Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A blast!! Past Review

By (University of North Carolina - Greensboro) - abroad from 06/02/2016 to 07/08/2016 with

University of Nicosia - Global Semesters: Nicosia - Summer in Cyprus: Pre-Med

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Despite the long papers, I did learn a great deal of valuable information about the medical field from both of my courses. I got a firsthand experience of Cypriot culture and learned tremendously about the country's history. Because of both of these things, I would definitely recommend this program.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

Food on a daily basis was not actually provided by the program, but a grocery store and plenty of resturants are within walking distance of the aparment.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program does all that they can to provide an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the culture, but a portion is up to you (i.e taking the initiative to go to social spots to talk to the locals).

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Overall I would recommend this program. The only complaint is that in the Pre-Med program, there was a healthcare class where we had to write long papers that did take up an unreasonable amount of time that could have been spent socializing with the locals.

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Even though the program does not provide food, the living arrangements and fees for visiting educational sites for the weekend trips are paid for. The main expenses come from food and any outside entertainment, both of which are manageable on a student's budget.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~100$
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Don't go out to fancy places to eat all the time if you have a big appetite, either go to the grocery store or reasonably priced places you can get a meal for ~5$. Going to bar and clubs can also be a bit pricey if done excessively. Just spread out these things over the course of the program.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Readily available information, about medicine, culture, and how to get by in Cyprus.
  • Having trips already planned every weekend, but letting the students spend their time as they wish.
  • Program coordinators and professors were very friendly and receptive to students' needs.
* What could be improved?
  • nThe workload of the earlier mentioned healthcare course.
  • If possible, extending the number of free days alotted in the program.
  • Offering a donation collection at the end of the program, so things like food and clothes do not need to be wasted prior to moving out from the apartment.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? You don't always have to stick with the main group for outside activities to have a good time. Don't be afraid to do something that you feel strongly about just cause everyone else has a different plan for the evening. You never know who else feels the same way and would actually love to accompany you!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.