Studying under palm trees: Theresa's semester abroad in Cyprus

Theresa Meissl is studying Marketing & Communication Management at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol and is currently in her fifth semester. The native of Styria chose to spend her semester abroad at the University of Cyprus. The decisive factor was her desire to experience everyday student life at a large university and gain new international perspectives. “The University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol is a small university, whereas the University of Cyprus is very large. I deliberately wanted to experience that,” she explains.

DAILY LIFE BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY AND THE MEDITERRANEAN

Theresa Meissl finds everyday student life in Cyprus relaxed and varied. She attends four face-to-face classes and one online lecture. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Fridays, with online study on Wednesdays. The remaining days leave time for relaxation and socializing with other international students.

A typical day begins in the morning with preparing for lectures. After that, she spends time on campus or meets up with other students. “After university, we often go out for dinner together, talk a lot, and exchange ideas,” she says, describing her everyday life. Especially on weekends, the beach takes center stage. Life by the sea is an integral part of her daily routine.

Challenges and special experiences

A key challenge was self-organization in the new environment. “You live alone in a different country, everything works differently, and you speak English all the time,” says Theresa Meissl. To help her settle in, she traveled to Cyprus two weeks before the start of her studies. Getting to know new people was easier because all the international students were in a similar situation.

One of her personal highlights was a road trip around the island. She explored remote villages and discovered Cyprus away from the tourist spots. She also had positive experiences academically. She particularly remembers her first midterm results. “When you get your first exams back and everything is positive, it's very motivating,” she says.

Another highlight was attending the World Cup qualifying match between Austria and Cyprus. “Watching the Austrian national team play in the very country where I was spending my semester abroad was something very special for me,” says Theresa Meissl.

Conclusion

Theresa Meissl draws a thoroughly positive conclusion from her semester abroad. She recommends openness towards new people and cultures. “You shouldn't focus on the place, but on the people you share this time with,” she emphasizes.

The experience has made them more open, independent, and self-confident. The international exchange, living independently abroad, and dealing with new organizational challenges have had a lasting impact on their personal development.

Links:

• Marketing & Communication Management | ft

This article was written by students in the full-time bachelor's degree program in Marketing & Communication Management as part of their practical project.