Author: James Schnoes | Major: Biology and Psychology | Semester: Summer 2024

Pondering upon Aphrodite’s Rock

This summer, I travelled across the world to a little island called Cyprus. I attended the UNIC Pre Med program. When I was looking at options of where to study abroad, I had never even heard of the country. After researching the program, I knew this was a once in a lifetime chance. No way I was going to pass it up. So, I decided to apply and enroll. I got on a plane and next thing you knew; I was in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea on an island ten times smaller than my home state!

I decided to attend The University of Nicosia Pre Med program for a couple reasons. First, this was a chance to work with cadavers as an undergraduate! This opportunity sparked my interest to learn anatomy in a unique and engaging way. Second, the island of Cyprus seemed beautiful. They had beaches and blue waters that sounded amazing. Third, the time frame fit my eye. A month abroad was enough time to get comfortable and dive into a new culture, without it being so long that I really was going to miss home. Overall, the program academics and the timing seemed perfect for me.

Once I arrived, and I got to my first anatomy class, I knew it was the right choice. First, I had to get over the fact they were cadavers. But after that initial “woah”, the amount I was able to learn visually was incredible. It is one thing to see diagrams about arteries and veins or organs and viscera, but it is on a whole different level to hold those things in your hands and fingers. I got to hold a human heart! The systems really come together when you get to see them physically. I think seeing the complexity of all the organs and blood vessels will always stand out to me. I will always remember seeing them. It was eye opening to see how they were all interconnected, and how they were each unique in size, shape, and feel. I learned a lot academically on this trip.

My out of class experience’s in Cyprus was nothing short of incredible. I made memories I will keep with me for the rest of my life. To begin, it was very cool to make new friends from all over the country. I made friends from California to Maryland. We went on three weekend trips around the island, and all of them were so much fun. They were beautiful and interesting. The history was unbelievable. It is simply something you cannot fathom in the United States. Our history is hundreds of years old, theirs is thousands! The archeology museums we got to visit were so cool! One moment I would be looking at two-thousand-year-old amphitheaters, and then in the next I would be looking at modern architecture on the beachfront. Speaking of beaches, the Cyprus shore is the most stunning place I have ever seen with my own eyes. The water is so clear and blue, you can see fifty feet down! The sea caves are unbelievable. The place seemed straight out of a movie. It did not feel real at some points.
I have a few moments that really stood out for me. First, Terry’s place! A true hole in the wall local restaurant in Limassol. It had the best service I have ever experienced. I felt like I was at these people’s home, being served as a guest of honor. I even got to hug Terry himself, the head chef, after our meal to show my gratitude. Next, cliff jumping in Ayia Napa! It was a super fun experience the whole crew did together. It was such a pretty spot overlooking the ocean and sea caves! The water was so vibrantly blue and even clear in some spots. We have nothing like it at home. After that, the boat trip! A big group went on a boat trip together and it was great. We got to go up and down the coast, getting a new perspective on the beauty of the island. Then, we got to swim with turtles! Real, wild turtles just swimming right up next to us. Fourth, the Ayia Napa nightlife was a truly new experience. It was simply insane and a blast. All those were great, but my favorite moment happened during our last adventure in Paphos. I went on a dune buggy safari tour, and it was the moment I know I will never forget, and possibly we always be chasing. I cannot understate how great that day was. From seeing the Cypriot countryside, to pebble beaches, to a swimming hole with a waterfall, the whole day felt like a dream.
I will take a lot from this experience back with me to Arkansas. I enjoyed their culture, and their idea of island time. They are not in a hurry like Americans. It was so nice and relaxing to stop and enjoy the moment. To slow down. I will try to bring that with me for the rest of my journey at the University of Arkansas. The clinical and anatomy skills I learned will certainly impact and influence my future in medicine. I think this experience help me figure out what I want for my future. I feel more confident in myself upon returning home. This trip will definitely have a lasting impact on my life, my perspective on life, and the future I want.