A Summer to Remember: learning about culture, life, and animals. Past Review

By (Agriculture and Natural Resources, Berea College) - abroad from 05/30/2013 to 07/02/2013 with

University of Nicosia - Global Semesters: Nicosia - Summer in Cyprus: Animal Science

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I saw how another culture lives, namely how they relax. Cypriots are a much more laid back culture, do not work all the time like in America and find joy in life not only in careers. This opened up my eyes that the "go, go, go" lifestyle of the US is not the only option.

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 provided hands on experiences as well as professors with significant field experience. I was a bit disappointed in the amount of reproductive studies that were included in the Animal Husbandry in the Mediterranean course. The main focus of the course was actually nutrition, not husbandry which was the area of agriculture I was eager to study.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

The GLS administrators are very friendly, helpful, and available for questions. The information included in the Orientation was very informative and helpful. Emails were answered promptly and contact information was very available.

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The apartments in Nicosia were amazing! Great location and in great condition!

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

The program provided plenty of time for us to travel and integrate ourselves with the local culture. Additionally, a tour guide accompanied us on several weekend trips and explained the scenery and history of the island.

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

I did not have any issues

* Safety:

I felt very safe at all times in Cyprus. It is still very important to be careful when out drinking.

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? 75-100
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Do not eat out every night, no matter how tempting it may be. It is much more economical to buy food and cook at home during the week and save money for weekend restaurant trips.

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? No
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? None
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? n/a
How many hours per day did you use the language? 0
Do you have any tips/advice on the best ways to practice the language for future study abroad participants? n/a

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

  • Americans
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?
  • the staff was helpful
  • weekend trips were fun and organized
  • classes were to my interest and provided looks at how local farmers operate
* What could be improved?
  • better class descriptions to fit the actual material
  • integration with local students, not just Americans
  • better access to grades
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? I wish I had known to begin seizing the experience the second I got there, I used my time wisely but reflecting back now there are things I wish I had done more of and differently.