Studying abroad has been consistently a popular option for UT students wanting to experience an education outside of Knoxville. This summer the College of Communication and Information offered a month long study abroad excursion in the country of Cyprus for interested students. The Summer in Cyprus: Broadcasting and Communication program offers two classes for UT students to take, including Journalism and Electronic Media 446: Video Capstone and Journalism and Electronic Media 494: Media, Tourism and Food.

Sixteen students were selected to travel to Cyprus for the month of June to study and learn about the country's culture while taking classes at the University of Nicosia in the country's capital. The island nation of Cyprus is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is close neighbors of Turkey, Egypt and Greece.

Two professors from UT also made the trip to Cyprus to teach the classes. For JEM 446, the students will be making a video documentary about traditional Cypriot food and wine, and they will also create a video about studying abroad. The JEM 494 class will focus on travel writing, and students will visit hotels and restaurants to write reviews and learn how to adequately describe their travels and experiences in a foreign country.

For the documentary, students will be filming at various locations around the country of Cyprus. A snail farm, a winery and vineyard, a fish dock and several other locations are on the agenda for filming.

Students in the Media, Tourism and Food class already have found that dishes in Cyprus can be very different from what they are used to. Dr. Naeemah Clark, instructor of the class, had students try different flavors of potato chips as a class exercise. Students were surprised to find that Cypriot grocery stores have feta, prawn cocktail and paprika flavored potato chips.

The transition from UT student in Knoxville to UT student abroad is one that might seem difficult, but Clark is confident that the students have everything under control.

"I think the students are adjusting better than I am," she said. "I think that students, especially students who decide to go to Cyprus, they say, 'I'm going to Cyprus. I'm not going to France, I'm not going to England, I'm going to Cyprus.' I think they are just going to be more adventurous anyway. And so, I think the students are doing great. I'm pleased."

Studying in Cyprus will give these students a unique opportunity to not only take classes but also experience a culture that is different from the one they are used to.