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They say 'the more you tell, the more you sell' which is true... but only if people actually read what you write. People read text that's punchy, interesting and helps them make a good buying decision.

Why Iceland

As one of the greenest countries on our planet, Iceland produces effectively 100% of its electricity and more than 70% of its total energy consumption from renewable energy sources. By combining exclusive access into the cutting-edge renewable energy facilities and substantial contact time with leading academic and industrial experts in the field, Iceland is the premier location for a truly hands-on educational experience and a professional launch pad into the fields of renewable energy and sustainability.

In partnership with Reykjavik University's Iceland School of Energy graduate study program, this course will also explore how Iceland is becoming a leader in renewable energy innovation. Participants will learn about how the country is utilizing innovative geothermal energy and hydro power technologies and putting these to work in the circular economy, food production, carbon sequestration and capture, and renewable fuel production.

Iceland is a top destination for awe-inspiring adventure travel and eco-tourism. Home to jaw-dropping natural landscapes and pristine topography as well as authentic Nordic culture and welcoming atmosphere, this destination is TGP's most popular destination for experiential sustainability education, bucket list adventuring, and unique cultural immersion.

Vitals

LOCATION

Reykjavik, Iceland (South Coast)

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FOCUS

Renewable Energy Innovation & Sustainability

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PROGRAM CAPACITY

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LENGTH

8 Days

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CULTURE

Nordic

WEATHER

0 C / 32 F

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REVIEWS

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PROGRAM FEE

Single Pay: $4000; 3-Step Payment: $4300

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

PROGRAM DATES NOW ENROLLING

DECEMBER 13, 2020 - JANUARY 10, 2021

This session is a "Learn Now, Travel Later" program experience.

Learn more HERE.

Program Highlights

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ICELAND, THE LAND OF CLEAN ENERGY

SEE THE EFFECTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON OUR GLACIER HIKE

WATERFALL EXPLORATIONS

GAIN INSIDE ACCESS TO ONE OF ICELAND'S PREMIER HYDROELECTRIC FACILITIES

HIKE ICELANDIC HIGHLANDS

VISIT ONE OF THE LARGEST GEOTHERMAL PLANTS IN THE WORLD

Alumni of the Iceland Program

"The GREEN program was the fastest 10 days of my life, but I learned more about myself and the environment than I did through four years of my undergraduate career."

ALUMNI PROFILE

Corey Aydlett

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

SEE PROFILE

"I felt the passion in myself and my colleagues, so I sought out to find a company motivated by sustainability and found myself at Tesla Motors!"

ALUMNI PROFILE

Corey Aydlett

NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY

ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT

SEE PROFILE

Program Experiences

COURSE INFORMATION

Host University
Reykjavik University
Iceland School of Energy MSc Programme

The Course: Introduction to Renewable Energy
The GREEN Program - ISE01
Credits: 3 ECTS / 1.5 acadmic credits, 60 hours

The GREEN Program is a 50+ hour intensive program held in partnership between The GREEN Program and Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavik University. Our faculty and industry experts teach classes on sustainability, hydro power, geology, bio-fuels, and geothermal energy. The course also includes facility tours to various power plants for hands-on learning such as to a hydro power plant, a geothermal power plant, a wind farm and a bio-fuel location.

During the course, students form interdisciplinary groups and develop a final Capstone Project on a specific renewable energy subject which they present for evaluation in the end of the course. Each group is required to present a project highlighting an identified problem and solution. Students are required to present the project in full detail and cover the financial, political, education, engineering and social impact aspects of their innovative idea.

In class lectures include but are not limited to:

1) Introduction to Energy in Iceland:
How to use energy resources in a sustainable manner is affected strongly by local environmental, societal and market conditions. Iceland has successfully transformed its energy sector to an unprecedented degree. In this part of the course we examine how Iceland's natural history has shaped the widespread utilization of renewables.
Learning outcome
Upon completion of this section students will be familiar with the basics geophysical forces that have shaped Iceland; how economic development and development of the energy sector have been shaped by these forces, and by the development of Icelandic society. Students will be able to see parallels between the situation in Iceland and development in other parts of the world. Students will have been exposed to the importance matching the choice of sustainable energy solutions to local conditions.

2) Basics of Hydro-power:
This course will give an overview of the basics of hydropower; how water is harnessed to generate electricity, the different types of hydropower designs, and the types of systems in use. The course will touch upon some of the design challenges for hydropower, and how it has advanced to minimize environmental impact of the structures. We will look at hydropower in context, through existing global capacity and future predictions of technical potential of undeveloped resources. The course concludes with giving an overview of hydropower in Iceland, with particular emphasis on the value of the flexibility of this renewable source of energy, and how that is used to build up storage in our closed energy system.
Learning outcome
At the end of the course the students should have a good understanding of true potential of hydropower, its strength and limitations. They should be capable of understanding what it takes to generate hydroelectricity, and the importance of designing such power plant in a responsible way, considering overall social and environmental impact.

3) Geothermal Energy: An overview of exploration, utilization, and use:
In this course an overview of different aspects of geothermal energy will be presented. That includes the origin of geothermal energy, geothermal exploration techniques, geothermal utilization, use of geothermal energy and economic aspects of geothermal energy.
Learning outcome
Basic knowledge of the origin, use and utilization of geothermal energy.

4) Introduction to Energy Economics:
A general overview of energy markets is presented along with key economics terms such as supply and demand, elasticities, market failure and externalities. Climate change economics is introduced as well as the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). Financing of geothermal power plants is also presented.
Learning outcome
Students will be familiar with basic economics terms and able to use them to understand changes in market prices and quantities and how externalities should be incorporated into energy analysis.

5) Biofuel Innovations:
An introduction and preview of Iceland's emerging biofuel market. Utilizing the rapeseed plant, meet the professor and innovator behind a sustainable and cost-effective solution for Iceland's transport sector.
Learning outcome
Students will be familiar with basic market terms for biofuel and able to use them to understand the business plan and economics comparisons between the current diesel economy vs. the feasibility of a biofuel-run economy.

(*Please note that classes are subject to be updated)

You can learn more about the course here.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

Gain a comprehensive understanding along with a personal familiarity of the science and technology behind renewable energy systems: hydroelectric, geothermal, and biofuels.
Attain a clear grasp of cost analyses and environmental impact of renewable energy production facilities in historical, present and future context.
Develop skills to evaluate energy sources and projects in terms of feasibility within the matrix of technical, economic, environmental, and political implementation.
Observe Iceland’s energy policies, natural resource legislation and other legislative controls impacting the production and sale of electricity in the nation.
Advance on the vocabulary and concepts essential to commercial energy production, transmission, management and legislation.
Develop leadership, teamwork, and networking skills through adventure excursions and exposure to professional industry relationships.
Excel within a network of like-minded participants who aspire to work and innovate in the field of renewable energy and sustainability
Gain a critical global perspective demanded by corporate recruiters today to prepare for accelerated career opportunities.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1 Welcome to Iceland!

Airport Pickups
Meet the Team
Explore the Reykjanes Peninsula
Check in to Guesthouse
Lunch
Team building activities - get to know your group
Capstone Project Launch

Day 2

Breakfast
Intro to Iceland Energy Class
Iceland Geothermal Class
Energy Efficiency Campus Tour
Lunch
Tour One of Iceland’s Largest Geothermal Power Plants
Mountain Hikes & Hot Springs
Dinner
Capstone Ideation

Day 3

Breakfast
Hydroelectric Power Class
Energy Economics Class
Lunch
Capstone Development
Gain Industry Access Inside Iceland’s Oldest Hydroelectric Power Plant
Experience Local Geothermal Heated Swimming Pools & Spas
Dinner in Reykjavik, Iceland's Capital

Day 4

Breakfast
Visit one of Iceland’s Largest Hydroelectric Power Plants
Sustainable Greenhouse tour
Lunch
Gullfoss & Geysir Exploration (Golden Circle)
Change Hotels
Dinner
Capstone Development

Day 5

Breakfast
Glacier Hike
Lunch
Waterfall Exploration
Biofuel Class & Site Visit at the Base of The Famous Eyjafjallajokull Volcano
Documentary Tour & Local Farm That Experienced Eruption Devastations
Dinner
Capstone Development

Day 6

Breakfast
Finalize Capstone Projects
Lunch
Capstone Presentations at Reykjavik University
Head to the Highlands
Dinner
Day 7
Breakfast
Hike around the Highlands
Lunch
Super Jeep Excursions
Dinner
Final Dinner & Reflections

Day 8

Breakfast
Free time to walk around Reykjavik
Airport Dropoffs & Departures
*Note: Itineraries are subject to change

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Pre-program GREEN Educational Materials
5 lectures from industry leaders and faculty from the Iceland School of Energy Master’s Program
3 ECTS or 1.5 US academic credits transferable from Reykjavik University’s School of Science and Engineering
Automatic advancement in Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavik University’s Master’s Program application process
Exclusive access and private tours to world leading hydroelectric, geothermal, and biofuel facilities
Access and networking opportunities to industry professionals at renewable energy companies
Capstone Project facilitation and panel assessment
Icelandic adventure excursions (examples may include super jeeping, glacier walks, caving, glacier snorkeling, hot springs, Golden Circle tour, and more!)
All breakfasts, lunches, dinners with local cuisine (We accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free dietary preferences/restrictions)
Lodging in several locations throughout the program
All in-country transportation
Exclusive, lifetime membership to the GREEN Alumni Network for job postings, career advice, travel opportunities, networking, industry events, and mentorship. Read more about our Alumni benefits.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Your comfort and safety are our top priority at The GREEN Program which is why our programs are led by trained and certified staff and guides. For specific information about health and safety in the destination you're visiting, we recommend checking current travel advisories through your state department. (In the U.S., you can find more information here.)

On our Iceland program students participate in a variety of outdoor activities ranging from hiking, glacier walks, super-jeeping, and camping. Individuals should be in generally good health and prepared for 2-3 moderate level hikes for up to 8 hours a day. For our summer programs, participants should be prepared to backpack with 35-50 liter packs and camp for 3-4 days. It's important to consult a physician about any concerns and make sure that any current medical conditions are communicated to our team during the registration process.

Students are responsible for arranging any necessary vaccinations before their program. You can find the most up to date information and recommendations from the CDC here. Travel medical insurance is also compulsory for our programs.

Please see our Health & Safety page for more information.

PRICING

Two easy ways to pay:

(1) Single Pay | $4000
Secure your spot with a one-time, easy payment.

∙ Save money by paying up front

∙ No need to worry about payment reminders

∙ Get started on your adventure right away!

(2) 3-Step Payment Plan | $4300
Secure your spot with a $500 deposit. Half of the balance is due 4 weeks later. Pay your final payment 6 weeks before your program begins.

∙ Pay for your program over time in three smaller payments

∙ No credit check & no forms to fill out

∙ Get a head start on securing your spot!

For more information on our program pricing please visit our pricing page.

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Refer a Friend

To say thank you for helping us build our community, students can earn reduced program fees by referring others to our educational adventures. Getting started is simple and we provide you with support and resources to make sharing and standing out as a sustainability advocate in your community easy! Learn more here.

Scholarships, Funding, and University Resources

We understand that funding can be an initial hurdle; however, we've seen our students jump the financing hurdles and make their program a reality. Here are some of the most creative and successful methods our students have used to receive funding. We've seen it all, and know that GREEN students live out the saying "If there is a will, there is a way!" and have earned their spot towards global experiences and opportunities with our programs. We recommed trying a few of these proven methods to help make your program a reality.