A constant pursuit of sending it on new experiences, στειλε το!! Past Review
By Joseph Kennedy (Illinois State University) - abroad from 09/20/2017 to 12/20/2017 with
University of Nicosia - Global Semesters: Nicosia - Semester in Cyprus
I gained a greater perspective on the world. I also learned invaluable social skills, as well as logical skills such as prioritizing. Absolutely worthwhile.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 1 month - 6 months |
Review Your Program
|
* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The academic content itself was not terribly challenging (although very interesting); however, balancing personal exploration of the island along with the academics is what made the program more rigorous, although still manageable. |
|
* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
|
|
* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
Only complaint: Maro (my building) residents were the only ones paying for laundry. |
| * Food: |
Gyros, Crepes, and Zorbas bakery man |
|
* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
I talked to people in class which made it much easier to integrate with the local culture; however, I can see how it would be easy to pigeon hole oneself in their own culture by just hanging out with Global Semesters students, kicking it in their apartment, and ultimately staying in said person's own comfort zone. |
|
* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
I got sick a few times. Pharmacies and the grocery store are nearby. I believe the hospital is, too, but I did not seek physician healthcare. |
| * Safety: |
Very safe and comfortable. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
Global Semester (especially Laura, Theo, and Andreas), made sure that we had a great experience by creating a careful balance of following through with plans and being accommodating of students' needs. |
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) |
I did travel a lot, and eat at the bakery. I could have survived on a cheaper budget, but it would have required a meticulous effort. |
| Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? | about $150 |
| Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? | Set a loose budget before you leave, get a feel for your first couple weeks and think about your own personal spending habits, then revise and finalize your budget. |
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 |
Talk to the locals, ask questions, and don't be afraid to mess up! The locals are very understanding. |
| 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? | 2nd year college German (no Greek) |
| 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? | TALK TO THE LOCALS! |
Other Program Information
|
* Where did you live?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you live with?
Select all that apply |
|
|
* Who did you take classes with?
Select all that apply |
|
| 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? |
|
| * What could be improved? |
|
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | I personally should have budgeted for my personal trips better. |
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 Nearly Native or Trail BlazerCraving the most authentic experience possible, perhaps you lived with a host family or really got in good with the locals. You may have felt confined by your program requirements and group excursions. Instead, you'd have preferred to plan your own trips, even skipping class to conduct your own 'field work.' |
