Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Adapting to Island time - a semester in Cyprus Past Review

By (Clemson University) - abroad from 01/17/2018 to 05/26/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned so much about the culture here in Cyprus and how enjoyable it is to live in such a small place where everyone knows everybody. It was a very intimate study abroad experience and I feel like I was really able to connect with other people in the program and learn a lot about myself as well.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 0-2 weeks

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The classes were not very challenging compared to the courses I take at Clemson but I felt I did need to study a good amount for exams and had multiple homework assignments and papers to write that kept me focused on school.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program coordinators were very easy to reach at all times.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I stayed in Gabriel apartments and they were below standard compared to the housing arrangements for any other students not in the Gabriel building. The shower pressure did not work and the water would cut off anytime someone else turned the sink on or used the washer and the water took a long time to get warm. The kitchen did not have an oven unlike all other apartment buildings and only one burner consistently worked throughout the semester. I think to be fair all students should be placed in Gabriel apartments or no students at all because there were large differences in how nice all the other apartment buildings were in comparison to Gabriel.

* 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:

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

I really enjoyed how different Cyprus was compared to other study abroad options. It was a very laid back place and I enjoyed the culture. The only complaint is how expensive it was to travel due to the fact we weren't in mainland Europe. Other than that I thought Cyprus was a very unique study abroad experience.

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? While traveling it was around 100 to 200 euros but while in Cyprus it was about 50 euros if that a week.

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?
  • Planned weekend trips
  • program advisors
  • the university
* What could be improved?
  • apartments
  • better explanation of the proximity to the beach and old city
  • academic rigor
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known how important it is to immerse yourself in the culture as much as you can since day one and really put yourself out there in order to meet other people in your program and at the university. I wish I had known that the university was not as close to old city and the beach as I had expected, but still fairly easy to get to.

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.