Iceland: Renewable Energy Innovation & Sustainability

My Trip to Iceland with the green program was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had in my lifetime. Getting to meet so many people from around the world and experience a crazy trip like this is something I will never forget. Every day we would go on so many different adventures like camping, exploring, hiking, and more. Throughout the trip we worked on our capstone projects and at the end we all presented them to each other. Getting to learn so many new ideas about sustainability and then learning how to apply it for everyday problems was amazing. If you ever get the chance to go on this program I would definitely go!

This program focused on education, the Icelandic culture/language, and adventures in the outdoors–it was everything that I hoped for! I returned home with knowledge on renewables and sustainability, hope for the future of the planet, inspiration to do more, and new friends from all over the world. Despite traveling during the times of COVID, everything worked out so smoothly–thanks to everyone on the team who organized and led the program! I would love to do another TGP course in the near future.

I was able to befriend some of the members of the GREEN Program, and develop a rapport with them before, during, and after taking the courses with them and the University of Reykjavik. This program was an incredible way to end my time as an undergraduate and transition into a young professional working for the Department of Environmental Protection and going to graduate school. Overall, this program has the sense of adventure as well as the creative outlet that students like myself could really benefit from. I feed off of ambition and challenge, and this program gave me that-- while also being in that "Goldilocks' zone" of not being overwhelming while also setting the bar high.

I did the course online and I will be traveling later this summer. I am so excited to get to see Iceland in person and explore it. The course was very fun and taught me a lot about energy that I didnt know!
I would definitely reccommend this to anyone who loves Sustainability and learning about Environmental Sciences/energy. This program offers its students many connections for future jobs and helps us reach our dreams.
I found this program through my school and I have been looking forward to it for months now.

First I would like to say that this trip was an incredible experience and the Green Program is a great way to travel and learn how to make our world a better and greener place. I went Iceland this summer with the green program and I wish I could go back. My favorite moments were we hike on a glacier, swam in a hot river, and went in hydro and geothermal energy energy plants. The trip taught me so much about renewable energy and sustainability and inspired continue on in that field. The trip also allowed me to become great friends with a lot people my age that had the same interests and really want to make a difference. It was a wonderful experience to be able to work with them. If you have the chance to go on a green program trip should should take it!

The ten days that I spent in Iceland were completely incredible! I gained a wealth of knowledge surrounding renewable energy and how we can use renewable energy across the world to create a more sustainable environment. I met the most incredible people who challenged me to think globally. The program coordinators challenged us to have meaningful conversations which really helped to broaden my understanding and knowledge of the way that sustainable energy works. I also loved working on the syndicate programs. They are a group project where you create a sustainable alternative to an existing problem in our world. It was so much fun and I loved feeling that as an individual we can make a difference. I absolutely loved the way that this program integrated learning about sustainable energy resources and having fun stuff to do like hiking and swimming. I cannot recommend this program highly enough, and honestly I am desperate to go back!

My school offers many different study abroad programs. The problem is that the time they require me to take off was too much. When I was introduced to the GREEN program I was impressed with how much they did in such a small amount of time. It fit perfectly with my summer schedule so I could still take summer classes afterwards. Some may be nervous if the program rushes through everything because of how much is done in a small amount of time. I assure you this is not the case. The program wanted us to come home with a more profound understanding of renewable energy. The connections that are formed through this program is worth the price alone. If I were to start working on my own project the people I met on this trip would be my go to's for building a solid team. I could not have been more lucky to have come across this program.

My time on The Green Program was hands down the best ten days of my life. The program was expertly crafted with a perfect mix of academic, cultural, and adventurous experiences that maximized the potential of each and every day.

Waking up in an Icelandic farmhouse inn to have a homemade Icelandic breakfast, going to Reykjavik University for classes on sustainable energy, a tour of the largest geothermal plant in Iceland, lunch at a geothermal powered pizza brewery followed by a hike up to a hot spring creek, and finishing with working on the Capstone project back at the farmhouse.

The Capstone project is the heart of The Green Program experience. Teaming up with students from all around the world to come up with solutions to some of the grand engineering challenges yielded some incredible ideas from all of us.

The program is not just for engineers, it is for everyone with an interest in renewable energy and sustainability. There were many non-engineering students that were with my group. Green Program. Regardless of whatever your major is, you will have an enriching experience.

On top of all that, Iceland is gorgeous, and according to the 2018 peace index, the safest country and travel destination in the world.

From the Capstone to the classes to hiking in the highlands and climbing a glacier, every day you will be fulfilled with this incredible life changing experience. I encourage anyone to embark on an adventure with The Green Program!