Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Cyprus was my home away from home. Past Review

By (Bennett College) - abroad from 01/26/2016 to 05/27/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Through being abroad I learned to have fun and to try new things. I have completely stepped out of my comfort zone. I truly have learned that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. I recommend studying abroad to all college students. I wish that I would have went earlier throughout my career so that I could go again before i graduate,

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.

If it were not for the global experience, I would not pay more then 200 for my entire semester because I learned nothing. The professor and students came to class late. The professors mostly read straight from the slide show. I was only giving two assignments the entire semester out of 5 courses. This semester has felt like a break. Compared to the US, the work I did the semester was High School level. If you are looking for a fun time and stress free semester with easy classes then this program is for you. However, if you would like to travel and still be challenged in your courses, this program is not for you.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They were amazing. They always were responsive and eager to help whenever they were needed.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved our apartment. It was located close to campus and near a shopping center. It was spacious yet cozy.

* Food:

Loved

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I did not feel integrated with the Cypriot culture. The students in my courses did not show interest into getting to know me as I did them. Cyprus is a very collective society and they like to stay in their ways and comfort.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did catch a bad cold during my stay. I was able to walk to a pharmacy that was a few blocks from my apartment and was giving medicine that was decently priced that helped my cold.

* Safety:

I have never felt endangered during my stay. Whether I was walking to class or walking back from a bar with friends at night, I was never bothered.

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

Even though I did not develop any relationships with the local students. Cyprus is a beautiful country and I wish I could stay longer.

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)

Due to scholarships, I did not have any finacial struggles throughout my stay,

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 50
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? apply for scholarships so that you have lots of money to have fun with and do not have to worry about spending.

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
  • 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?
  • The Old City
  • Food
  • The beautiful beaches
* What could be improved?
  • More rigorous courses
  • interacting more with the local students
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Pack light, because you will bring back a lot of stuff

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.