Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Amazing Experience But Not Enough Cultural Immersion Past Review

By (Civil Engineering., Stevens Institute of Technology) - abroad from 01/23/2014 to 05/23/2014 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Cyprus is a great place to go for someone's first time abroad. Almost everyone speaks English, and there are tons of American students. Because I lived with and interacted with Americans all the time, I didn't make as many foreign friends or immerse myself in the culture as much as I would have liked to. Personally, I would have liked a more cultural experience, however it was still an amazing opportunity and I enjoyed every second.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 1 month - 6 months

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

I learned so much about the world, but very little about Civil Engineering.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Such a safe environment

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

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

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

  • 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?
  • Included travel to other Mediterranean countries
* What could be improved?
  • More cultural immersion (live with foreign students instead of American students)
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew that not as many of the inexpensive airlines (EasyJet, RyanAir, Wizz Air, etc.) fly to Cyprus. Because it is an island, it is harder to travel to other countries than it is from other parts of Europe.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.