PROGRAM SUMMARY

This course will integrate theory and practice as students have the opportunity to utilize the interesting social, political, and cultural environment of Cyprus to engage in inter-cultural development.

LOCATION

Located in the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus is an island nation of approximately 800,000 citizens. The temperate Mediterranean climate makes it appealing all four seasons, but especially appealing to Europeans as a summer vacation spot.

A stable and economically sound member of the European Union (EU), Cyprus uses the Euro as it's local currency.

Cyprus is an intriguing location that exposes students to an incredibly ancient setting at the cross roads of modern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. And yet it is a very safe location for students to immerse themselves in a non-traditional study abroad location. Because Cyprus was formerly a British protectorate, English is spoken throughout the country. Although Greek is the official language and students are exposed to a foreign language daily, students can easily and safely function in English.

An integration of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, Islam and other religious faiths make Cyprus an intriguing location to interact with others of differing faiths.

Additionally, because Cyprus is a divided country monitored by the United Nations, it is also a phenomenal environment to discuss issues of international relations in a stable and non-violent society. After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Cypriots have lived with a U.N. secured safe zone between the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish occupied portion of the island.

COURSE

INTL 280: Inter-cultural Development (3 credits)
This course will merge practice and theory to engage students in personal and social inter-cultural development knowledge and skills. Lectures and classroom activities will be enhanced with strategic assignments outside the classroom that will require students to practice and demonstrate knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Participants will be provided housing in apartments in the residential neighborhood surrounding the University of Nicosia. These apartments are vetted and managed by Global Learning Semesters local staff. Typically, these apartments have 2 or 3 bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and common room. Minimal household goods are provided. Double occupancy rooms are the standard. Which means that two students will share one bedroom with two twin beds. Single occupancy rooms may be available at an additional cost to the student.

All apartments are within a ten minute walk to the center of campus.

ACTIVITIES

Classes will be held daily (except Sundays). Students will be required to participate in some group activities, site visits and individual out-of-class assignments.

One optional group overnight excursion to the beach town of Ayia Napa will be coordinated for students (including transportation and hotel costs only). Students choosing not to participate in the beach weekend will NOT get a refund, nor transfer of funds. However, students may choose to use this weekend for other individually planned travel or sightseeing.