Are you a Greek-American college student of Cypriot descent that is yearning for the opportunity to study abroad in Cyprus but sadly doesn’t have the funds to make this a reality? Well put your worries aside because the chances of you making this yearning into reality just got greater thanks to the Cypriot Youth Committee of America (CYCA). CYCA, the official youth division of the Cyprus Federation of America, is giving several lucky students the opportunity to study abroad at the University of Cyprus this summer!

By Maria Athanasopoulos

CYCA’s mission is to strengthen the ties of their Cypriot heritage through the development of educational, artistic, professional, political and social programs in the United States and abroad. They are also part of the world organization of young overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) and meet annually to focus on achieving this mission in the Diaspora. During one of their conferences four years ago, they created the Discover Cyprus Program (NDCP) as part of a global effort to boost the Greek-speaking education abroad and preserve Hellenism amongst young overseas Cypriots.

Last summer’s Discover Cyprus Program included participants from the US, the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Greece and Australia. A total of 41 students participated in a three week long intensive language and culture course at the University of Cyprus’ School of Modern Greek. In addition to spending time in the classroom, students also explored the island of Cyprus through a series of excursions to museums, monasteries and the Green Line.

The US has had participants from many states including Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois and California. Renoulla Jones, a student from Maryland University attended last year’s program and stated “The NDCP experience was definitely the opportunity of a lifetime and I learned so much about Cypriot culture, language and history. I am now considering studying at the University of Cyprus in the near future to enhance my language skills and learn more about Greek Mythology. I would recommend this trip to anyone”. Renoulla, along with the other students, lived in the university’s dorms which enabled her to experience the many aspects of life in Cyprus.

NDCP is an excellent opportunity to meet other young Cypriots from around the world, explore the island of Cyprus, and enhance Greek language skills. This year’s annual program will take place from July 6th through the 23rd and is open to anyone of Cypriot descent between the ages of 18 to 22. If you are interested in applying or acquiring more information, contact Spiro Xenophontos at spiroxen@gmail.com or Debbie Kamilaris at dmk171@aol.com. The application deadline for this summer’s program is March 31, 2009.