“As someone who grew up in Columbus, it was important for me to go abroad to push myself outside of my comfort zone,” reflected microbiology major Eleni Kourlas on the Abroad in Cyprus: Gen Ed Themes Sustainability and Health and Well-Being program this summer. “Navigating a foreign country by myself and being truly away from my family for the first time was an opportunity for self-growth.”
Students have the choice to enroll in one of two courses in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Nursing, eventually culminating in a four-week immersive May-term program.
“Through this experience, I discovered new skills and interests that I often did not embrace in my day-to-day life. As a microbiology major, I have not taken classes that allowed me the chance to explore my love for history and culture–topics I have discovered I am quite passionate about,” said Kourlas. “I also realized my capability to be fully independent and interact with people from all around the world in a way that creates a sense of international community.”
Throughout the program, students in both courses participate in seven guided field trips, including visiting the Venetian Walls of Nicosia, the Troodos Mountains, Aphrodite’s Rock and more.
“What made my study abroad experience in Cyprus most memorable was the chance to become fully immersed in a different culture to broaden my perspective of the world. Through an Ohio State course taught by a native Cypriot and many exploratory experiences, we truly had the opportunity to fully observe and participate in Cypriot culture and way of life,” noted Kourlas. “Cyprus is also very important to world history due to its unique location between continents, where one can observe and learn history from ancient to modern times.”
The students lived and took classes in Pafos, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its ancient ruins, vibrant culture and stunning coastal views.
“As I move forward in my career into the medical field, I aim to take away several lessons from this experience. Immersive cultural experiences such as these have introduced me to different ways of life, broadening my potential for compassion and perspective for future patients. The hospitable and community-creating culture of Cypriot people has also inspired me to incorporate these practices in my own life. The way I grew as a person through this experience is something that not only has improved my patient-care skills but widened the lens through which I navigate the world.”