My Second Home Past Review

By (Clemson University) - abroad from 01/21/2016 to 05/27/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Well I gained a lot more confidence in myself, and it sounds really cliche but I learned more about who I am since this was the biggest step I've ever taken away from home. I learned that for the rest of my life I want to keep living in international countries, learning the language, and experiencing the culture. I learned that as much as it is about a place, it's about the people too.

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.

The University of Nicosia was very accommodating. Coming from a larger university to UNIC which had about 4,000 students, I liked the smaller campus feel. My teachers were really nice and easy going. While my classes were easier than my classes here at Clemson, I think that is due more to the cultural differences (the U.S. stresses more HW and more tests whereas in Europe it seems they only give very few assignments/tests.)

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Laura and Sakis were awesome. We were all convinced that Sakis was an undercover spy with his leather jacket and we loved Laura's style : ) Every time we all got together for group excursions we all had very much fun!

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I loved my apartment! Just everything about it - the layout, the openness, our three balconies, how if we opened the windows the air flowed through it. I also loved all my roommates. Somehow the random assignments worked out perfectly and made my experience so much better.

* Food:

UNIC's food is delicious - so much better than my homeschool food I hate to admit. The culinary students cook it fresh everyday and it is like a home cooked meal. Also, I love the coffee in Cyprus! Having our own kitchen was really nice too because it kept costs down and the grocery store and open markets were really convenient and cheap.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

I took a Greek Language class and that made me feel closer with the local culture. Traveling to less touristy areas also made me feel more integrated with the culture too.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I visited the Hippocrateon hospital twice to have my migraine medicine refilled and because I was ill one time. Both visits were very easy and I walked to the hospital both times and only cost me $50 per visit. I still need to send my insurance form in to GLS. My medicine was more expensive than it is at home but it was easier to purchase at the pharmacy.

* Safety:

Cyprus is so safe! I never felt unsafe! The only time I felt unsafe is when I traveled on my own account to Amsterdam, and the only "incident" that happened to me is that I had someone steal 40 euros out of my purse on a boat party in Cyprus. To be honest, I should have not brought that much money with me and kept a better eye on my purse though.

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

It was not what I expected but of course so much better. I want to go back to Cyprus because it would be like going back to my second home.

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)

On average, I spent about $110 a week. During spring break, I traveled around Europe for 3 weeks, and I definitely racked up a credit card bill then, but in Cyprus I lived very easily. What really got me was spending money on taxis because bus 123 stopped running so early.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $110
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? If you drink alcohol with each meal, that always at least an extra $5 to your bill. Try to get on lists for clubs so you don't pay entrance fees. Always take the bus because taxis charge a lot. If you go out at night, go with a group to split taxi cost. The open markets in old city can get you a full fridge of fruits and veggies for less than $10. If you fly budget airlines, they are super strict on baggage rules and checking in online. They will charge you extra. In Cyprus, it is custom for one person to pay for the bill and then another person gets the bill the next time, so splitting checks is kind of weird to do. Just make sure that if you pay for your friends they pay you back because a few 10 euro meals do add up.

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

I talked to Cypriots in Greek.

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?
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? Have fun with Greek and don't be afraid to speak it. Cypriots will appreciate you trying and most of them want to help you learn.

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?
  • People - both American and International students
  • Learning Greek
  • Spring Break Trip around Europe with my roommates
* What could be improved?
  • Transportion - hard/expensive to get to certain parts of island
  • On excursions, do more activities, like kayaking, instead of letting us go off for two days
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew about more of the local spots to visit in Cyprus.

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.