I LOVED CYPRUS (and this program) December 19, 2023
By Sofia K (Computer Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/13/2023 to 12/20/2023 with
University of Nicosia - Global Semesters: Nicosia - Semester in Cyprus
Yes, it was worthwhile! I learned that life while in college can be relaxing and fun while still learning a lot–it is not normal to have never have a free weekend ever
Personal Information
How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 2 weeks - 1 month |
Review Your Program
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
Great classes, professors, and support. Very little homework, but enough to still effectively learn the material. This was a great experience, but I wouldn't say the courses were intense. I still learned a lot though, and it's made me question why my home university requires so much homework. |
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The program coordinators were AMAZING. From the communications and check-ins before we left, to the 1.5 week orientation of free tours, meals, and group activities, preparing us for cultural differences, and making sure we still felt connected and supported throughout the semester, they were great! |
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Amazing! I essentially got a studio apartment to myself with an in-unit kitchenette (over, stove, sink) and bathroom (toilet, shower, great water pressure), and balcony! |
* Food: |
The food here is great and cost of living is cheaper than the US, but we didn't have a dining hall or meal plan. So you're either cooking or buying every meal, which was kind of nice (I like cooking). There was also a big grocery store ~4 minute walk away from the dorms, food delivery is really cheap, and I got the best coffee I've ever had from a little cafe window (The Barn) on the walk to the grocery store for $2.95. |
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We got to eat traditional local food and go on tours of important sites, but I wasn't too integrated otherwise. I think I could have been if I have tried more though |
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got a cold twice while here and the pharmacy 4 min walk from my dorm got me the right medicine both times |
* Safety: |
It felt very safe, but I also stuck to the safer parts and times to be out or travelled in a big group. |
If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Absolutely. I had ~2 hours of homework TOTAL per week taking five 300/400 level classes I really liked. Almost everyone I knew had 1-2 days of during the school week because that's how their schedule ended up, I had Monday and Fridays off :) Program coordinators and orientation was great and we continued having fun day or weekend trips around Cyprus organized by the program throughout the semester, all for FREE. Great, easy, cheap travel to places in Europe (I went to Dubai, Rome, Athens, and Crete)–it can be cheap if you get a 5+ group of people to go with you. Beautiful weather year round, great professors, cost of living was cheaper than the US, and my quality of life great! Many fond memories of napping on sunny days in my dorm with the balcony doors open |
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) |
I spent ~$120/week, but a lot of that (~$60) was snacks at cafes since I love cafes, and I definitely could've comfortably lived off of less. The only necessary major expense is food since there wasn't a dining hall/meal plan, but I could get enough groceries at the nearby store & farmers market for $40/week + $10 for snacks. Coming from the US, I was always surprised at how low the total came out to for the amount of food and fresh produce I got. The bus (most common transportation method, no trains) was ~$1/ride once you got the student card and all necessary stores (grocery, pharmacy, cafe) were all within a 10-minute walk. |
Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | 60 |
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | There's a farmers market every Wednesday & Saturday from 6am-1pm in OXI square. I could get SO much produce for cheap, like more than I could carry for ~$15 |
Language
* Did your program have a foreign language component? | Yes |
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? | None |
How many hours per day did you use the language? | 0 |
Other Program Information
* 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? | 0 |
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? | They provide (free) basic bedding, cookware, and necessities, so you don't have to bring your own. Also, you can't use some US electronics because of the voltage difference in Cyprus |