FRIDAY JULY 31 2015
STUDYING IN CYPRUS
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Studying in Cyprus There are many advantages to furthering your education close to home
W
ith so many high-quality tertiary education choices becoming available in Cyprus, it’s no surprise more students than ever before are choosing to stay close to home for their university and college years. A lot can also be said for studyCyprus’ quality of state and ing in Cyprus, in private universities, colleges addition to the imand training schools offer a portant element of high standard of education the variety well-reputed, high-quality state and private universities – both old and new – available here. Finances are always something to take into consideration, particularly in the midst of the ongoing economic crunch. Avoiding accommodation and living expenses while staying close to home has become an increasingly significant advantage. The same applies to being able to avoid overseas travel expenses. When it comes to accommodation, even if you need to rent somewhere to stay in another town, you’re likely to pay less than you would elsewhere in the world, particularly in the current economy. Even if commuting from one town to another, the size of Cyprus means your petrol or bus expenses are also highly unlikely to come anywhere near the cost of regular flights home. Staying local Remaining in Cyprus also makes it easier for students to
search for and maintain any part-time and even full-time employment that may be available to them. Then there are the many home comforts to consider. These include the often crucial emotional support of family and old friends. Plus, if you’re lucky enough to already live in the same town as the college or university you’ll be attending, you won’t have to deal with incompatible roommates – apart from any annoying siblings, of course. Family homes are also usually already well-equipped for study. Without
a party next-door or above your head every night, students can focus on their course work. Plus, family homes are usually a lot more comfortable than most student digs aboard. You’d certainly be hardpressed to find equivalent housemates who (usually) don’t mind cooking for you, doing your laundry and very significantly, shouldering most if not all of your household expenses. More to it Of course, Cyprus has more to offer students than being a more economi-
cal option. As a regional hub for education, it has a plethora of good quality stateand private-run universities, colleges and training schools which offer a high standard of education. Depending on what and where they choose to study, predominantly Greekspeaking students who want to work in Cyprus or Greece after they graduate may also be able to avoid having to learn a new language and instead concentrate on other aspects of their course work. There are also plenty of English-language options available though, helping students on their way to further education abroad or simply preparing them for the domestic and international workplace. Students interested in learning more about other cultures can rest assured that they are certain to meet people from around the world during the course of their studies. This could be either through foreign students choosing to study here in Cyprus or by taking part in student exchange programmes such as the Erasmus programme. Plus, staying in Cyprus gives you a head-start in making all important local business contacts in the field you are interested in being part of after graduation. Since many Cypriots do return home after their studies, having a firm knowledge of the local market in its most recent phase, by being on the ground, you can look forward to a tangible advantage and a better chance of jumping right into employment once your studies are complete, particularly once the crisis is over.