'Erasmus in Cyprus – Why Not?' by Iza & Ola

When students from a continental Europe are arriving for Erasmus to Cyprus, they do not realize what is waiting for them. Wondering if they should expect a warm welcome or an uncaring reaction they are making their first steps on this Sunny Island. However initial contacts with a local people turns out to be a nice surprise – everyone is always willing to help you and, what is very important, you don't need to ask anyone if he/she speaks English - here you can easily communicate in this language even with old people.

After getting out from the airport Erasmus usually has to take a bus to Nicosia (what is a good way for non British Erasmus to start getting used to left driving). Later on, when a student already found accommodation and walked the length and breadth of the Ledra street and all the Old Town he is considering what to do next. Obviously Erasmus didn't come to Cyprus to study (although exceptions happen), so rather then checking the library's opening hours he will examine the entrance fees of the clubs. Luckily Nicosia has a lot of to offer in terms of so called 'night-life'. Luckily there is also ESA (Erasmus Student Association in Cyprus) which can help you in case you do not know how to spend your evenings or weekends. Thematic parties, dinners, trips all over this Sunny Island are only the part of attractions that ESA can propose.

But Erasmus in Cyprus is not only Cyprus itself. Erasmus in Cyprus is also people from all of the Europe and all around the world. This variety creates the special and unique atmosphere of the place. It is a huge convenience that if you do not know how to prepare a pasta or tiramisu you can always ask some Italians, or if you want to improve your flamenco dance skills you can always ask some pretty Spanish girls, or if you have no idea how to make an „Ooooopa” cheer you can always simply ask a Slovenian. It is also a great experience to observe how Cyprus is changing people. How Germans from an always punctual and a bit reserved ones are turning into laggers and party animals or how Spanish or Polish from a worldwide known alcohol drinkers are becoming even bigger alcohol drinkers :)

One thing is undoubtful as two times two equals four – Cyprus is leaving its huge stamps in our hearts and changes previously innocent Erasmus' minds into a crazy and temperamental characters. If somebody experienced it he is aware that things will never be the same again. And answering the question mentioned at the beginning of this article – what European students coming for Erasmus to Cyprus can expect we can say: a lot of great people, a lot of cars, a lot of beautiful places, a lot of parties, a lot of Peripteros on their ways, a lot of fun, a lot of happiness – and it all bathed in the light of always shining sun.

Ola Kucharek, Izabela Stompor
ESA Coordinators 2010 / 2011