I would like to discuss the potential for US college students to study abroad in Cyprus and discuss the relevance of study abroad students and advisors exploring Cyprus as a relevant and meaningful study abroad destination.
Firstly, let’s take a look at the perceived obstacles to studying abroad in Cyprus.
1. Few Americans know much about Cyprus.
– so what? Let’s learn!
– most who know Cyprus love it
– Cyprus is a modern and prosperous EU (European Union) country and Americans should know about it
2. Because the first language in Cyprus is Greek, many American students and study abroad advisors may incorrectly assume that unless students are proficient in Modern Greek, they will not be able to study at a Cypriot institution of higher learning.
– yes, the official language of Cyprus is Greek, but the majority of the population is multilingual and English is commonly spoken as a second language
– the University of Nicosia uses English as the official language (except in the School of Education) of instruction and administration
– Non-Greek speaking students can easily navigate the university, community and travel around Cyprus in English only
3. There are very few colleges and universities in Cyprus
– until 2008, there was only one (1) university in Cyprus
– in 2008, the Ministry of Education granted university level status to four private schools
– The University of Nicosia was established more than 25 years ago in the US higher education structure and operates academically and administratively in parallel with most US universities.
4. Cypriot institutions have not promoted themselves in the US study abroad market.
– until 2004, when the University of Nicosia (formerly Intercollege) developed Global Learning Semesters as an organization to serve as international marketing and support to US students for Intercollege, there was very little promotion of Cypriot higher education to the undergraduate market of Nicosia USA
– Global Learning Semesters now supports hundreds of US college students studying at the University of Nicosia annually.
5. Because Cyprus is a bicommunal society divided by a United Nations demilitarized zone, some people may think that Cyprus is a dangerous place.
– Cyprus is a democratically stable nation, a prosperous member of the European Union, and has not experienced any violence related to the bicommunity state since 1974.
– An ideal learning laboratory for students, the bi-communal state of Cyprus is an excellent place for students to learn about international relations, active UN negotiations, and ethnic/national divisions in a stable, non-violent society.
6. Because Cyprus is so close to the “Middle East”, some people may think that it is an Arab nation and/or may have security issues related to “Middle Eastern” countries.
– Located in the Mediterranean, Cyprus is a close ally, neighbor and friend of Greece.
– Cyprus considers itself a “Christian” nation and most Cypriots observe Orthodox Christianity.
– in geographical proximity, Cyprus is closer to Israel, Egypt and Turkey than to its Western European counterparts
– politically, economically and internationally… Cyprus is a member of the European Union and therefore functions as a prosperous European society
– Culturally, Cyprus has a long and diverse history of living at the crossroads of European, Middle Eastern and North African civilizations and thus benefits from a culturally diverse perspective and exposes the average American student to a crossroads Mediterranean never seen before. in many of the common destinations Americans meet
Below, let’s look at some of the important factors that any student should consider when choosing a relevant study abroad program.
1. What are the academic options available?
2. Can I earn academic credits that will be added to my study plan?
3. Do I meet the program’s eligibility requirements?
4. Will the cultural experience be relevant to my academic, personal, and professional goals?
5. Are student support services meeting my needs?
6. Can I afford it?
Academic options in Cyprus
About UNic: The University of Nicosia is an independent, co-educational and equal opportunity tertiary institution that combines the best elements of Western education, quality standards and an international philosophy.
Located in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus, an island that sits at the crossroads of three continents, the University has quickly become a center of global education. International in philosophy, the University welcomes students from all over the world, in a multicultural learning environment, promoting friendship, cooperation and understanding.
The University pursues excellence in education through high teaching standards, in a constantly improving academic environment. In addition to classroom instruction, the University offers students opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities, including student clubs, sports, public lectures, and seminars.
The University actively participates in European and local research projects as a partner and as a coordinating institution. In addition, the University of Nicosia received the approval of an Erasmus University Charter and is an official participant in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). The University of Nicosia is also active in the community with campaigns for various causes, including environmental protection. In recognition of this work, the institution received the prestigious “Global 500” award from the United Nations. Other examples of community service include campaigns to fight world hunger and raise funds for worthy causes. In an ongoing project, teachers help inmates gain knowledge and skills in Computer Science, Art and Psychology.
Academic tradition encourages most of the world’s universities to adopt the name of the city that hosts them. In fact, this happens almost as a rule when the city in question happens to be the capital. The University of Nicosia prides itself on the ties and status that its name conveys. To this end, the University is committed to maintaining its position at the forefront of education, research, and social service; in line with the enduring motto of the institution: “Excellence in Education”.
US Study Abroad students can take courses in almost all academic departments (except Education, as it is taught in Greek).
*Business School
Accounting
Business Administration
Finance
Management
Marketing
hospitality management
Hotel and Tourism Management
sports director
* Faculty of Humanities, Social and Legal Sciences
applied multimedia
Architecture
communications
Language and literature
Graphic Communications
Interior design
International relations
Law
psychology
public relations and advertising
*School of Sciences
Informatics Engineering
computer’s science
Electronic Engineering
Nursing
academic credit
Study abroad programs at the University of Nicosia are credit programs that are consistent with US college-level academic work standards.
Study Abroad is a great investment of time and money for most of you. Be sure to follow the correct steps to earn academic credit at your home institution for your study abroad experience.
All of our instructional work is carried out by qualified teachers and the University of Nicosia is fully accredited. Upon successful completion of your study abroad program, you will receive an official transcript directly from the University of Nicosia.
Although our programs are distinguished by their combination of travel and academic activities, we do not grant credit for academic or co-curricular travel. He will continue to be enrolled as a full-time student at the University of Nicosia.
It is important that you understand the credit transfer process at your home college/university to ensure that you can take the correct steps to obtain transfer credit.
Courses at the University of Nicosia work on standard semesters, contact hours, academic rigor, grading, and assessment methods found in most US colleges and universities. The transcript is issued in English, so there are no issues. of translation for the student’s school of origin.
Eligibility Requirements
Because the University of Nicosia conducts all classroom and business instruction (except in the School of Education) in English, students do not need proficiency in a foreign language to study abroad in Cyprus. Similarly, because much of the population of Cyprus is fluent in English, it is easy to navigate Cyprus in English only.
Will the cultural experience be relevant to my academic, personal and professional goals?
Nicosia (sounds like nik-oh-see ya), the capital of Cyprus is a modern European city. Those who have traveled to Europe previously will find Nicosia and most of Cyprus very familiar. Those who have not traveled to Europe will get a “small” perspective of Europe as a very historical region of the world and also as a modern and dynamically growing society.
American students participating in a study abroad program at the University of Nicosia through Global Learning Semesters will attend classes with approximately 4,000 local Cypriot students and 1,000 international students. Students will live in apartments in the residential neighborhood surrounding the University’s Nicosia campus.
Again, Cyprus is a small nation, not too overwhelming for American students, even from non-metropolitan communities, so students don’t need to be travel experts to get the most out of community immersion.
Cyprus is a historically fascinating country and offers meaningful practical experiences for those interested in international relations, international business, history, management, economics, and other humanities and social sciences.
Student Support Services
American students participating in a study abroad program at the University of Nicosia will enjoy world-class student support services, tailored to the characteristics of American students studying abroad and strategically providing the level of support needed to make even the first-time international traveler a travel-savvy student comfortable, yet challenged to develop intercultural competencies.
Global Learning Semesters provides comprehensive student support services, including pre-departure and on-site orientation, 24/7 local staff support, emergency response, field trips and strategic co-curricular activities, housing , academic and personal support. A member of NAFSA and the Forum on Education Abroad, Global Learning Semesters has become one of the leading providers of study abroad programs for US college students.
Yes, Cyprus is an academically and culturally relevant place for American college students to study abroad for the summer, semester, or full year.