FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 7, 2005 - Donna Parish

Dodson first SFA student to study abroad in Cyprus

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Where in the world is Cyprus, and how did Caroline Dodson, an SFA senior double majoring in political science and international studies, end up living and studying there for almost three and a half months?

Cyprus is the third largest island in the Mediterranean and is located in the northeastern area of the Mediterranean Sea south of Turkey. It is 497 miles from Greece and about the size of Connecticut. The name Cyprus is derived from the Greek word for copper.

In September, Dodson bid farewell to the United States and became the first SFA student to receive a Gilman Scholarship and travel to Cyprus to study. While there she attended Intercollege, a Cyprus university, and took courses in European culture, international organizations, introduction to the European Union, the history of modern Europe and the history of Western art.

Dodson's opportunity to study abroad was coordinated through SFA's Office of International Studies and Programs. Amberr Melo, study abroad coordinator, helped Dodson prepare her paperwork and complete the scholarship process.

"Basically, the scholarship provides for awards up to $5,000 to undergraduates who want to study abroad," Melo said. "Amounts vary depending on the length of study and the student's needs. The average award is about $4,000. Students who are receiving federal Pell Grant funding at two- or four-year undergraduate colleges or universities are eligible to apply.".

Award recipients are chosen by a competitive selection process and must use the award to defray eligible study abroad costs. These costs include program tuition, room and board, local transportation, insurance and international airfare.

According to Melo, 1,276 applications were received nationwide for fall 2004 Gilman Scholarships and only 192 were selected. Only eight of those were from Texas.

Dodson, a Mesquite, Texas, native, said the program is intended to better prepare U.S. students to assume significant roles in an increasingly global economy and interdependent world.

"When I graduate from SFA in May, I hope to secure a position with an embassy or consulate," Dodson said. "The location isn't important to me. I know wherever I end up my experiences in Cyprus have helped me gain a better understanding of different cultures, and I feel I am more open to change and new ideas."

Dodson received notification in June that she had been awarded the scholarship. She began her 26-hour trip to Nicosia, Cyprus' capital city, to study on Sept. 9.

"It was a real journey just getting there," Dodson said. "I had to change planes a few times, and there were some layovers along the way.".

Working with Global Learning Semesters Inc., who helped arrange for her transportation, living accommodations and airfare, Dodson moved into an apartment on the Greek side of Cyprus.

"In the 1970s, the Turks invaded Cyprus, and part of the island is under Turkish rule," Dodson said. "A so-called 'green line' border cuts directly through Nicosia and divides the island. The majority of the population is Greek Cypriot with about 20 percent being Turkish," Dodson said. "Although I was on the Greek side, I could see the mountains on the Turkish side from my apartment balcony.".

Dodson said that although there is a strong military presence along the United Nations buffer zone, she didn't feel threatened or afraid. "Everyone on both sides treated me nicely. The Mediterranean people seemed very relaxed, hospitable and friendly. One day, the group I was with got lost, and we asked some Cypriots who were standing on their balcony for help," Dodson said. "They invited us in, and we visited with them for a while. They are really not that different from us.".

Overall, Dodson said the Cypriots seemed focused on education. Cypriot males in both the Greek- and Turkish-held areas become obligated to military service when they turn 18. Dodson said that after they have completed their military obligation most attend college, and many females also enroll and go on to graduate.

While studying in Cyprus, Dodson said she met eight other Americans and several Europeans who were enrolled at Intercollege. Since returning to the United States, she has already been in contact with her friends from Europe.

"The program offered two plans," Dodson said. "One plan required students to travel to a new destination and study there every two weeks, and in the other you stayed in Cyprus and studied for the semester. I was the only American student who stayed and studied in Cyprus, so I got to meet several students as they came and went. I made friends from America, Germany, France, Finland and England.".

Dodson is proficient in French but doesn't speak Greek or Turkish. She took French in high school and also at SFA. "Not speaking the language really wasn't a barrier since most people on the island spoke English. All the classes I took there were taught in English," Dodson said. "I had three Cypriot instructors, who all attended U.S. schools, one from Iran and another from Germany. They were all excellent. The only phrase I learned to speak in Greek was, 'Do you understand English?' and luckily, most of the them did."

Dodson said that her sister came to visit her in Cyprus, and together they traveled with a group on a three-day cruise to Egypt. "We got to see the Great Pyramids, sphinx and other historic landmarks," she said.

"Before my sister left to come back to the states, we decided to go out one night in Cyprus and ate a traditional meal called 'meze,' which is a huge sampling of all different kinds of foods. It was quite an experience." .

Dodson also was able to tour Greece before coming home.

One thing that stands out in Dodson's mind about the experience was the high cost of living. "Everything there is so expensive. Food, housing, personal items-, it's all so high. Levi's seemed to be a really hot item. Everyone wanted a pair. In the U.S. we usually pay about $30 or so for them, but in Cyprus they run about $85. For anyone who wants to go there, I would just tell them it's great, but you need to consider the expense and be ready to pay more."

Dodson left Cyprus Dec. 22 in route back to the U.S. On her way home, she was able to stop in England for three nights.

"All in all, the entire study abroad opportunity was a wonderful experience, and I would encourage any student who qualifies for a Gilman Scholarship to apply," Dodson said. "When I think of Cyprus, I'll remember all the things I learned, the beautiful beaches, friendly people and fun places I visited. I would do it again in a heartbeat."

Although the program does involve traveling to another country, Melo cautions that the program is centered on academics.

"This is a terrific opportunity for SFA students to visit another country and learn about its people and culture," Melo said. "However, it is important to understand that the focus of the program is on academics. Students selected to receive these scholarships have a coherent link between their proposed study abroad courses and activities and future academic or career plans," Melo said. "Students are required to study and make the grades."

Anyone wanting more information on the Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarships or the study abroad program can contact SFA's Office of International Studies and Programs at (936) 468-2961.