The enchanting island of Aphrodite is incredibly friendly and hospitable! Everyone has a chance to feel at home here, beloved and cherished, unless they strongly resist.
However, newcomers here also face difficulties and challenges. Sometimes they conclude with the adaptation period in the new place, and sometimes they follow like shadows from childhood nightmares for many years. Remember, almost any problem can be viewed in two ways: as an insurmountable difficulty or as a push for development. Therefore, approach the list below with understanding and sometimes with humor.
No Time for Seaside Relaxation
You'd think that when you come to live on the Mediterranean, you'll swim in the sea every morning and evening, surf and kite surf in your free time, and your city-tired body will become bronzed, muscular, and beautiful as never before. In practice, migrants are lucky if they manage to get to the beach once a week. Most of them, fair-skinned and vulnerable, move around the city with quick dashes or in a car with the top up (alas, convertibles are a luxury not suited for the island's real weather conditions). In summer, they always carry SPF sunscreen, at least with an SPF of 30.
Provincial Lifestyle
The happiest migrants are among those who didn't have overly elevated expectations of the Island of Aphrodite. Tune yourself this way: going to the village. Take with you the most comfortable and practical things that you truly love, not just for show, like "I'm up to date with the latest trends." And if you genuinely feel connected to the spirit of provincial seaside towns, you won't suffer on Cyprus.
Remember that Cyprus' location allows for easy travel across Europe and other parts of the world. A short journey to enchanting Denmark, musical Austria, or mysterious Qatar will allow you to once again miss the endless starry sky of the island and its coziness.
You Need to Learn Greek
If you plan to stay on the island for a long period or aim for citizenship, then learn Greek. It's a very beautiful and melodic language, in many ways similar to Russian, also belonging to the Indo-European language family. Knowing Greek will open many doors for you, and sometimes even save you time. You can start your education in an affordable public school, which will cost a maximum of 70 euros per year for two lessons a week. Also, you can simply memorize popular phrases from tourist dictionaries to find a way out in emergency situations when it's hard to communicate. The myth that everyone in Cyprus knows English is popular but not entirely accurate.
Foreigners Are Regarded Exclusively as a Source of Income
Tourism has brought Cyprus a lion's share of income for many decades. So, don't take these nuances of relationships too seriously. Historically, the choice of this niche is determined not only by the possibility of earning from an inquisitive tourist but also by the natural sociability, hospitality, and kindness of the local population.
Many highly skilled specialists in Cyprus have received education abroad, including in Soviet and post-Soviet Russia, England, and Germany, which is why they share a lot with these countries, and sometimes even family ties.
It's Cold in Cyprus During Winter
It's no secret that during the winter months, Cypriot homes experience real cold. Most residential buildings, including apartment complexes, lack central heating, and heating the house on your own can be very expensive. And although locals have long found solutions to this problem (electric blankets, fireplaces in the living room, heating air conditioners, etc.), for migrants coming from northern countries, the damp and chilly Cypriot winter brings a lot of inconvenience.
But How Green It Is in December!
Cypriots Live in Communities
Close-knit and large Cypriot families are wonderful. But is there a chance for a migrant to become a part of such a family? It's hard to answer. Stories of foreigners struggling to fit into the community are quite common. For example, relatives refusing to communicate with a daughter-in-law in English. Even after moving to Cyprus, many migrants seek communication with fellow countrymen. Whether it's a peculiarity of people choosing Cyprus or the environment that forces this, it's probably a combination of both. Nevertheless, this situation allows for the successful development of national cultural centers from various countries all over the island, as well as educational institutions for children and adults.
We wish you to overcome all the challenges on the migrant path! And be sure to share in the comments the difficulties you have faced yourself.
Interested in housing on the island? Visit the #1 Real Estate Agency in Cyprus, DOM! The agency's website features the largest real estate database in the country, with over 30,000 residential and commercial properties all over the island. Choose and reach out to professional brokers who will help you make the right choice!
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