Cyprus was nothing that I expected, but in the best way possible Past Review

By (Human Development, Family Studies, Illinois State University) - abroad from 01/21/2015 to 05/27/2016 with

University of Nicosia - Global Semesters: Nicosia - Semester in Europe (Multi-country)

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to be more independent and I became more culturally aware of the world. It allowed me to shape who I want to become in such a positive way.

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.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

Nicosia was a hard place to live in and there was nothing really around the apartments to do so it ended up being a lot of money to get to places. I wish we were placed in Old City so there was more going on.

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I had no healthcare problems while I was abroad.

* Safety:

I never once felt like I was not safe or was in danger. Everyone is really nice and it's not like other countries that you have to worry about pickpockets and touristy problems. We fit right in with the culture it seemed like.

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

Even though Nicosia was not my favorite place to be living in, Cyprus was beautiful and I loved it. I was able to travel to so many different countries and I wouldn't change it for the world.

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)

It was hard to live on a student's budget through the week because we did not have a meal plan, which would have been nice.

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? About 100 dollars a week; maybe more, maybe less
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Instead of eating out all the time, it would save a lot of money to buy all your groceries from the local market.

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
  • International Students
* 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?
  • Being independent
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Traveling
* What could be improved?
  • Transportation within Cyprus
  • The apartments
  • Location of apartments
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I knew exactly what Nicosia was like.

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.