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Meet Alexandra Olynyk
Iceland 2024 – TGP Scholarship
University of South Florida
Sustainability Studies
Graduation Year: 2026
“By exposing students to diverse cultures and global sustainability challenges, TGP broadens their perspectives and fosters empathy for the interconnectedness of global issues.”
About Alexandra
I’m currently a sustainability studies student at the University of South Florida with an interest in the renewable energy field. I had been looking for an opportunity to go abroad, but many of the options I came across didn’t quite align with my major or the coursework I was focused on. When I found out about TGP, it seemed like the perfect fit—it aligned perfectly with both my academic interests and the experience I was hoping for. The courses offered were directly relevant to my studies, making it a unique opportunity to further my knowledge in a way that few other programs could offer.
I was sitting with my roommate when I got the scholarship email, and honestly, it had totally slipped my mind. I applied back in the summer, but with a busy schedule full of school and work, I hadn’t thought about it much. So when I saw the email pop up, I was pretty surprised. I didn’t even know how to react at first. I’d never really mentioned it to my roommate, so when I read the email, I just looked up and said, “Hey, I’m going to Iceland.” They were just as surprised, and we kind of laughed about how random it was. It felt like one of those moments where everything just falls into place out of nowhere.
It was honestly such a rewarding feeling. I work really hard, and I didn’t initially think this opportunity was financially feasible for me. But with the scholarship, everything fell into place. It felt like all my effort and dedication had finally paid off, and I was able to make it happen. It was a moment of pure joy, and I couldn’t wait to see what came next.
Expectations Vs Reality
Before the Green Program trip to Iceland, I honestly didn’t have many specific expectations. I was more excited about what was ahead, just eager to see what I would experience. Iceland seemed like such an incredible place, and I knew I was going to learn something about renewables, but I didn’t really have a clear picture of what that would look like or how it would unfold.
I think I just went in with an open mind—ready to explore, see new things, and get hands-on. I wasn’t sure exactly what challenges or moments of growth I’d face, but I knew it was going to be a unique adventure. I think part of the excitement was the unknown. I wasn’t trying to have specific expectations; I just wanted to see where the experience would take me.
Looking back, though, the trip turned out to be way more immersive than I expected. The hands-on projects and learning from people who are actively working on sustainability were incredible. The landscapes were even more breathtaking than I could’ve imagined, and everything felt so different from what I was used to. It was inspiring to see how Iceland approaches sustainability in such a practical, real-world way—and to see how small actions can make a big difference in preserving the environment.
I think, in the end, the biggest surprise was just how much I was able to learn in such a short time. I didn’t expect to be so deeply impacted by the experience. It’s one of those trips that shifted my perspective on the environment, sustainability, and how I want to be part of the solution moving forward. The whole thing exceeded my expectations in ways I hadn’t anticipated.
Importance of Global Experiences
The Green Program offers underrepresented students a transformative global experience focused on sustainability, providing opportunities that are both personally and professionally enriching. By exposing students to diverse cultures and global sustainability challenges, TGP broadens their perspectives and fosters empathy for the interconnectedness of global issues.
Through hands-on, real-world projects, students gain confidence in their ability to tackle complex problems, which enhances their leadership skills and prepares them for future careers. offering underrepresented students access to unique educational opportunities helps to bridge gaps in equity and provide pathways to success.
Program Takeaways
Studying renewable energy in Iceland was an incredibly eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of sustainability and the role that renewable energy plays in combating climate change. Iceland’s leadership in geothermal and hydroelectric power gave me firsthand insight into how these energy sources can be harnessed on a large scale. I had the opportunity to visit geothermal power plants and hydroelectric dams, which allowed me to see the practical application of renewable technologies and understand the challenges and benefits of implementing these systems in real-world settings.
Beyond the technical aspects, the cultural context of sustainability in Iceland was equally inspiring. The country’s deep-rooted commitment to environmental stewardship is not just a policy—it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life. Witnessing how Iceland balances its abundant natural resources with sustainable development was a powerful reminder of how countries can move toward a greener future without sacrificing economic progress.
Most importantly, my time in Iceland reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in renewable energy and sustainability. The combination of hands-on learning and exposure to cutting-edge technologies left me feeling inspired and more determined than ever to be part of the global transition to clean energy. It was an experience that not only expanded my technical knowledge but also deepened my understanding of the vital role that renewable energy will play in building a sustainable future for all.
One of my favorite experiences on The Green Program was the glacier hike in Iceland. It was a powerful moment because it allowed me to see everything I had learned about throughout my coursework in sustainability studies come to life in a tangible way. As I hiked across the glacier, I could apply the knowledge I had gained in the classroom to the real world. Standing on the glacier, I was able to connect the theoretical concepts I had studied with the actual landscape, which really put everything into perspective.
I had learned about the science behind glaciers and their role in the environment a semester previously, so experiencing it firsthand gave me a deeper understanding of their significance and was really cool to see. Our tour guide mentioned that the very glacier we were standing on had significantly receded over the past 15 years. He pointed out that it used to reach all the way to the parking lot, but now it was much further back. This was a vivid reminder of how climate change is impacting the planet in real time. Seeing it first hand was a sobering experience that really highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis.
It was one of those moments when all the pieces of the puzzle clicked. Being on the glacier made my studies feel more meaningful, and I saw the direct connection between the natural world and the concepts I was learning about sustainability. It made me realize how much work still needs to be done to combat climate change, and how crucial it is to continue advocating for a more sustainable future.
This experience helped me appreciate the importance of the work we’re doing to protect our environment and reinforced my commitment to sustainability. It was a reminder of why these issues matter—not just for the future, but for the world we live in right now. The glacier hike was a defining moment that tied everything together and made the urgency of addressing environmental challenges even clearer.
Capstone Project
For my Capstone Project, my group created a consulting company focused on capturing heat and carbon emissions from data centers and using them to power greenhouses for food production. The idea came from recognizing that data centers waste large amounts of heat, while greenhouses require consistent energy for heating. By redirecting this waste heat into greenhouses, we aimed to address both energy inefficiency and food security.
We developed a comprehensive business plan that outlined the technical and financial aspects of the project. The Capstone reinforced my passion for sustainability and showed me the potential of integrating renewable energy solutions across industries. Although still in its conceptual stage, the idea has strong potential to make a meaningful impact on both energy use and food production.
Alexandra’s advice for new GREENies:
Go for it! You never know what kinds of resources and opportunities will be available to you once you take the leap. Many programs, like TGP, offer scholarships, funding, or even partnerships with universities that can help make studying abroad more accessible. If you’re passionate about the experience and the potential benefits, don’t let financial or logistical barriers hold you back. Reach out to the program coordinators, explore all funding options, and stay open to creative solutions. The experience is worth it, and you might be surprised at how much support is out there waiting for you.
To Those That Made My Scholarship Possible…
I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity provided by this scholarship, as it truly made it possible for me to have this experience that has impacted my life. This program has been a turning point, offering me not only the chance to explore new environments but also to challenge my perspectives and broaden my understanding of sustainability and the world.
The lessons I’ve learned and the connections I’ve made will stay with me for a lifetime, shaping both my personal and professional growth. This experience has reaffirmed my passion for sustainability and the career path I’m headed down, and I will carry the insights and inspiration with me every step of the way. Thank you so much for making this life-changing experience a reality—I can’t express how much it means to me.