An amazing opportunity to live in a unique European country Past Review

By (Stevens Institute of Technology) - abroad from 09/22/2016 to 12/21/2016 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Living abroad I had the opportunity to experience a completely different culture and to interact with people who lived lives very different to mine. It allowed me the opportunity to expand my worldview and learn more about different cultures and my place in the world. It inspired me to travel more and it taught me the importance of reaching outside of your comfort zone, it is an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I would highly recommend this opportunity to anyone considering it.

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

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

During my time in Cyprus, I had to go to a hospital for treatment of a medical issue. I found the doctor to be very helpful, although we had a small struggle with a language barrier, he was patient and willing to take his time to help me. In addition, the program advisers were incredibly helpful, and the insurance provided through the program reimbursed me promptly for all medical expenses.

* 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)

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

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 large number of international students at the school
  • The included weekend excursions to various parts of the country
* What could be improved?
  • More opportunities to help students learn Greek
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known that I should learn some basics of the Greek alphabet before I came to Cyprus.