Summer in the Mediterranean was a once in a lifetime opportunity! Past Review

By (Conservation Biology., Illinois State University) - abroad from 05/31/2013 to 07/05/2013 with

University of Nicosia - Global Semesters: Summer in the Mediterranean

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I believe first hand experience is more important than any book you can read and the best part about studying abroad is that you are your own author for a study abroad experience. Studying abroad allowed me gain personal growth through adapting to new and foreign situations, it also made me a stronger and more independent individual. I learned to be more understanding and patient and to leave my apprehensions at the door to fully immerse myself in a new diverse culture. Studying abroad also strengthened my intercultural development. I was able to experience the complexity of other cultures through my travels, as well as grasp a better understanding of my own culture. As a whole, I believe that I am better prepared for the future because of my experiences through studying abroad.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Program coordinators were always available and willing to answer any questions we had.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments were very nice and in a great location, however there was a bug problem for awhile

* Food:

Food was not provided with trip

* 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

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)

Much more expensive than i originally thought

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? 200 euros
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Even when you think you saved enough money, try to save a little more! It never hurts to have a little extra cash.

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

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? none
How many hours per day did you use the language?

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

  • Americans
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 weekend traveling to different parts of Cyprus
  • Trip to Rome, Athens, and the Greek Islands
  • Being able to meet so many other people from the US in a new and exciting environment
* What could be improved?
  • I would have like to had a better opportunity to meet more of the locals
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Save as much money as you can!

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.