Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Iceland: a Beautiful Country with an amazing History April 27, 2023

By (Environmental Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 08/27/2023 to 12/21/2022 with

University of Akureyri - Direct Enrollment & Exchange

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
It was definitely worthwhile. The classes were interesting and filled with new perspectives and events. The country itself is beautiful and easy to explore.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were challenging but flexible throughout the semester. A lot of the material and grades came at the end of the semester, giving students plenty of time to prepare and learn freely.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The university's study abroad office was very helpful with any and every question.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very satisfied, the university provided apartment housing in the city.

* Food:

Very yummy and accessible from campus and in the town.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Very integrated, it was easy to find and participate in cultural events and talk to locals and drive to amazing historical sites.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Iceland is extremely safe, I could walk home in the early morning by myself without any fear of my safety.

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

I chose the program because it was immersive and I was the only student from my university. I loved having to make friends from all over the world and students from Iceland. It allowed me to explore new places and new things.

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? 0
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Learn to cook and use food from grocery stores to save money. BONUS is very inexpensive but restaurants and cafes can be pricier.

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

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? Beginner
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

Direct Enrollment/Exchange

* Did you study abroad through an exchange program or did you directly enroll in the foreign university? Direct Enrollment

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • International Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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 Class
  • The free time to explore
  • the students
* What could be improved?
  • Final examination period
  • a clear list of expectations (they are very different from American expectations)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You have to be independent and be able to care for yourself, both expense wise and socially.

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.