Engineering Study Abroad Programs in Iceland

Iceland is amazing! I recommend this program to anyone who is looking for a unique study abroad experience full of adventure and lots of moving around (pack light!). We got to hike to waterfalls, visit volcanoes, and tour Europe's largest glacier! We also get a range of living experiences, from living with host families to hostel hopping. There is also a great opportunity to conduct independent research on the topic of your choice, which provided me not only with meaningful research experience, but a greater understanding of and appreciation for Iceland's fight against climate change.

I learned so much about myself, about the landscape, and about how to be by myself in a new space. I loved every second of my semester, not exaggerating. Even in the seconds that I was homesick, I was also eternally grateful for the chance to be homesick at all. I miss the pastries in the city, walking through the forest in the pouring rain, the colors of the houses, the fog, the snow, the twinkle lights. I felt so supported and seen by my professors, who really want you to grow as an individual and explore new things. I miss my peers most of all. The program attracts a very independent, curious, and impressive group of kids. I felt really comfortable with all of them, and I wish nothing but the best for them now. I'm still in touch with the close friends I made there. I loved the Icelandic people, the open and honest conversations, and traveling around the country at breakneck speed, hostel-hopping, and getting to know the landscape. It feels like you're not really a tourist and not really a local, but somewhere in between. I can't wait to go back.

I really enjoyed my time in Iceland with SIT! It's a great way to explore the country since you go everywhere, as well as integrate into the local community as you do a homestay, and the program has very good connections with Icelanders all over the country. I found the academics to be very easy, but you get to do an independent study project for the final 1/3 of the program, where you can really push yourself and do a lot of cool research anywhere in the country you'd like. Outside of class, a lot of people on the program, including myself, really enjoyed hiking and exploring wherever we were in the country, and I think the program would be best suited for people with similar interests. You are given a lot of freedom, and if you put it to good use by exploring, asking questions, and interacting with the local people, you can have a ton of fun and a transformative experience. The program also has a really good stipend that saved me a lot of money and was a big draw for me when choosing a program to study abroad with.

There are plenty of opportunities to engage with the material and tailor the rigor to what you're looking for. The program directors are wonderful, and care very much about their students. Everyone speaks very good English, but speaking Icelandic helps you to engage with the culture and talk to the locals better. There are language lessons covering the basics with this program, and the homestay portion really helps to gain immersion if you're looking to learn more of the language, and engage with the people. I gained an understanding of climate change that I didn't have the same way before--actually being in a place that has experienced great warming and extreme weather of all sorts is very different from learning about it in classes. I also gained some really close friends, colleagues, and a sense of direction for my future. There are active outdoorsy adventures as part of the field work portion of this experience, be prepared for the weather and and these are great fun as well as a rich educational experience. Also beware of the darkness in winter, stay active, stay social, and give yourself grace.

This experience was nothing short of life-changing. The nature of a program like this is to learn as much about yourself as you do the environment & climate change. Why is this? The nature of a program like this attracts independent, curious, and ambitious students who don't want a typical abroad experience, and brings them to one of the most sparsely populated and barren countries on Earth. If an experience like this sounds up your alley, it will change your life. I was heading into this abroad semester hoping to get some direction on where I wanted to focus my broad education in environmental studies, and getting exposed to so many disciplines and professionals across niches really gave me some idea of where to go. The students I studied with were wonderful, all independent like me, which was nice because we were all there for our own personal reasons, but we enjoyed each other's company and had so much fun together. On the homestays: If you are hesitant about the idea of living with a host family, I challenge you to embrace it with open arms. The Icelandic culture is so warm and humorous, and my host family filled me with so much laughter (and candy). The program director and assistant director were some of the warmest and most thoughtful educators, and I really can't say enough pleasant things about them. Overall, I learned so much during my semester abroad in Iceland and would recommend this program to anyone who is not afraid to spend some time alone with their thoughts, excited to seek out knowledge (this program requires you to be high agency to extract the most value), and ready to immerse themselves in a new and different culture. Overall 10/10.

I had an amazing experience during my study abroad in Iceland. I felt very supported by program staff, learned so so much, and felt so lucky to be able to learn and live in Iceland. The program enables its students to take charge of their own learning and build crucial life skills along with increasing our knowledge of and passion for the study of climate change. You see the whole breathtaking country of Iceland in your four months there. It was an incredible semester.

Before coming to Iceland, I was super hesitant about going. I applied for fun to keep my options open but was never too serious about it. I did not know anyone else going and I was not sure about the classes I would be taking. If you are thinking of studying abroad, 100% do it. Over the past 6 weeks, I have learned a lot. Being put in a new place with unfamiliar surroundings and people you do not know forces you to constantly learn and ask questions. I had to navigate my way around a new place and become familiar with a new culture and way of life. I feel as though the lessons I learned over my time abroad will help me immensely with my future travels and in many other aspects of life. API could not have made it a better experience. Through culturally immersive excursions and 24/7 support, API provides students with an ability to have an incredible time while studying abroad.

As a biochemistry graduate student with a keen interest in sustainability, I find The GREEN PROGRAM in Iceland 2024 to be an exemplary initiative that aligns well with both scientific innovation and environmental stewardship. One of the program’s strengths is its emphasis on innovation. Iceland is at the forefront of geothermal technology, and participants have the chance to explore this field in-depth. The opportunity to interact with professionals working on the cutting edge of geothermal energy and sustainability can provide valuable insights into the biochemical aspects of environmental systems, such as the role of microorganisms in geothermal ecosystems. The hands-on fieldwork in Iceland is particularly valuable. Experiencing the practical application of sustainable technologies in a real-world setting allows participants to see the direct impact of these innovations on the environment. For a biochemistry student, this means observing how sustainable practices influence local biogeochemical cycles and microbial communities. Networking with experts in the field and collaborating with like-minded peers can be incredibly beneficial. The program offers a platform for interdisciplinary exchange, which is crucial for understanding the multifaceted nature of sustainability challenges. Engaging with professionals from various backgrounds can enhance one’s ability to approach problems from multiple scientific perspectives. Overall, The GREEN PROGRAM in Iceland 2024 is a commendable initiative for anyone interested in the practical applications of sustainability and renewable energy. For a biochemistry graduate student, it offers a valuable opportunity to explore the biochemical implications of environmental sustainability while gaining hands-on experience with innovative technologies. The program’s focus on practical, real-world solutions to environmental challenges makes it a significant and rewarding endeavor.

Over the course of this program I saw just about every part of Iceland that I was able to. The program began in Reykjavik (~2 weeks), then we went northwest to Ísafjörður where we stayed with a homestay family (~4 weeks), then went on a tour of the ring road (~2 weeks), and finished off the program by conducting independent research wherever I wanted to live in the country; I chose Akureyri and Siglufjörður (~6 weeks). Yes the environment is cold, but the culture is warm and welcoming. I highly recommend this program for anyone that loves the outdoors and environment.

This program was easily the most fun I have had during my college career. While nothing is perfect, every single experience throughout the program made me a happier, more confident, and very independent student. The academics on this program were definitely less rigorous than my typical semester, but by no means did that mean I didn't learn. Whilst traveling throughout the country, I learned so much about Icelandic culture from both the program's admins and the locals in each town we visited. Additionally, I learned an incredible amount from the other students on the program. I feel that the value of a program like this is less textbook learning and more experiential learning you would be unable to experience elsewhere, which is why I am very content with the less rigorous structure of the program. My cohort was integral to my experience. I was surrounded by the most incredible group of people who were all so committed to learning and exploring Iceland as a community. We grew extremely close and I never felt there was a clique-y environment. I know the group of people is variable from program to program, but I think the nature of the program generally attracts grounded people with similar goals for their study abroad experience. Every aspect of Iceland itself was incredible. Throughout the program you really get to see the entire country (with the exception of the highlands which leaves room for a fun reason to go back and adventure more!). The local people were incredibly welcoming in every town, especially in Isafjordur. The views are unlike anything you have ever seen and the hikes are unique and challenging. It is particularly special to see the country during the winter months as outside of tourist season the country is both less crowded and more beautiful. Overall I would 100% recommend this program and if I could go back I would choose it all again.

I went to Iceland with The GREEN Program in August 2022, and the experience was amazing! The course and activities were great; seeing glaciers, valleys, power plants, and more was awe-striking and helped me delve into how renewable energy can be implemented in a way that improves communities and protects the environment. Housing was great, as we spent most nights in the two guesthouses we stayed in during the trip and one night camping in Þórsmörk. As a trans woman, I was nervous about rooming with multiple people I had never met, but TGP did a wonderful job of accommodating me, and I was pleasantly surprised that all of the students I met were very accepting and understanding. Hiking through Iceland felt like something straight out of the fantasy books that defined my childhood, and I got to do things I've never done before, like walking on a glacier, bathing in a thermal river, and visiting the black sand beaches! I also believe that the course materials and Capstone Project were integrated into the trip well, and the learning was exciting and not very stressful at all. While group projects are notorious among many of my friends for being cumbersome and frustrating, my Capstone Project went smoothly, and I enjoyed working with my teammates. I highly recommend The GREEN Program's Iceland trip, especially for students who may not be sure about spending an entire semester abroad, and for LGBTQ+ students like me who are nervous and want a program that will support them.

The Green Program really allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and see places I never expected to visit. The other students who went on the trip we extremely fun to be around, and the program leaders keep us energized throughout the adventure.

It would be underrated of me to say that this was one of the most beautiful adventures I've ever experienced, I travel extensively and have never had such a beautiful perspective on life. Every day I got to learn something new, experience something new and strengthen bonds between people I now consider friends. I was shown a piece of the world that used renewable resources to get their needs met every day in a sustainable and innovative manner. I wish I could continue adventuring the world the same way!

I cannot recommend the GREEN Program highly enough! My experience with the GREEN team abroad in Iceland was an inflection point in my life, from which I can trace much of the inspiration and drive I found for my educational and professional pursuits thereafter. The staff and program were incredible and the group of students I engaged with were some of the best students I engaged with throughout college.The balance between in-class formatted and fun experiential learning was flawlessly executed, and I took so much more away from my experience than I ever expected to. The entire trip was incredibly well-organized, fun, and the GREEN program staff were supportive and helpful every step of the way. If you want to travel, learn, have fun, and be inspired to change the world, this program is for you!!

Going to Iceland was the best thing I have ever done for myself. I completely inspired constantly by the nature and the history of clean energy. This caused me to change my major to Environment Science when I got back to campus. This program also set me up with a great opportunity to go to graduate school in Iceland. I currently plan to do so, and a friend that I made during this program went back 6 months later and is having the most amazing time getting her Masters. The team is really incredible and a year later I am still in touch with the students and guides I met on this trip.

The Iceland program was incredible. Not only was it a fantastic opportunity to learn about multiple renewable energy types, but we got to learn about Iceland's history and how society/government played a role in creating a 100% renewable country. The capstone project also allowed me to learn more about different roles in industry as each group member has something new and interesting to bring to the table. More than just the knowledge, we got to team build with the entire group which made the travel arrangements awesome. We went to locations I would have never found unless I was a local and we even went camping in the valley of Eyjafjallajökull - try saying that three times fast. It was a beautiful experience which included a breathtaking nature walk. Snorkeling in between the Eurasian and North American faults was amazing as well, who else can say they swam where the world is being broken apart?. I would recommend this trip for anyone looking to learn about renewable energies while experiencing a country that has incredible scenery. I posted a video and would very much recommend checking it out to get a taste of what you will come to love!

I had a wonderful time in Iceland. I already new a lot about renewable energy but seeing it in person opens your eyes. The lectures were in depth because it wasn't a teacher lecturing about what they read or researched. The lectures are people who are actually involved in building, developing, or operating these energy processes. You also get to see the beauty of Iceland which I fell in love with and plan to revisit multiple times. Everyone is nice and didn't have a problem not knowing the language because only a few people don't know english. Our tour guides were phenomenal people who I wont forget.

The green program was amazing. I learned a lot of renewable energy and we did a lot of amazing activities. Our guides were absolutely amazing and really made the trip that much better. All the accommodations were nice and the food was great. Would highly recommend doing a trip with the green program!

Iceland is known around the would for its spectacular natural landscapes and is high on many people's bucket lists. The Iceland study abroad program with the Green Program was an incredible experience as I got to experience Iceland's incredible natural beauty first hand AND learn about the country's incredible green approach to how they have built their infrastructure. I am so fulfilled and grateful that I was able to see and experience Iceland by hiking mountain trails that overlook glaciers and volcanoes and scuba diving in crystal clear waters the divide tectonic plates in addition to visiting world-class geothermal energy plants as well as one of the first hydro-electric systems in Iceland. This study-abroad was the experience of the lifetime and made me fall in love with the Icelandic landscape, approach to life, culture, and people. The Green Program Iceland reinvigorated my passion for sustainability by learning how Iceland has developed to be as 'green' as possible gave me hope for the future of humanity and that I can make a difference by working in this field. Plus I've made friends for life with the people I explored Iceland with!

I had an amazing time on The GREEN Program in January 2016. From completing an assignment through Reykjavik University on renewable energy policy before the start of the program to learning about geothermal energy in Iceland right at a geothermal power plant, there were so many great educational opportunities. I loved learning about renewable energy and sustainability in class and then having the opportunity to see how it works in real life. Between immersion in nature, meeting friends from around the world, and learning about Icelandic culture (like my favourite, the Huldufólk - Google it!), there was never a dull moment. Seeing Eyjafjallajökull and the northern lights were huge highlights for me. If I was still a student, I would totally go back!