Doing your engineering hands-on internship in Cyprus: a brilliant idea still far too little known
When you think about doing an internship abroad, Cyprus probably isn’t the first destination that comes to mind. It’s not yet a go-to choice nor a name that echoes through engineering school corridors. And yet, this island in the eastern Mediterranean has so much to offer. It ticks far more boxes than you’d expect—and yet remains unfairly overlooked by French students looking to spend a few weeks or months abroad as part of their training.
And that’s a shame. Because Cyprus isn’t just sunshine and turquoise waters. It’s a country hiding an absolutely fascinating cultural and human richness, a soothing pace of life, a powerful history, and above all, real accessibility for students who don’t want administrative complications. Plus, its quality of life is rarely beaten. Seriously.
So, if you’re in engineering school and need to do your hands-on internship abroad, take two minutes to seriously consider Cyprus. You might be (very pleasantly) surprised.
A lesser-known territory, but packed with assets
Sure, Cyprus is a Mediterranean country, but it’s so much more. The island benefits from coastal areas with mild climates nearly year-round and over 300 days of sunshine. But boiling it down to just another beach destination would be reductive—it’s so much deeper than that.
Cyprus is a land of contrasts. White-sand beaches, steep mountains, dense forests, hilltop villages, open-air ancient ruins, mosques, monasteries, traditional markets, bustling ports, hiking trails, and vibrant urban centers. This diversity makes it a precious destination: you’ll never get bored, and every corner reveals a new facet of its identity.
Doing a hands-on internship in Cyprus isn’t just a line on your CV. It’s immersing yourself in a blended culture—a country shaped by Greek, Turkish, British, and Middle Eastern influences—with elegance and ease.
Something for every taste
What strikes you when you arrive in Cyprus is how varied the atmospheres are, as if each city has its own personality. Of course, there’s Nicosia, the capital at the island’s heart—both traditional and modern, divided yet composed. History is etched into its walls, but you can also enjoy a drink on a rooftop overlooking mountains.
For a livelier vibe, head to Larnaca. A coastal city buzzing with cafés, restaurants, live music, young folks out late, and endless beaches. It’s perfect if you want to balance work and fun. Spend your day at the site or company, and by night enjoy gyros with your feet in the sand.
Love nature and mountains? Mount Olympus awaits. Yes, Cyprus has its own Olympus! The region is a hiker’s, cyclist’s, or photographer’s dream, with forests, charming villages, and family-run tavernas—perfect for those seeking calm away from the rush.
And then you have Paphos, in the west—rich in heritage, with ancient mosaics, dramatic sunset cliffs, and a charming harbor. Ideal for dreamers, landscape lovers, and sunset seekers.
In short: whatever your personality or mood, Cyprus has a region, city, atmosphere calling your name.
An open, tolerant, deeply human society
Perhaps what touched me most was how open the people are. On this island, cultures live together. Differences aren’t stumbling blocks. Muslims and Catholics live side by side—even in the same neighborhoods or families. The presence of others isn’t treated with suspicion, but with curiosity and welcome.
You see that tolerance in everyday life. Cypriots don’t ask where you’re from to judge you—they ask to learn. They’re not rushed or aggressive—they take their time. They invite you for a coffee, share a meal, sit and chat for a while. Even if you don’t speak the language, they’ll talk to you with hands, smiles, and ears. It’s simple, direct, and warm.
Nicosia is a striking example: Europe’s only divided capital—half Turkish, half Greek. Yes, there’s a real border, soldiers, and passport checks. Yet on both sides, people live, laugh, and drink the same coffee. That political separation is lived with perspective—it’s governments that are divided, not hearts. People learned to live with it, make the best of it, and keep a form of inner peace.
Yes, the North is less affluent, with infrastructure and income differences. But you’ll never feel hatred—only sadness, maybe, and a lot of hope.
Admin made easy
On the administrative side, Cyprus is a breeze. It’s an EU country, so no visa, no work permit, no extra health insurance required. No surprises, no hidden fees, no endless paperwork.
Book your flight, prepare your internship agreement, and go—you don’t even have to exchange currency: the euro is the legal tender. You can travel freely, work without constraints, and stay longer if you want.
That is a huge relief for students. Honestly, between coursework, exams, and the thesis, nobody needs added administrative stress. In Cyprus, it’s straightforward—really.
Plus, finding accommodation is much easier than in Malta or other high-tourist spots. Options abound, prices are reasonable, landlords are accessible—and you’re not drowned in tourists like in other Mediterranean islands. There’s room to breathe.
A perfect base for travel
An internship in Cyprus also puts you at a crossroads. A ferry ride from Greece, a short drive to Turkey, and a night boat from Lebanon—yes, you can spend a long weekend in Beirut. That alone is rare.
You’re at the junction of East and West, Europe and the Middle East. It’s a strategic gateway. For the curious, it’s a fantastic playground: hiking in Troodos, kayaking along the coast, weekend trips to Beirut, or even short visits to Egypt or Israel. Cyprus is an island, not a prison—a launchpad.
And on a human level?
You won’t return from Cyprus the same person. It’s not just an internship—it’s a meeting: with a country, with a culture, with people—and with yourself.
You’ll learn to live at a different pace, speak with gestures, listen more than you explain. You’ll rediscover how spontaneous, sincere kindness can be. You’ll relearn simplicity.
And you’ll realize that this small country, often overlooked, has given you one of the richest experiences of your student life.
So, what are you waiting for?
If you’re still hesitating about choosing your engineering school hands-on internship destination, if the usual options don’t spark you, if you want something genuine, calm, rich, simple… hesitate no more.
Cyprus is an obvious choice many miss at first—but once you choose it, you never really leave.
If you want to talk, ask questions, or need concrete advice, reach out to our team. They know the local scene and can help you make the most of this experience.