Author: Nandini Arunachalam | Major: Biology and Information Systems | Semester: Summer 2024
Standing in front of Lala Mustafa Pasha Mosque in Famagusta, Cyprus, occupied by the Turkish.
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity of studying in Cyprus for four weeks at the University of Nicosia. As a part of the Pre-Med program, I took lessons in anatomy and healthcare management. I was drawn to this program because I wanted to engage in an interactive experience that taught anatomy and healthcare management. In anatomy, the first two hours were spent through lectures, learning the theory behind anatomical systems. Then, the concepts were presented in the context of the cadaver, which enabled me to reinforce the ideas I had just learned. The moment that stands out to me the most is when I first held the human heart and the brain. It was fascinating to hold the two organs that are central to our existence. It was a surreal experience that solidified my passion and pursuit of medicine. Most students don’t get the opportunity to learn from cadavers until medical school, and I am grateful for the invaluable knowledge I gained from it. Following the cadaver lessons, we practiced clinical skills involving the body system we had just studied. This helped me engage in real-world applications and learn clinical skills such as phlebotomy, suturing, and respiratory exams that I will utilize in the future. The health management class was mostly lecture and discussion based. I learned about differences in the healthcare system in the EU and the US, the ethics of healthcare practices, and the impacts of social determinants of health. The class greatly emphasized patient-centered care, and we went to healthcare clinics and palliative care facilities to visually understand how they operate.
The weekend excursions enabled us to see different parts of the country, as each weekend was dedicated to going to a different city on the island. On the first day of the trips, we were guided through the historical landmarks of the city and shown the various influences of those who conquered Cyprus over time. The rest of the weekend involved individual exploration. My favorite historical site was the Kourion Archaeological Site for its stunning mosaics and the Greco-Roman theater that overlooks the sea. The theater dates back to the 2nd century BC and is still used today to put on plays. The spectacular acoustics of the theater stem from a small hole in the ground that projects the sound upwards and out to the back of the theater.
As a vegetarian, I greatly appreciated the variety of alternative food options. The best pita I ever tasted was the Halloumi Greek pita from a corner shop next to the university. It consisted of halloumi cheese, a Cypriot staple, with a tahini spread topped with lettuce, onions, and crispy fries. Halloumi is a squeaky cheese that does not melt and is often grilled. It was delicious and less than $5! I also participated in some of the Cypriot dinner customs. In Cyprus, dinnertime starts around 8 pm onwards. During the welcome dinner, the entire group participated in a traditional Meze, where we shared many platters of dishes across several hours. Dinners are a leisurely affair, and when a table is reserved, it is reserved for the whole night.
For anyone interested but hesitant to study abroad, I would urge them to go for it. I was nervous because this was my first time traveling alone internationally. However, this has been the best and most impactful travel experiences in my life. I learned so much about the world through the lens of Cyprus and gained a deeper understanding of how I adapt to new situations. I made memories with friends, who I will cherish forever, which I didn’t think possible in such a short period of time. I am grateful for everything this experience has given me! You truly don’t understand how uniquely life-changing this is until you experience it for yourself, even if only for a couple of weeks.