Dazed & Confused. Past Review

By (Susquehanna University) - abroad from 01/30/2017 to 05/31/2017 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned to be self-sufficient, independent, and that friends have a way of finding you wherever you go,

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.

Good for international relations work, though for other programs I have heard the courses are slightly lacking. Though the program has seen a slight downturn in recent years, the IR staff remains amicable and the classes challenging and insightful.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

Very good staff, though they had a bizarre obsession with not letting legal adults drink during sponsored programs. It may be a case of some drunken idiots ruining certain trips, though complete abstinence is an odd policy for college students excited at the prospect of legal drinking.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Our room had little in the way of artwork or furnishings, but worked for what it was.

* Food:

Always been a fan of following my stomach wherever it takes me, and the meal planning let me do just that, aside from pointing out some must-try local delicacies.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The Americans in the group for the most part kept to themselves. Though I made friends at the university and in Cyprus in general, actual integration was difficult and almost entirely our own realm. Not necessarily a bad thing if you're independent, though.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

As far as I know, there have been no issues. The one injury we had, a concussion from cliff-jumping, was resolved quickly and competently.

* Safety:

Safest region in the region, considering how close Lebanon, Israel, and Turkey are.

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)

Had to cut a few trips and live on leftover chili, but that's about how student living works these days.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? Not a significant amount.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? CHILI IS YOUR FRIEND. Find a recipe that's cheap to cook and provides you with ample leftovers, and eat it with rice. I've stretched single batches of chili for weeks this way.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
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? Greek 101
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? Buy a book in English, buy a book in Greek. Learn the alphabet, get a dictionary, and get cracking.

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

  • 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?
  • Freedom
  • People
  • Shady :'(
* What could be improved?
  • Cultural Integration
  • Trips & Outings
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Join a club or something. No Cypriot friend is just going to fall into your lap, you have to make it happen.

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.