My name is Aloysius, and I am from Cameroon.
I came to Cyprus on a student visa in February 2020.
Basically, certain factors motivated me to come to Cyprus; some of which include the following:
The Educational system is different from that of my country.
Secondly, because Cyprus is an EU member state and it’s in the Eurozone.
Again, I was equally motivated by its economy, safety, and security.
As a matter of fact, I was also motivated because of Cyprus’s information on the internet.
Above all, its geographical position as well was a motivating factor to me.
Before you even think of applying for Cyprus on a student visa, I suggest you read the following articles.
- Can You Visit The EU Countries With A Cyprus Student Visa?
- Why Choose Cyprus For Your Higher Studies?
- Is Cyprus A Schengen Country? If Not, Will It Ever Be?
- What Are The Benefits Of Cyprus Pink Slip For International Students?
What were your expectations before coming to Cyprus?
As it has always been the case, I was also overwhelmed with expectations.
Some of them were to be able to pick up a part-time job while studying, integrate quickly, take care of my school needs, and handle bills; providing a helping hand to some of my family members back home.
Did your expectations meet after coming here?
Unfortunately, I could not meet my expectations, given that it was not easy to find a part-time job.
This proves that the information I found on the internet regarding Cyprus’ job opportunities did not reflect the reality on the ground.
Also, integration has not been easy due to the language barrier.
Most business premises and some job sectors insist that the applicant must be able to speak and write Greek.
More to that, some give priority to European citizens only. So the whole thing is poised with challenges.
Did you come to Cyprus through an agent, relative, friend, or applied by yourself?
I actually came to Cyprus through a friend who turned out to be an agent.
He got me an admission, did some negotiations with the college regarding my tuition fees.
As soon as I made it here, he started like claiming a commission for helping me out.
Luckily enough, I met someone who explained how the system works, and I simply told the agent that I have understood everything and that chapter got closed.
Read here: How to Apply For A Cyprus Student Visa Without Paying A Lot to An Agent?
How much did you pay the agent? Was it worth it?
I had paid €3000 into the school account before traveling here, and that amount covered my tuition and registration.
Insurance and migration fees were not included.
Read here: Things Agents Say About Cyprus That You Mustn’t Trust
How is the education system of private colleges in Cyprus?
As far as the colleges’ educational system is concerned, one can conclude that it suits the context.
I have understood that they are practicing an approach that is closed to the competence-based (CBA).
However, the educational system here is far more simplified than that of my country and other countries that I have visited.
Read here to know better about The Reality of Private Colleges in Cyprus (Explained in Detail)
What sort of jobs have you done in Cyprus till now?
I have been able to do some part-time with a dealer of antiquities, and the pay package was not much encouraging but better than nothing.
Read here to know the kinds of jobs that are allowed to international students in Cyprus.
What are some of the best things in Cyprus? What’s your favorite?
Some amazing things that I have seen in Cyprus are:
- The beautiful beaches
- The transport system
- Road infrastructure
- The drainage system
- The Cypriot cuisine
- The health system
What are the worst things in Cyprus? What thing do you hate the most?
Cyprus has a lot of beautiful things, as mentioned above but has its own cons too. Some of which include:
- Some Cypriots are racists.
- Some categories of people are not allowed to do certain jobs; they are mostly given to Cypriots.
- Permanent Residence is not easily given in Cyprus.
Read here to know the Pros and Cons of the Cyprus Student visa.
What suggestion do you want to give to someone willing to come to Cyprus on a student visa?
Cyprus, like any other country in the world, has its own ups and downs.
But I will advise whosoever who intends to come to Cyprus for studies ready to face some challenges.
It is generally stated in the Cypriot law that a student should spend at least 6 months in Cyprus before thinking of part-time jobs.
This, therefore, means that students in Cyprus will need serious family support or income from their home countries.
Your final saying:
If I am given the opportunity to make some suggestions in this country, I will suggest the government opens up to people from other countries. Give opportunities to people from third countries to integrate quickly. Uplift restrictions on some jobs. I will suggest employment should focus on skills, not nationality.
If you really want to study by coming to Cyprus, then I suggest you go to Universities.
Here are the top 5 Universities in Cyprus for international students.
I suggest you read the following articles to understand Cyprus better:
How Much Can An International Student Earn In Cyprus?
Things You Should Realize and Understand Before Coming to Cyprus on A Student Visa
Why Do So Many International Students In Cyprus End Up Seeking Asylum?
