Lots of abroad, very little study Past Review

By (Clemson University) - abroad from 01/19/2018 to 05/26/2018 with

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Being able to see more countries this semester than I've seen states was incredible. I was able to interact with people from all over the world and see more than most people see in a lifetime in just four months. The ability to travel easily and experience cultures around the world made it very worthwhile.

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? None

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

The academic rigor was nonexistent even though I was taking courses that are required for my major and would normally be difficult at home. I felt academically challenged in no way while abroad.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

There were four of us living in an apartment clearly designed for two people with only one closet in each room and only two chairs at the kitchen table.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Country is for the most part safe, but it does not always feel that way when out as a woman. The men are very predatory and the culture is in no way trying to stop them.

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? No

Being abroad I would have liked to have been in an environment where I would have had more opportunities to immerse myself in the culture. I lived and studied with mostly other Americans, and met no Cypriot students, even in my classes. The international element of the university was exciting and the lack of rigor made weekend travel consequence-free, but I would have liked to feel like I contributed to and learned from a foreign institute of higher learning.

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? No

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? 0

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • Closeness of my living arrangement to school
  • Ability to travel easily
* What could be improved?
  • Greater cultural immersion
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew how hard it was going to be to interact with locals. With no school clubs or intramural sports available, it was almost impossible to meet other students outside of classes.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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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.