Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

A very different experience Past Review

By (University of Kentucky) - abroad from 09/22/2016 to 12/21/2016 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 cultures and the differences of how people act compared to Americans. It was worthwhile.

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.

The university offers a wide variety of classes but only some each semester which makes it difficult to find the best for your major. Teachers really try to help you learn and always remind you to review your coursework throughout the semester.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

They will always email you back during the week, but some don't always seem to be willing to help as much as they should if you come to the office.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments are nice and close to campus, but we always had issues with outlets and water, that we informed the program of but never were fixed by the landlord.

* Food:

If you want gyros, then you are fine to eat in the area, but there are not many more options that are right near by. You will have to go to old town or walk 15+ minutes to get to more decent restaurants.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I don't feel as integrated with the local culture as I would have liked. As I don't have many classes with Cypriots, mostly just other Europeans, it was harder to make friends to experience the culture. Plus GS cancelled our basic Greek language lessons so I did not learn as many words as I would have liked because I expected this to be rescheduled.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

The city is so safe and I have never felt unsafe walking alone at night or being in any area of the city.

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

Because I enjoyed the island and the options I had to travel easily to other countries while I was abroad.

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)

You have to be really smart about what you buy for food and other personal expenses. Food is more limited here than in the USA and it is pricer to buy most products. They have a smaller selection of fruits and veggies which makes it more difficult to be healthy.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $75
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make grocery lists and learn to make other types of food you normally wouldn't make. Try to avoid eating out unless you are eating gyros, as they are the cheapest things to buy.

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?
  • weekend excursions
  • university classes
* What could be improved?
  • communication of advisors
  • program end date
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew more about the culture and language coming in so that maybe I had more of a chance to meet more locals and stay friends with them.

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 Avid Adventurer
The wardrobe you packed was better suited for a semester of camping than club hopping. Outdoorsy, you might forgo a crazy night out for an early all-day adventure. You'd rather take in the rich culture of an old town than the metropolis of a modern city, but for you getting off the grid is ideal.