It’s been about a week since I departed Cyprus following the Plus3 program there. The two weeks we spent in Cyprus were some of the most fun, and most impactful weeks of my life. Our two weeks were spent with a good mix of cultural visits, company/site visits, and lectures. Our amazing guide Dimitria made learning about the culture and history of Cyprus so enjoyable, and visits to companies brought our learning of supply chain concepts to life. We learned much about the history of Cyprus, as well as about the cultures of the many groups that through time have occupied and left their influence on Cyprus. From company leaders, we learned firsthand how they utilize supply chains, or alternatively, their role in the supply chain. And, from the faculty of the University of Nicosia, we learned valuable skills to bring home.
Plus3 Cyprus was definitely a growing opportunity. While the program was structured, our free time let us indulge in the local culture, try new things, and meet new people. I personally met some interesting Ukrainians and a Kazakh student who were also studying in Nicosia, and we now follow each other on social media. But in addition to other international students, it was impactful to interact with Cypriots, both Greek and Turkish. The two sides of the still divided country were a case study in geopolitics, one which helped me see the lasting effects of wars (i.e., Nicosia and the country is still divided, and one must pass through a UN buffer zone to visit the Turkish occupied side). I also learned about how business is conducted internationally. While similar in principle to the US, it is helpful to broaden my perspectives and gain more global awareness professionally.
Academically, we visited a diverse set of companies that provided the opportunity to learn about supply chain management as it is in practice. Our learning from the pre-departure classes truly came to life: company leaders mentioned terms we had read about (i.e. responsiveness vs efficiency), and we began to see a country-wide picture of supply chains in Cyprus. The companies we visited were also diverse, with little bits from each that may apply to my future career, such as a pharmaceutical company. Additionally, lectures at the University of Nicosia provided practical knowledge that I hope to apply. A very interesting lecture in machine learning simplified the concept and showed just how easy it could be applied with a simple software known as KNIME. I hope to use these skills in the future, whether that is in my career, for research, or for a project.
