LIFE CHANGING! Past Review

By (Illinois State University) - abroad from 09/18/2017 to 12/20/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to interact with people from many different places

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.

I did not feel challenged by intro level courses at the University of Nicosia

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were incredible to live in with all of my Global Semester friends.

* Food:

Great Euros

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I was able to meet many Cypriot locals that I traveled and spent a lot of time with.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

I felt safer walking around Nicosia then I do at home

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

I have never had more fun in my entire life. I would never say no to a similar 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)

The food was very affordable in Nicosia because I was able to cook in my own apartment.

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? Most people traveling abroad save up a lot of money for the trip and end up blowing the majority of it early on. I knew around a dozen people that had absolutely no money the last couple weeks of the trip.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

If you are interested you can pick up a little Greek while staying in Cyprus, but it is not necessary. The language is extremely hard to learn, but almost every local knows english so I only learned a couple phrases.

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
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Try to meet locals because they are the best teachers

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?
  • The weather
  • The people
  • the atmosphere
* What could be improved?
  • The classes
  • The length of time to be there
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? That it gets colder in Cyprus during the late fall. I did not bring enough pants and sweatshirts to wear for later in the season.

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.