The GREEN Program

Program Reviews

Lukasz
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Fantastic Learning Experience Packaged Into the Adventure of a Lifetime

My time in Iceland will forever be a highlight in my life. I have traveled before, but never with such an amazing and unique group of people who are all so captivated by sustainability. When I arrived at the airport I was originally a little scared, but once the group got together it was difficult to break us apart at the end of the trip. Learning about energy in Iceland was inspiring and discussing how glaciers and volcanoes have shaped the landscape of the country was awesome. The valleys, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers and mountains you see throughout the journey are beyond words. The guides were super friendly and would always give you very interesting local information. I love that the program teaches sustainability through adventure and I would love to go on another one in the future!

What would you improve about this program?
I would update the packing list, especially for the camping trip, to ensure that all students are prepared.
Georgia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Educational Adventure Abroad Yet!

My Iceland experience was truly inspiring and eye opening. The combination of in-classroom and out-of-classroom education design was so effective and covered all types of learning. Not only did I get incredible perspectives from Renewable Energy Industry and Environmental experts, but I also got hands on power plant tours. I really enjoyed the incorporation of Iceland's history, it gave insight to why the renewable energy implementation there is so successful. We also got to hike along Iceland's staple landscapes including their geothermal got springs, beautiful mountains, and grand glaciers. Being in the natural environment put the climate problems and solutions into greater perspectives. We got to see the direct effects of global warming first hand during our hike on the melting glacier. We also got to experience the multiple benefits (directly and indirectly) of the geothermal hot springs. We even had the opportunity to propose our own solutions to the biggest challenges of today's world by collaborating with our student teammates. Not to mention I've now got lifelong friends and role models who share the same sustainable goals and passions as myself. You could say I had a "Power-full" adventure abroad.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Stay openminded! Trust your guides because they may nudge you out of your comfort zone, but you will learn so much about yourself and have the best time doing it! You will probably discover the dire truth about the condition of our planet and the increasing rate of harm we are causing, but most importantly you will be inspired to be part of the progress towards sustainability. Stay connected with the other TGP students and remember that you were all drawn towards this experience by similar passions and interests. These will be your fellow progress-makers and GREEN game-changers!
Gabriel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Explore Iceland at its GREENest

10/10 would recommend the GREEN Program! I participated in the Iceland program in May 2019. Through this program, will gain industry access to the best biofuel, hydroelectric and geothermal facilities that Iceland has to offer. As an energy engineering student, exploring these different areas of energy allowed me to become more open-minded with regards to where I want to take my professional career. Fun fact: Once you've completed the Iceland program, you are automatically qualified for a $5000 scholarship towards any Iceland School of Energy graduate program! Outside of their awesome academic program, you will explore the most jawdropping and awe-inspiring landscapes in the world! The GREEN Program is definitely an experience that you will not forget!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
When we went on our glacier hike, I wasn't expecting two things, Witnessing the impact od climate change and ice climbing.
Emma
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

TGP in Iceland!

This program is where education meets adventure.

I was able to learn so much about renewable energy and sustainability through lectures at the university and our capstone project. This learning was enhanced by us being in a country that has reached 100% renewable energy and getting to visit the facilities for different forms of energy.

Glaciers, day-long hikes, camping trips, hot springs... this was only some of our exposure to the nature and beauty of Iceland. There were only 11 students on my trip so we all got close and had the most amazing time together, led by two wonderful locals, Erla and Bjarni. We ate local food, listened to Icelandic music, and drove around the country in a van. The experience just felt very genuine and complete.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Put yourself out there and soak it all in! It's not every day you're in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, being shown around by locals, and meeting other students from around the world who share your interests.
Reba
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study abroad in Peru

Studying abroad was something I always wanted to do in my undergraduate years but never had the time for. The Green Program afforded me the opportunity to travel to a different country and learn something new without taking off too much time from school and work. My experience in Peru was everything I hoped for and more. The food was AMAZING (also included with program), and everyday you will try something new! The tour guides are great and very knowledgeable, so even though it's a short term program you will learn so much about the country and feel immersed in the culture. Also, you get to see Machu Picchu! Academically, the primary focus is water resource management and sustainability so if this is your area of interest, you will really enjoy this program. Site visits will give you a better understanding of these topics and inspire the subject of your project. I highly recommend this program, especially for those who have busy schedules or have never studied abroad before. You will learn so much in those 10 days and have a lot of fun at the same time!

What would you improve about this program?
I would allow a little more time to work on the project. Maybe set aside at least an hour everyday, starting on the 3rd day to work on the project so that no one feels rushed in the last few days.
Response from The GREEN Program

Hi Reba - thank you so much for your review and feedback for the program. We strive to refine and grow our programs, and the best way to do this is with the feedback from our students. Our team has definitely taken this into consideration, and we hope you'll join us again for another program!

Sanjana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

I had the coolest time in Iceland

The GREEN Program was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. The program itself was incredible - I got to visit what I think is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Iceland, and learn about its culture and history along with my main area of interest, renewable energy. I enjoyed every single day on the trip, but what surprised me the most is how much the program impacted my life once I got back. It was the starting push I needed to become more involved in other environmental endeavors, and was a key factor in me getting my last internship, creating a hackathon and a student organization, and working on a nonprofit organization as well. Participating in The GREEN Program was awesome and if you're thinking about it even a little bit - go for it!

What would you improve about this program?
I could go on it again!
Response from The GREEN Program

Hi Sanjana - thank you so much for leaving TGP a review! We are so glad your Iceland experience was so transformative, and that it helped you start your environmental hackathon on campus. We hope to see you on another program in the the future.

Christopher
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Incredible Iceland Experience

Where do I start. So, I went on the Iceland trip in the summer of 2018 and it was an incredible experience. It was incredible from the application to the trip home. TGP representatives were with me the entire way to help with whatever questions I had and always responded in a timely manner. The trip itself was a once in a lifetime experience. Our guides were truly one of a kind and the people I met on the trip slowly became family. There is something special about meeting all these likeminded people and putting your minds together to change the world. If I had to do this program all over again, I would not change one thing. 11/10 experience.

What would you improve about this program?
I do not see any other ways to improve this program except making it longer to explore more!
Response from The GREEN Program

Hi Christoper - thank you for leaving TGP a review! We really appreciate your feedback as we use this to grow and refine the program. We also wish we could stay in Iceland longer! Thank you again, and we hope to see you on another program in the future.

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Joe
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Niceland

Green was one of the coolest experiences of my life. You get to learn and experience so much in a short time and make friends that will last a lifetime. From hiking in the highlands to family style dinner the program seems to never slow down. If you want to jump outside your comfort zone this is the perfect place to do it. And do I need to mention it again? It’s in Iceland! Your family and friends will be jealous for sure!

Response from The GREEN Program

Hi Joe - thanks for leaving TGP a review! We are so glad you had a wonderful experience in Iceland, and we hope you'll join us again soon!

Katalina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Take me back!

The GREEN program has granted me the opportunity to create memories of a lifetime! From adventure, education, and connection with nature and people. This was and will be one of the best times of my life. Being a native Spanish speaker in Peru made my experience all the more authentic. My family being originally from Mexico allowed me to make connections in another country that made it feel like home. The program did an amazing job of immersing us in the culture and daily lives of a Peruvian. It was a very short 10 days but everyday was filled with excitement. From small things like learning about local bread, to hiking the ancient ruins of the Incas such as Tipon and Machu Picchu. The fun did not stop there! White water rafting, zip lining, and salsa dancing. Since I took my first over seas trip I knew traveling was part of my soul, and being able to learn and experience Peru through The GREEN program only reinforced my love for travel and education. No place is without its problems, but within these problems lies beauty that is just waiting to be discovered and shared with the world. I hope to one day go back to Peru and share my knowledge about sustainability, and enact changes that help communities similar to those in my city, and our sister city Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The class was great, food was to die for, adventure was breathtaking, and memories lasting a lifetime. Thank you TGP for this amazing life experience!

What would you improve about this program?
Better structure of capstone projects to be inclusive of introverts and extroverts. Possibly look into brainstorming activities that will allow interaction for both types of people.
Response from The GREEN Program

Hi Katalina - we are so glad you enjoyed your Peru experience! Your feedback is also immensely helpful to our team as we grow and refine our programs. Hopefully you'll be joining us on another program in the future!

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Kevin
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Green Program: Japan

An absolutely life changing experience where you get to visit and truly immerse yourself within a community that was devastated by a natural disaster. The curation of the coursework, capstone development, and hands-on interaction and learning truly made the experience one to remember.

It was especially insightful to see the metamorphosis of the Fukushima energy profile as we went to visit FREA and JAEA. At JAEA, seeing the integration of advance technology in the realm of disaster mitigation was encouraging and an eye opening experience. At FREA, seeing the commitment of all the scientists to 100% renewable Fukushima was evident and profoundly inspirational.

What would you improve about this program?
Potentially better events and site visits. There were some awesome ones like Daiichi, FREA, and JAEA but there were some visits or events that were burdensome and failed to relate entirely to the crux of the trip.
Response from The GREEN Program

Hi Kevin - thank you so much for your feedback. We are always doing our best to grow and refine the program, and your feedback is extremely helpful. We're so glad you enjoyed your Japan program, and we hope you'll travel with us again in the future!