Never wanted to leave cyprus! Life changing experience for sure Past Review
By Stelliana Benson (University of Massachusetts Amherst / UMass) - abroad from 01/21/2016 to 05/27/2016 with
University of Nicosia - Global Semesters: Nicosia - Semester in Cyprus
Too much to just write here. Learned how to cook, live on my own, figure out how to deal with health related issues like going to the hospital alone etc.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academics were very very easy, almost too easy. However, this is what I was looking for while studying abroad - for me it wasn't about academics it was about culture and immersing myself into that culture and not having to worry about a paper due but rather meeting new people and learning about Cyprus. |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
They are very responsive almost like a parent. Laura and Sakis were a great help- they are the program directors while you are in cyprus ! They helped anywhere from emergencies to recommending spots or restaurants to visit. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Housing was great! Clean, spacious and they're surprisingly good with roommate choices ! |
| * Food: |
Basically the cheapest, most healthy, clean, local food you can get! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
Wish I met more people but there's only so many things you can do and people you can meet within 5 months... |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
Went to the hospital twice to assist friends- no long waits like the u.s. And it's SO cheap even without health insurance! The program also provides health insurance so it is so easy - easier than the u.s. |
| * Safety: |
Cyprus is in the top 5 safest countries in the world! Although that may be surprising since it is close to the ever unsettling Middle East, I never felt unsafe while abroad in cyprus. You can walk alone at night without feeling uneasy and there are basically never break ins. Just be careful when crossing the street- they do have a terrible driving record, no one stops for pedestrians. |
| 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) |
Although I'm rating this a 3, it was very cheap in cyprus. You could get a gyro (sand which) with fries and a soda for under 4 euros... You cannot find that in the u.s. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | About 100/150 - but I went out a lot and ate out at least 3/4 times a week |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Make a budget !!! It saved me and my friends |
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 |
Loved the Greek language ! |
| 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? | 2 years of French language |
| 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? | Practice practice practice! Put sticky notes on the walls of common words |
Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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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? | Nicosia is farrrr away from the beach (40 mins aprox) and it is colder than you think in January and February |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
