Different than I expected, but wonderful! Past Review

By (Clemson University) - abroad from 01/18/2018 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?
So much... personally, cultural, everything. I would definitely recommend a semester abroad.

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 classes had little to no homework, loose deadlines, and very understanding professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I was in Gabriel Apartments and I was very displeased. If the Global Semester students can not all stay together in the same housing complex to make it equal, then those who live in Gabriel should not have to pay the same amount as those who live in perhaps, Maro apartments. Our bathroom was disgusting, everything broke at least once, and we had bed bugs to name a few things. I was very disappointed. I am easy to please when it comes to housing arrangements but this was absolutely horrible.

* Food:

At the university, I am no too sure. However, the local restaurants and cafes were great! Easy to find and not super expensive.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

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

The island life has taught me a lot personally. I just wish the program was bigger and more connected to the Erasmus Program. However, all of the breaks in the school schedule allowed optimal travel time and that was incredible.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? A couple hundred. I did a lot of traveling though so that had a lot to do with it.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? The coffee at Coffeeology is incredible but it adds 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

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? latin III, not very relevant to 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? NA

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Dorm
* 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?
  • travel opportunities
  • laidback culture
  • living on an island
* What could be improved?
  • housing arrangments
  • size of the program
  • housing arrangments
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? that the University was not on the beach like we were told it was and that it was smaller than it said it was.

Reasons For Studying Abroad

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The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.