Study Abroad in Cyprus Past Review

By (Politics, The Catholic University of America) for

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

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
Definitely. I became less identified solely as an American and more of a global citizen, which I think is a good thing.

Personal Information

If you took classes at multiple universities, list those universities here: University of Nicosia
The term and year this program took place: Fall 2009

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

all of my professors and people I met at the university were very helpful and accomodating.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The program was a unique and life-changing experience. All of the coordinators were very helpful and accessible. My expectations were definitely met.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Makedonitissa, Maro Apartments <br /><br /> The apartment was spacious. The neighborhood is safe. Very close to school and to the grocery store.

* Food:

Food is somewhat expensive. That is why I chose to eat in as much as possible.

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Travel in Cyprus and outside Cyprus was amazing and probably the best part of my study abroad experience. I would definitely recommend going to countries around Cyprus, especially Jordan.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

Nicosia and Cyprus in general is very safe.

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)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? It differed based on whether I was in Cyprus or traveling. While in Cyprus, I lived very cheaply, spending maybe only $10 a week. When traveling though, I probably spent more like $100 or more a week.
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? When traveling, the cost of food (and even water) is expensive. Also, save money for traveling to countries not part of the program, like Egypt, Israel, Turkey, or Jordan. They are so close and definitely worth spending the money to see.

Language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
Language acquisition improvement?

I took primarily classes with other students from the program, which was both positive and negative. I bonded a lot with them, but it also did not force me to meet more Cypriots and learn more Greek.

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Apartment
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Americans

A Look Back

* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? Go into studying abroad with an open mind, few expectations, and a good travel guide book, and you will have an awesome time.