Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Not What I Expected, but an Incredible Experience 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?
Personal identify development and incredible, genuine friends. A very worthwhile semester.

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.

I took some easier classes but I was pleasantly surprised with little to no homework, loose deadlines, and understanding professors.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program trips were a great addition and their responses to maintenance issues were prompt.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

I lived in Gabriel apartments and they were a huge disappointment. The bathroom was disgusting, everything broke at least once, and we did not have a stove, just to name a few things. I think if the whole Global Semesters program cannot be in the same apartment complex, then those living in Gabriel apartments should not pay the same amount as say those in, for example, Maro apartments. The housing situation was completely unfair.

* Food:

Easy to find, readily available, not too 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

It was not what I was expecting, but I learned so much from the atmosphere and the culture here. Additionally, the academic schedule allowed for optimal travel experiences.

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 traveled a lot and spent a lot of money out eating and shopping. I could have been better about money but it potentially is not hard to live on a student's budget.

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? Coffee in the morning and a glass of wine at dinner is great but it racks 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

Other than orientation, we did not really use it.

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? Talk with locals. Make friends that encourage you to use it.

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
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?
  • laidback schedule
  • living on an island
  • THE FOOD
* What could be improved?
  • housing arrangments
  • housing arrangments
  • housing arrangments
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Traveling adds up financially, the program is small, and the beach is 5 euros and a 2 hr bus ride away.

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 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.