What inspired you to work for your organization?
I've been interested in sustainability and renewable energy since my engineering studies. I used to work in an engineering office, mostly doing calculations and project management, but I realised that I like working with people more than working in front of the computer the whole day. Interacting with like-minded people that care about the environment as much as I do is truly inspiring.
Exploring with Green Program students
Describe a typical day at work.
Everyday is different, which is one of the reasons why I love working with the Green Program. In general, it is a good mix of in-house education, site visits, and adventure.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The Green Program brings students to Iceland that are interested in sustainability and renewable energy, and being able to share my passion and work with them on projects as well as enjoy and introduce them to the beauty of our nature is a privilege.
Exploring waterfalls
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
As a program leader for the Green Program I help the students with their capstone projects, as well as having discussions about climate change and what they learn here on renewable energy and sustainability.
What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?
Always keep an open mind, explore, and don't be afraid to try new things. It's more likely that you will regret the things you didn't do then the things you did!
What makes your organization special?
We create short-term study abroad programs focused on renewable energy and sustainability. We collaborate with in-country partners to fuse our educational model into a 8-10 day high action program to bridge the gap between traditional text book learning and accelerated career development. We believe that education should mean more than just a classroom; we are here to shake up the higher education industry.
What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?
We are working towards sustainability by focusing on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. We continue working on it by exposing more and more students from all over the world to the tasks at hand and by giving them the opportunity to learn more about the different aspects of sustainability through working on their own projects in the field.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
Even more respect for nature and a long lasting passion to fight climate change. I also hope that when they go back that they will inspire others to do the same.
Hiking with students in a geothermal area
Why is it important for people to travel abroad and experience new cultures?
It broadens your mind and you see things from a different perspective. You both appreciate better what you have at home, as well as learn a lot of things from different cultures that you can apply to your own life.
What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?
Go for it! I feel privileged that I had the opportunity to do my master studies in Germany and an exchange semester in Australia. You learn a lot by studying abroad and you also learn a lot by traveling and being immersed in different cultures.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Leaving no trace and even leaving the places I go to in a better condition then they were. In another sense I also feel meaningful travel is to be immersed in the culture of the place you are in.
