Doing your BTS CI internship in Cyprus

Doing your BTS CI internship in Cyprus: sunshine, business, and guaranteed culture shock

Are you studying for a BTS in International Trade and getting ready to do your internship abroad? Then listen up: Cyprus might not be the first destination that comes to mind, but it’s honestly one of the best decisions you could make. Not just because the island is bathed in sunshine almost all year round, but especially because it has an insanely strategic location, a rich and complex culture, way more interesting business opportunities than you’d expect, and a much lower cost of living than in France. So, if you’re still wondering why you should do your BTS CI internship in Cyprus, sit back, grab a coffee (or a cold lemonade), and let me take you on this little guided journey.

A geographical position that makes “international prospecting” totally real

Doing your internship abroad is great. But doing it in a country that sits at the crossroads of three continents? Even better. And that’s exactly what Cyprus offers. This small island in the eastern Mediterranean—often imagined only as a beach holiday spot—is actually a true geopolitical and economic hub. Situated between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, it’s right next to countries like Turkey, Lebanon, Israel, and Egypt. In short, it’s a super strategic commercial playground, especially for a BTS CI student.

In practical terms, in Cyprus you could be working with companies that import and export to a wide range of destinations. And since the island depends heavily on imports (makes sense—there aren’t many natural resources here), you’ll quickly see why prospecting is essential. You might end up contacting suppliers in Germany, producers in Turkey, or distributors in Lebanon. You’ll need to understand the Cypriot market, identify key contacts, negotiate in English (or even Greek or Turkish if you’re up for it)… In short, you’ll be doing actual international trade—not just sending two emails to a Spanish company.

And if you’re wondering what language you’ll be speaking there: English, no doubt. Even though Greek and Turkish are the official languages (Cyprus is split into two zones), English is widely spoken, especially in the professional world. You’ll notice that many locals speak great English—a legacy of the island’s British past.

A fascinating (and sometimes confusing) cultural context

Doing an internship abroad isn’t just ticking a box on your CV or learning how to use a CRM in English. It’s also—and above all—a deep cultural immersion. And in that sense, Cyprus delivers big time. First, because the island is culturally rich, with a complex history marked by Greek, Ottoman, British, and more recently European influences. And second, because Cyprus is a divided country, which gives it a very particular political and social reality: in the south, the Republic of Cyprus (Greek side, recognized by the EU); in the north, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognized only by Turkey). Two cultures, two religions, two systems… all on one island.

What’s truly striking is that despite the division, both communities live side by side—sometimes even in the same cities. You can literally walk across a street in Nicosia (the capital) and go from a Greek neighborhood to a Turkish one. You’ll hear Orthodox church bells and, five minutes later, the call to prayer from a mosque. This blend, this peaceful coexistence, is also a powerful lesson in tolerance that you’ll experience every day.

And lifestyle-wise, the vibe is radically different from France. Life happens outdoors, meals are late, and people take their time. Human interactions are more direct, more warm-hearted. You’ll probably be invited for a coffee at your company within two days. You’ll learn to smile more and stress less. It might be challenging at first, but it’ll open your mind like nothing else.

And if you’re up for some fun or exploring: Larnaca is perfect for nightlife, with lively bars open every day of the week. Paphos is the dream spot to chill on gorgeous beaches, visit ancient ruins, or sip cocktails at sunset. Nicosia is more urban, historic, and local. And if you feel like it, you can even take a ferry and spend a weekend in Beirut or Istanbul. Changing continents in a few hours—that’s the magic of Cyprus.

An affordable destination—even for broke students

Going abroad for an internship is great… until you realize your student budget won’t get you through two months in London or Copenhagen. And that’s where Cyprus makes a big difference. It’s a genuinely affordable destination, even on a tight budget.

Flights from France or Italy are very budget-friendly. Book early and you can find return tickets for under €150—especially if you’re not traveling during school holidays. And once you’re there, good news: the cost of living is way lower than in France. You can find housing for €300–400 a month (less if you share), eat well for cheap, and go out without draining your account.

Just a heads-up: some imported goods can be pricey, and while public transport is cheap, it’s not always reliable. You’ll need to like walking or start building a carpool network. Another key tip: in Cyprus, credit cards aren’t always accepted—especially in more traditional neighborhoods. Get used to carrying cash with you, especially for small shops or cafés. And if you want to live like a local, learn to haggle at the market, cook with local ingredients, and avoid tourist traps.

Local businesses that are open to interns

Let’s be honest: finding an internship abroad isn’t always easy. You send dozens of emails, follow up, do video interviews—and sometimes never get a reply. But in Cyprus, you’ve got an edge: local businesses are used to welcoming international interns. Whether it’s in import-export, tourism, marketing, logistics, or even finance, you’ll find plenty of companies happy to give you real responsibilities.

You might end up doing sales prospecting, attending trade shows, managing customer relationships in English, negotiating with partners… You won’t just be making photocopies. And that’s a real plus for your resume. What’s more, you’ll develop a serious sense of independence, because you’ll be in a new environment, sometimes a bit uncertain, and you’ll need to adapt fast. These are the kinds of experiences that shape you—far more than any theoretical class ever could.

The sunshine, the Mediterranean pace… and you

Let’s not kid ourselves: working under the sun changes everything. Waking up to a clear blue sky almost every day, ending your workday with a stroll by the sea, eating Greek salads and grilled halloumi on a terrace—it’s just not the same as spending two months in a grey office in Paris or Lyon. In Cyprus, you’ll discover what Mediterranean life really means: taking your time, enjoying the moment, breathing a little deeper.

And that mindset spills over into your internship. You’ll see that people are less stressed, hierarchies are often more relaxed, and you’ll have more freedom in how you work. You’ll learn to manage your time differently, to be efficient without being rushed, to balance work and enjoyment. You’ll come back changed, with a whole new view of the working world.

Conclusion: Cyprus, the hidden gem for your BTS CI internship

So, let’s sum it up. Doing your BTS CI internship in Cyprus means:

• discovering a country strategically placed to understand the real challenges of international trade

• immersing yourself in a rich, unique culture shaped by many influences

• enjoying a low cost of living, even on a student budget

• working in companies that will trust you with real tasks

• living in the sun, in a setting that’s both professional and ultra-chill, and that will stay with you for a long time