unique and beautiful. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
Our three guides were awesome in that I felt like every student could relate to all of them as individuals. They truly made me feel integrated into the Icelandic culture by the end of my stay. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The living arrangements were way above my expectations. Every night, I only had one roommate, and I even stayed in a hotel for two nights. Our main hostel felt more like a hotel than a hostel. |
| * Food: |
I loved how at each place we stayed, there was breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided for us. After leaving the country, I felt as though I had tasted what Icelanders eat on a day to day basis. Furthermore, I loved how we also went out to restaurants so that we could experience both the home made meals provided by the hostels and the meals at restaurants. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Studying at the University enabled me to talk to a lot of natives in a one to one setting. I felt as though I was as integrated as I could be into a different country's culture by taking classes at the Iceland School of Energy. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Even though nobody on my trip ever required any medical attention, the guides were always prepared in case of an emergency. |
| * Safety: |
Our guides made sure to keep us completely safe. Even though I felt like at times I was stepping out of my comfort zone and trying new things, I never felt as though I was in danger. |
| 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) |
The program covered all costs so I didn't actually "need" to spend any money while abroad. I did, however, spend some money on small gifts. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | $40 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | The cool thing about this program is that if you don't want to spend any money while abroad, you don't have to. All meals are paid for. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | No |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? |
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 now have a good grasp on the renewable energy practices implemented by Iceland, such as geothermal power and hydropower. |
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. |
