Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A fun, relaxed, and unforgettable adventure. Past Review

By (Pennsylvania State University - University Park / Penn State) - abroad from 08/05/2019 to 08/13/2019 with

The GREEN Program: Iceland - Sustainability and Renewable Energy Abroad

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Sociocultural components of Iceland, educational components of sustainability and renewable energy, confidence. The trip was 100% worthwhile.

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.

There was a heavy emphasis on hands on learning outside of the classroom, which I greatly preferred and believe I benefited from, as opposed to strictly teaching within a classroom. The academics were introductory and not very rigorous, but the courses were interesting and fun.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Outstanding administration, planning, and guides. The two guides made the trip, they were some of the most genuine and interesting people that I've ever met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Living arrangements were great for the short trip; no complaints.

* Food:

The food was outstanding on all fronts, and there was a wide array of options for everyone.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The social and cultural integration was one of my favorite parts about this trip. Our guides were very knowledgeable in local culture as they had grown up in and were currently living in Iceland. I was able to try a lot of new foods, speak some of the language, and was pushed out of my comfort zone!

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

N/A; no health issues.

* Safety:

Reykjavik and the trip itself were very safe. I never feared for the safety of myself or others, and the crime rate was very low relative to the United States and other countries that I've visited.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

I would love to attend this program again, as it was one of the most fun trips of my life.

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)

I was able to successfully live on a budget, although everything is more expensive in Iceland relative to the US due to all of the imported goods.

Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't spend in excess, and if you're looking to buy alcohol, buy it at the airport or at liquor stores as opposed to bars or hostels.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

Frequent encouragement to use basic components of the language, but no heavy language learning.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? None

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • International Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 10+

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Other students and friends I made on the trip.
  • Adventurous aspects of the program.
  • Sociocultural/Educational aspects.
* What could be improved?
  • The order of events in which the program was ran could be more effective.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? No need to stress out before going, it's a ton of fun and worth the trip.

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.