Internships in Cyprus

A tiny country in the eastern part of the Mediterranean, Cyprus only has a population of 1 million people. The beautiful little island nation is known for its amazing diving spots and oceanic life. A popular tourist destination for avid divers, Cyprus attracts thousands of people each year and has developed a prominent tourism industry. Intern in Cyprus! It’s the place to go for a perfect combination of work and play.

Diving/Education: There are several scuba diving training and instruction programs offered in Cyprus. The beautiful Mediterranean waters provide the perfect place for aspiring diving instructors to get PADI certified or simply enjoy time exploring the depths of the ocean. In addition to observing diving instructors and spending time in the waters, you’ll have the chance to practice teaching other classes. Don’t hesitate to become a certified dive-master in Cyprus through a diving internship!

Tourism: Cyprus’s tourism industry dominates a large part of the economy. For such a small island country, Cyprus ranks 24th in the World Economic Forum’s 2011 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index. With a stretch of beautiful beaches, many Europeans flock to Cyprus for vacations. Cyprus is a great place to find an internship in tourism or hospitality, as there is much demand for resort and tourist services.

When and Where to Look for an Internship

While it’s possible to find internships in Cyprus year-round, most will be offered in the summer during tourist high season. Diving internships tend to last 1-3 months, while tourism and hospitality internships may extend longer depending on the program. To find an internship in Cyprus, look for specific internship programs that are designed for international students, or cold-email businesses and organizations about internship opportunities. You never know—you might be able to find a great internship on your own!

Cost of Living in Cyprus

While the cost of living in Cyprus is steadily rising, it is still relatively low compared to the rest of Europe. Overall, most consumer goods cost less in Cyprus than in the UK, which makes it more attractive to British tourists. The currency used in Cyprus is the Euro, which is approximately equal to 1.28 USD. Below are some examples of costs in Cyprus.

• 1 bedroom apartment in City Center: 450 Euros
• 1 pair of jeans: 80 Euros
• 1 way transportation ticket: 1 Euro

Work Culture in Cyprus

• Etiquette: It is important to take note of the hierarchical business structure in Cyprus. While the work culture is not extremely strict, it is always a good idea to show respect and professionalism at all times. Be punctual, and dress conservatively at work.
• Language: Although the official language of Cyprus is Greek, a significant chunk of the population also speaks Turkish. However, there’s no need to worry about learning either of these language because over 90% of people in Cyprus speak in English.
• Networking: While it may seem to take more time to develop relationships with others, do not be discouraged! Feel free to talk to colleagues outside of the office or have lunches and other social outings. Many business relationships are built on trust, so pay attention to how to network with others! If you are interested in joining an organized network in Cyprus, check out the
  Cyprus Business Network or Cyprus Expat Community.

Work and Labor Laws in Cyprus

Cyprus labor laws establish guidelines for fair work hours and practices. While most internships in Cyprus are not paid, several internship programs will provide interns with a stipend to cover living costs. In any case, be sure to discuss the conditions of your internship placement with your employer if you have any specific questions.