My adventure in Cyprus started in October 2016, now its almost coming to an end with 3 months to go, it was a great experience so far so now its time to sum it up and describe why Cyprus is a great spot to do your EVS.
- There is a significant amount of hosting organisations that organise EVS projects related to human rights, refugees, dance, culture, youth clubs etc. There is for sure something for everyone you just have to look for it on the European Youth Portal.
- Many activities happening daily, like language exchange meetings, sport events, cooking events, festivals, parties, trips to explore the natural beauty of Cyprus.
- Cyprus is relatively small with around 1 million inhabitants that’s why in no time you have a feeling like you are at home and you start seeing the same people in different places.
- The language barrier almost doesn’t exist, because the vast majority of Cypriots can and do speak English.
- The weather is simply amazing, and even though the winter was colder than I predicted, summer here is basically from April until October so that for sure makes up for it. Eternally blue skies is something that I will remember for long…..
- Food, food and once again food! Try meze and halloumi. After that drink a bit of zivania or mastiha. If you prefer wine go for a Kommandaria (dessert wine- very sweet) or Keo beer which Is the most popular national brew.
- Cyprus doesn’t belong to the cheapest countries in Europe with prices around European average, that makes it for a fairly affordable destination for volunteers. If you wish to travel a lot and go out a lot, that will cost you extra than you get from the Erasmus plus pocket money.
- Prepare that all you friends will want to visit you! I think I don’t have to explain why…
- Cyprus is a great place to explore Middleastern and southern European destinations with three international airports on the Island. If you are lucky you can find cheap air fares for destinations such as Kutaisi in Georgia, Tel Aviv, Thessaloniki, Athens or all cities in Turkey with prices around 30-50 euro round trip. Don’t miss this chance to use your annual leave to explore areas most probably you wouldn’t see travelling from you home country.
by Kevin Kiraga
