An Awesome Semester Abroad Past Review
By Tiffany D (Finance and Financial Management Services., Alabama A&M University) - abroad from 01/26/2012 to 06/01/2012 with
University of Nicosia - Global Semesters: Nicosia - Semester in Cyprus
I've learned that the world is so much bigger than my neighborhood, university , and state. I was afforded an opportunity that most people my age don't have. It was definitely worthwhile and highly recommend it!
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | None |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The GLS on site administration is awesome! They're extremely helpful and passionate about the program. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Our apartments were extremely spacious with large balconies. This was my first time living in an apartment so I was excited. Laundry can be very expensive, but the university provides Verandas which are used to dry the clothing. Nice location- you're maybe 1-2 buildings down from the supermarket. |
| * Food: |
Oh my, You will fall in love with Halloumi, Gyros, and Pita- I promise! If you're a ranch dressing addict, such as myself, you might want to bring a bottle with you because the stores in Nicosia only sell Bleu Cheese. |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Our host coordinators made sure that healthcare was easily accessible. Also, we were given health insurance cards, if we were ever alone and needed to go to the hospital. Plus, we could call our program coordinators with any emergency at anytime! |
| * Safety: |
Overall, Nicosia was extremely safe but I don't recommend anyone, especially girls, walking alone at night. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* 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) |
Studying abroad is very expensive, but only due to eating and traveling. I was able to save plenty of money by cooking. I only ate out food 2-3 times a week. You can definitely live on a student budget in Cyprus. |
| * Was housing included in your program cost? | Yes |
| * Was food included in your program cost? | No |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 80-100 per week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Cook your meals! Cooking is cheaper than going out to eat. Get an international student card because it offers awesome discounts. Start saving early because the cost of living is relatively high in Europe. |
Language
| * Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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How much did the program encourage you to use the language?
0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language |
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| 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? | None |
| How many hours per day did you use the language? | |
| Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? | My advice is to become a sponge, ask questions about certain words or phrases. Pay attention to certain gestures, because you don't want to offend anyone. |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
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* Who did you live with?
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* Who did you take classes with?
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| 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? |
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| * What could be improved? |
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| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | If I knew that Europe was as expensive, I would have started saving a year in advance. |
