Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Best time of my life on such a beautiful little island! Past Review

By (Allied Health Sciences, Grand Valley State University) - abroad from 09/12/2012 to 12/21/2012 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned more about myself than I ever would have imagined! I never will regret stepping onto that plane to fly to a foreign place to live with people I've never met before. I met some of the coolest people, some I will be connected with forever. This experience opened up so many doors for me, and makes me want to continue traveling and seeing as much as I possibly can!

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The University of Nicosia was much more laid-back than my home university. I think they really set it up for international students to really get the full exposure to their culture, so they make it more easy-going so you can experience it all.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Laura and Constania from GLS were so awesome. You could call or text them at any time and they would also have some kind of answer!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was very impressed with the apartments GLS set us up with. Before leaving I was a little bit worried because you never know what you are going to get yourself into with apartments.

* Food:

The food was DELICOUS! Greek food is so tasty. I could eat gyros, and halloumi every single day... if the lbs would stay away!;)

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Everyone was so open to us as American students. They all knew English pretty well which made communicating with everyone pretty easy. All the locals were very inviting to get to know you too which made the experience that much more memorable.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt very safe in Cyprus, never did I feel like I was in danger.

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)

If you didn't eat out too often you could easy spend the same in Cyprus as you would at home on a student's budget. I was able to do all the shopping and going out as I wanted, and didn't end up broke!

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? ~$125
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Cook as much of your own food as possible!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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
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? Speak with locals in Greek! They will have conversations with you in English, but try to speak Greek with them, it will only help you!

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
  • International Students
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?
  • My GLS family
  • The locals
  • The scenery
* What could be improved?
  • Speak more Greek, take some home with you!
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I would have known how easy and cheap it was to visit other countries while actually in Cyprus. Had I known that before I would have saved more money to have been able to go more places.

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 Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.