Cyprus

The Island of Aphrodite,” “The Jewel of the Mediterranean,” “The Crossroads of Europe and the Middle East” — Cyprus is a country with many names, each reflecting its stunning beauty and rich cultural heritage. Located at the intersection of Europe, Asia, and Africa, Cyprus has been shaped by centuries of influence from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and British rule, creating a fascinating blend of history, traditions, and modern Mediterranean charm. History & Culture Although Cyprus has a population of just over 1.2 million, its cultural impact is significant. Greek and Turkish are the two official languages, with English widely spoken due to the island’s colonial history and strong ties to international business and tourism. Learning some Greek or Turkish can be helpful, but most locals—especially in cities—will communicate comfortably in English. Cyprus boasts a history stretching back over 10,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. The island is said to be the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, and its ancient ruins, such as Kourion and Salamis, transport visitors to the days of Roman amphitheaters and Byzantine basilicas. Over the centuries, Cyprus has seen Venetian fortresses, Ottoman mosques, and British colonial landmarks, each adding layers to its unique identity. Today, Cyprus is a modern European nation with a relaxed lifestyle, stunning beaches, and a thriving expat community. Th…

Each country has its own requirements and qualifications when it comes to teaching. Some require a bachelor’s degree in any field. In others, you’ll qualify with only a high school diploma and your TEFL certificate. Some countries have strict visa requirements that may disqualify you based on your citizenship or criminal background. Let’s take a look at the qualifications needed for teaching English in Cyprus. Education A bachelor’s degree is required to teach in schools in Cyprus. Citizenship European Union (EU) citizens can work legally in Cyprus without restrictions. While there are no official citizenship requirements to teach English in Cyprus, non-EU citizens may find it challenging to secure a work visa, as most schools do not provide sponsorship. English Fluency There are no citizenship restrictions for teaching in Cyprus, but non-native English speakers must demonstrate a high level of fluency. Being flexible with job location and school preferences may improve job prospects. Background Check A criminal background check is not generally required for teaching positions in Cyprus but may be requested by some schools. Medical Check A medical check is not required to teach in Cyprus, though certain schools may request proof of good health. TEFL Certificate A TEFL certification is highly recommended for all teaching positions and may be required by certain employers, particularly in private language schools and summer camps. Age Cyprus is open to teachers of a…

While Cyprus might often be overshadowed by its Mediterranean neighbors like Greece and Italy, more and more travelers are discovering that it is a hidden gem! With stunning beaches, ancient ruins, a vibrant nightlife scene, and a unique blend of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern influences, Cyprus offers a rich cultural experience at a lower cost than many Western European destinations. Where tourism thrives, so does the demand for English, creating plenty of teaching opportunities across the island. Hiring seasons are extremely important for Cyprus. September is the first peak hiring season right after everyone is back from their summer vacations and ready to start the school year; the second being June. It is very hard to find a job outside of the hiring seasons and we do not typically recommend going to Cyprus at any other time. Contracts are typically valid for 10-12 months. You can find English teaching positions in private language schools, where students range from young learners to business professionals looking to improve their skills, as well as in summer camps that offer immersive English programs for children. Let’s learn a bit more about the types of jobs in Cyprus and life as a teacher! Private Language Schools Unlike public or private schools, private language schools specialize solely in the teaching of foreign languages. Many school-aged students will attend private language schools to supplement their public or private school language education, and adul…

Congrats! You have decided between applying to a private language school or a summer camp, or maybe you haven’t yet. That’s okay! We can at least start the necessary steps for the application process in Cyprus. Heads up! For non-European Union (EU) citizens, be sure to check out our Teaching in Cyprus Timeline , as well as the Applying for the Visa section for more information and to make sure that you are staying on track with your documents. As most positions do not offer a work permit, you will be going over on a tourist visa or student visa which have certain timelines before going abroad.. Step 1: Prepare Your Initial Application Materials Resume & Cover Letter Your resume and cover letter are the keys to connecting with schools and beginning the application process. International employers look for specific elements in the resume that may differ from what you’re used to seeing domestically. To take a deeper dive into international resumes and cover letters, visit the Preparesection! Once you’ve updated your resume and cover letter to meet the recommended international standards, submit your drafts to your Student Affairs Advisor for review. Photos In Europe, it is very common to include a photo on your resume and possibly as a part of the application process. A headshot photo is typical, which you can send with your application, though some schools will also ask for a full-body shot. Don’t send any additional photos unless requested. You may also need to have your he…

Congratulations on your job offer(s)! If you’ve been offered a position with a summer camp, there’s not much else to consider besides whether or not you’ll accept the offer. If you’ve applied to work at a private language school, and you’ve followed our previous advice you’re already off to a great start. But what’s next? Determining whether or not the offer is right for you. To help make this determination, follow the recommendations below. Whether you have one offer, or several, the key elements you’ll want to take note of are: salary, working hours, vacation days, sick days, medical insurance, and bonuses. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect with each of these elements. Review the Basics Salary The average starting salary for a first-year English teacher in Cyprus is 900-1,200 EUR per month. Anything significantly lower or higher should make you ask a few questions. If the reason for the pay difference is obvious, like a rural location with a low cost of living or longer than average working hours, you may find that you’re okay with it. But don’t accept a contract that is paying you less for doing the same amount of work the average English teacher does, or one that doesn’t fit into your work-life-travel balance. Working Hours Teaching English in Cyprus is typically a full-time gig. Most teachers work between 22 and 35 hours per week. However, there’s more than just the total number of working hours per week to consider. Will you have to work in the morning for a …

The word “visa” tends to provoke daunting images of endless red tape and paperwork but we’re here to ease your anxiety and hopefully have you zipping through this process like a pro. Below, we’ll outline the most common visa routes for foreign English teachers in Cyprus. As is always the case with any of the visa advice we provide, please be sure to cross-check this information with your local Cypriot consulate or embassy to ensure you are getting the most up-to-date, accurate, and personalized instruction there is! Visa Types Student Visa What is it? Those who plan to study in Cyprus at a recognized language school, university, etc. may be eligible to legally work in Cyprus while studying. Typically, a student visa must be processed before departing for Cyprus. Contact a Cypriot Consulate for more information on recognized “study abroad” programs and what is required to obtain a student visa. International TEFL Academy cannot assist TEFL students with finding language schools or processing student visas. How do you get one? You must be enrolled in a program of study, have your original “letter of invitation,” and submit the application for a Cypriot student visa at your local Cypriot embassy or consulate. How long is it valid? The student visa is issued for stays longer than 90 days, and is typically valid for your length of study. Tourist Visa What is it? Most non-EU citizens can stay in the country for up to 90 days. While some schools may prefer to hire EU citizens …

In the days, weeks, and months leading up to your move abroad, it’s more important than ever to stay organized and ask yourself: What are the logistics I have to consider and the loose ends I have to tie up in order to thrive in my new home? Do I have to worry about taxes? What about health insurance? And what the heck do I do about a cell phone? Fear not, TEFL teacher. In this section, you’ll find the tips, resources, and wisdom to tackle these questions and more! Review the Basics Health Insurance Although in a perfect world an apple a day would keep the doctor away, in reality, even teachers get sick. Cue health insurance/care. Regardless of the country you end up in, you should always inquire about health insurance before accepting a position. If health insurance is indeed provided by your employer, it’s imperative that the relevant details are outlined clearly in any contract you sign. More often than not in Cyprus, basic health care is provided by the government if you are studying, or working legally! Check out the “ Accepting the Right Offer ” section to learn more. Private healthcare is possible if you would like to pay for it on your own. It is also a good idea to purchase travel insurance which is separate from health insurance. This typically covers any major expenses if you are severely injured or sick in another country. ITA recommends World Nomads . Savings & Banking In Cyprus, it may take anywhere from six to nine weeks before you receive your first payche…

You have finally made it to the end of the Cyprus section, no small feat! Here is all of that wonderful information from the previous sections laid out step-by-step and month-by-month before your intended departure date for Cyprus. This timeline is not only for the planners and check-list lovers (although you will love this too). It is strongly encouraged for anyone planning a move to Cyprus to help keep you on track and organized as you make your way through the process. Finding a Job on the Ground with EU Citizenship Please keep in mind that the main hiring seasons for Cyprus are September and June. Take your desired start date and subtract from there. While it may be possible to move some parts of the process along quicker, follow this timeline as closely as possible. 4 months before departure: Begin your research ___ List out your preferences and priorities ___ Chat with ITA alumni , watch alumni videos and read about alumni experiences ___ Read through ITA’s resources, watch/attend a Student Affairs webinar ___ Network with ITA Alumni and watch Instagram takeovers, etc. ___ Read about Cyprus and Cypriot culture, etc. ___ Ensure your passport is valid for the entire time you plan to be in Cyprus and six months after ___ Order a national-level background check ___ Start saving up so you have enough money in your bank for start-up costs 2-3 months before departure: Make travel and accommodation arrangements ___ Book flight to Cyprus ___ Book short-term accommodations for yo…

I think it's important to have a flexible mindset going into it, because you never know how everything is going to play out. I think it's never good to go into a totally new situation with specific expectations. Be strong, be ready for failure or disappointment, and above all, stay positive. Challenges come wherever we are, but they feel stronger when we're away from our support system. I think no matter what kind of experience you have teaching English abroad, you will come away it with it happy that you did it. I think it's one of the best and the hardest things I have ever done. It has grown me exponentially more in a year than if I had stayed at home and found the first job that opened. Kristen H. ITA Alum You only live once! Get out there and do what you have dreamed of doing!... If you asked my 20 year old self where would you be in 25 years? I never would have imagined myself living halfway across the world. I am proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone. Christine A. ITA Alum