An unforgettable and life-changing experience Past Review

By (Exercise Physiology, College of Saint Scholastica) - abroad from 05/28/2015 to 07/23/2015 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned a lot about the different cultures and also about myself. It was definitely worthwhile, and I would do it again in a heartbeat!

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?

The apartments were in a great location right next to campus and had plenty of space.

* Food:

The food in Cyprus was amazing! I loved everything I tried

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The global semesters classes only had students from the global semesters program, so there were not many opportunities to meet local students.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Nicosia and most of the other cities we visited. The only place that I would recommend being extra safe is in Ayia Napa. There are a lot of crazy people doing crazy things, so it is best to stay with a group and not go anywhere alone.

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

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $150
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Buying food from the grocery store instead of going out to eat for every meal will help save a lot of money.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

We were not expected to speak the language, but we were encouraged to learn some common phrases.

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? Greetings and common phrases
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Asking the locals how to say something is very helpful, and the locals also appreciate your effort to learn the language.

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

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

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Experiencing a new culture
  • Meeting lots of new people
  • Experiencing the difference in education in different countries
* What could be improved?
  • More organization before the program starts
  • Give more information about the host city and culture
  • More time in Limassol
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I thought that we would be closer to a coastal city not in the middle of the island. It would have been nice to have easier transportation to other cities.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!