Lairhe's Summer Iceland Program
Donation protected
I've been given the once in a lifetime opportunity to study and work with the renewable energy industry's top researchers and professionals in one of the greenest* countries in the world at the Iceland School of Energy at Reykjavik University through a fast-paced experiential learning program called The GREEN Program.
*Ranked the "Number 2 Greenest Country in the World" by Yale's Environmental Performance Index, 2016.
Why am I asking for your help?
I'm an International Student from Venezuela currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Florida. Last year, my dad lost his job. He used to work for Oil Companies and due to the low prices of the petroleum they fired most of all the International workers and he hasn't been able to get a job again. Venezuela is going through a rough time with the government taking the country into communism and that has been another major reason of why he hasn't been able to get a job. Nowadays, we barely make it to pay bills of the house we are living into, and for school I fortunately found a bank that provides loans for International Students to study after lots of searching and almost having to go back to Venezuela because of not having the money to pay for tuition. I work 20 hours/week as Immigration allows me to pay for gas, food and help with the bills and it's not enough to save for the program. I'm not allow to work off-campus and I tried looking for scholarships and/or grants at USF that would allow me to fund the program but they are for US Citizens or Permanent Residents. I'm asking you to help me to go, because I have found myself in a position that I might not gonna be able to go because of funding problems.
Why Iceland?
As one of the greenest country on our planet, Iceland produces 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources. Complemented with exclusive access into the nation’s leading renewable energy facilities, Iceland is the premiere location for a truly hands-on educational experience and professional launch pad into the fields of renewable energy & sustainability. In addition to the country’s sustainability foundation, Iceland is a top destination for awe-inspiring adventure travel and eco-tourism. Home to jaw-dropping natural landscapes & pristine topography as well as authentic Nordic culture & welcoming atmosphere, Iceland is the destination for experiential sustainability education, bucket list adventuring, and unique cultural immersion.

This is an Icelandic Geothermal Power Plant.
** Who knows maybe I can find an Icelandic Elf around :)
What will I be doing?
I will be studying in the hi-tech classrooms of Reykjavik University and tour around geothermal and hydroelectric power plants. I will learn and watch two newly operational wind turbines and witness their quiet power. I will also taste the biofuel made in the shadow of a volcano, and speak to locals and different researchers with wildly varying perspectives on energy use. I will also be working and learning from a different variety of companies that makes Iceland, a green country.

I will be seeing first-hand the importance of the sustainable use of renewable energy resources and how it can positively affect the economy of the country that uses them wisely.
** I could be one of them, with a nice pink construction helmet. lol.
I realized that there is a massive entrepreneurial community seeking young people with both a passion for sustainable energy engineering and the training necessary to guide its development. The looming worldwide energy crisis demands innovative and inspired answers. I want to play an active role in the solution of these issues, not simply read about them in my newspaper.
P.S. I will do my best to find and photograph an Icelandic elf and send special pictures to you, if you help me by donating or sharing my page.
The Icelandic Elf . ** May or may not be willing human subject dressed as an elf, doing elf things.
*Ranked the "Number 2 Greenest Country in the World" by Yale's Environmental Performance Index, 2016.
Why am I asking for your help?
I'm an International Student from Venezuela currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Florida. Last year, my dad lost his job. He used to work for Oil Companies and due to the low prices of the petroleum they fired most of all the International workers and he hasn't been able to get a job again. Venezuela is going through a rough time with the government taking the country into communism and that has been another major reason of why he hasn't been able to get a job. Nowadays, we barely make it to pay bills of the house we are living into, and for school I fortunately found a bank that provides loans for International Students to study after lots of searching and almost having to go back to Venezuela because of not having the money to pay for tuition. I work 20 hours/week as Immigration allows me to pay for gas, food and help with the bills and it's not enough to save for the program. I'm not allow to work off-campus and I tried looking for scholarships and/or grants at USF that would allow me to fund the program but they are for US Citizens or Permanent Residents. I'm asking you to help me to go, because I have found myself in a position that I might not gonna be able to go because of funding problems.
Why Iceland?
As one of the greenest country on our planet, Iceland produces 100% of its electricity from renewable energy sources. Complemented with exclusive access into the nation’s leading renewable energy facilities, Iceland is the premiere location for a truly hands-on educational experience and professional launch pad into the fields of renewable energy & sustainability. In addition to the country’s sustainability foundation, Iceland is a top destination for awe-inspiring adventure travel and eco-tourism. Home to jaw-dropping natural landscapes & pristine topography as well as authentic Nordic culture & welcoming atmosphere, Iceland is the destination for experiential sustainability education, bucket list adventuring, and unique cultural immersion.
This is an Icelandic Geothermal Power Plant.
** Who knows maybe I can find an Icelandic Elf around :)
What will I be doing?
I will be studying in the hi-tech classrooms of Reykjavik University and tour around geothermal and hydroelectric power plants. I will learn and watch two newly operational wind turbines and witness their quiet power. I will also taste the biofuel made in the shadow of a volcano, and speak to locals and different researchers with wildly varying perspectives on energy use. I will also be working and learning from a different variety of companies that makes Iceland, a green country.
I will be seeing first-hand the importance of the sustainable use of renewable energy resources and how it can positively affect the economy of the country that uses them wisely.
** I could be one of them, with a nice pink construction helmet. lol.
I realized that there is a massive entrepreneurial community seeking young people with both a passion for sustainable energy engineering and the training necessary to guide its development. The looming worldwide energy crisis demands innovative and inspired answers. I want to play an active role in the solution of these issues, not simply read about them in my newspaper.
P.S. I will do my best to find and photograph an Icelandic elf and send special pictures to you, if you help me by donating or sharing my page.
The Icelandic Elf . ** May or may not be willing human subject dressed as an elf, doing elf things.
Organizer
Lairhe Barreto
Organizer
Drexel, FL
