Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Visiting Cyprus? Go to UNIC! January 18, 2024

By (Cognitive Science, Wellesley College) - abroad from 09/15/2023 to 12/20/2023 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 global events and seeing the US through a new light. It also gave me more motivation to learn a new language and some techniques to be a better speaker.

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.

All the professors were approachable and had great knowledge to share during class. Assignments made sense when we had them, and I was able to reach out to professors if I was ever confused.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The Global Semesters staff was so very helpful and was always attentive to our needs in an unfamiliar country. I was able to meet with them multiple times throughout the semester and receive invaluable advice on living in Cyprus. They also made the mandatory events very enjoyable and appreciated our presence.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

UNIHALLS in UNIC was a great accommodation -- a brand-new studio apartment with a kitchen, bathroom, and TV. It was a five-minute walk from my classes, and there were plenty of bus stops around to get into other parts of Nicosia.

* Food:

Cypriot food was great, and there were plenty of restaurants/food around the university. I never ran out of cuisines or options, and if I was craving something, I was sure to find it.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I didn't speak Greek, but I didn't feel like it held me back from doing things I wanted to do! I also asked locals to help build my vocabulary, and they were great about it.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I like studying in public spaces and study until after 11pm at least 4 times per week. I would walk back to my room around this time, and I never felt in danger when I walked back to my room from coffeeshops or the main campus.

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

The administration made the program such a great experience, and it was totally affordable on a student's budget.

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? 100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Save up as much money as you can and set limits for yourself! I wish I told myself to start slowing down once I had a certain amount left in my bank account. The last 2 weeks cut pretty closely.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
  • 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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Location -- island/EU
  • Expenses
  • The beaches!
* What could be improved?
  • UNIC enrollment portal -- paying with credit card or bank account
  • Getting grades earlier for seniors
  • Make club information clearer
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew to travel more around the EU earlier. I should have went around when I had a lot of funds and the semester hadn't picked up yet.

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 Academic or Linguist
You went abroad with specific academic goals in mind; the program credentials and rigor of your coursework abroad were very important to you. You had a great time abroad, but never lost sight of your studies and (if applicable) were diligent with your foreign language study. Good for you!