Ultra practical (and honest) tips for doing an internship abroad in Cyprus 🇨🇾
Going abroad for an internship usually means excitement, new adventures, and a massive hit of the unknown right in the face. And when your destination is Cyprus, buckle up—this little island packs a big punch. Nestled at the southern tip of the European Union, Cyprus is a vibrant cocktail of Mediterranean vibes, ancient history, laid-back living, scorching sun, and… a few surprises no one really warned you about.
So no, this is not another disguised tourist guide. Nope. Here, we keep it real. We’re talking about what you’ll actually go through during your internship in Cyprus. The little annoyances, the big joys, the unexpected twists, and the incredible people. Because doing an internship abroad isn’t just about working in a local company—it’s about diving headfirst into a culture, a new way of life, and an amazing chance to rediscover yourself.
And trust us—Cyprus won’t leave you indifferent. Here are our best on-the-ground tips to help you make the most of your experience, without ending up sunburnt or panicking over some flying creature.
1 – First tip for your internship in Cyprus: don’t panic… seriously, DON’T panic 😱
Let’s start with what freaks even the bravest among us: the local wildlife.
You’re probably expecting cute little lizards and cats napping under fig trees (and yes, you’ll see plenty of those), but what no one told you is that cockroaches here have aviation dreams.
Yep, in Cyprus, cockroaches fly. And we’re not talking about awkward little hops. They take off, zigzag through the air, and sometimes even seem to aim directly for your head.
Think I’m exaggerating? Ask anyone who’s spent more than two weeks on the island. Picture a thumb-sized roach casually showing up on your balcony while you’re enjoying grilled halloumi. Leave your garbage outside? Forget to shut the bathroom window? BAM. Invasion.
Spoiler: you survive. Promise. Even if you’re cockroach-phobic like me (Sébastien). I genuinely considered cutting my trip short the first night when one of them attempted a kamikaze dive in my Airbnb. Luckily, my travel partner handled it like a champ—with a flip-flop and a Zen attitude. Pro tip: if you’re going with someone, decide in advance who deals with cockroaches in a crisis. Seriously, don’t overlook this.
But really—it’s not dangerous. Just a bit unsettling at first. Like anything new, you adapt. You learn to close windows at certain hours, avoid particular spots at night, and eventually, you put it all in perspective. After all, it’s just a bug. A big one, yes. But still, just a bug.
2 – Second tip for your internship in Cyprus: hydrate, for real 🥵
Cyprus means Mediterranean sun in its rawest form. Summer here is no joke. We’re talking temps that easily hit over 40°C in the shade, with a “feels like” of 50°C if you’re stuck in a windless alley.
And that heat? It’s everywhere. It gets you in the morning, follows you through the day, and doesn’t let go. Think you’ve handled French heatwaves before? Forget it. Cyprus plays in a whole different league.
👉 First rule: drink. Water, obviously—not the local wine (save that for the evenings). Always have a filled water bottle with you. Especially in smaller villages or remote hiking spots, fountains aren’t a given.
👉 Second rule: cover your head.
Hat, cap, even a beach towel turban—whatever works. Just protect that scalp. The sun hits hard, and heatstroke creeps up faster than you’d think.
👉 Third rule: adjust your rhythm.
Here, between noon and 4 pm, nobody moves. And it’s not laziness—it’s survival. Even locals shut their shops. So follow their lead: nap, read, Netflix, anything as long as you stay in the shade. And use that time to slow down. Your body will thank you.
Also, dress accordingly. Go for loose, light-colored clothes made of cotton or linen. Ditch the skinny jeans and black tees—you need to breathe. And if your workplace doesn’t have A/C (yep, that happens), invest in a mini desk fan. Small purchase, huge payoff.
3 – Third tip for your internship in Cyprus: don’t be afraid to talk to people 🤝
Cyprus is full of warm, open-hearted people. It’s honestly one of the first things that hits you. Smiles are genuine, and conversations start quickly—especially if you throw in a word or two of Greek or Turkish (depending on the area).
You’ll notice Cypriots are chill. They’re used to diversity: Muslims and Christians, Greeks and Turks live side by side, often in a much more peaceful way than what the news suggests. Political tension exists, sure—but in daily life, things are usually just fine.
Want a real immersion? Head to the villages. The tiny ones not even mentioned in guidebooks. Between Byzantine churches and olive groves, you’ll find village cafés where people take their time and stories flow easily. An old man might tell you about his youth, a local woman might offer you a homemade dish, and a winemaker could invite you into his cellar…
🎯 Pro tip: say YES
If someone invites you for coffee—go. To visit a tiny chapel? Go. To taste something weird with an unpronounceable name? Definitely try it. These are the moments you’ll remember. Not the hours in the office, but these.
Worried about making the first move? Don’t stress. Locals will often approach you first. But if you want to make it easier, a smile, a simple “hello”, or even a clumsy “Kalimera” (Greek for good morning) can open doors. Young people often speak English. Older folks, maybe not—but gestures, eye contact, and kindness go a long way.
Bonus tips to avoid rookie mistakes 🧳
Transport: No trains in Cyprus. Buses exist but don’t reach the more remote areas. If you can, rent a car (remember—they drive on the left!) or prepare to carpool a lot.
Language: You don’t need to be fluent in Greek to get by, but learning a few basic words always makes a great impression. In the northern (Turkish) part, knowing some Turkish is a nice touch.
Food: Get ready to gain a few pounds. Between mezze, halloumi, loukoum, and those dreamy pastries, it’s a feast. But hey, you can always hike it off in the Troodos Mountains.
Water: Tap water is drinkable in most urban areas, but often very hard. A filtered jug might be a good idea.
In conclusion: an internship in Cyprus = sunshine-packed adventure 🌞
Cyprus is Mediterranean life at its finest: stunning views, mouthwatering food, genuine people, and a slower, richer way of living. But it’s also a learning ground—a space to adapt, grow, and take on daily challenges.
You’ll come back tanned, a bit tired (sneaky sun…), but above all, filled with incredible human experiences. Hopefully with an emergency flip-flop for cockroach defense, and a heart full of unforgettable moments.
💬 Want to go on your own adventure? Do an internship in Cyprus? Reach out to us! We’ll give you all the details—including where to find the best baklava in Larnaca 😋
And after your internship… what’s next? 🌍
If you fall in love with Cyprus (and let’s be honest, you probably will), you’re not alone. Lots of past interns go back—for holidays, for work, even to settle down. The island has that magical “stickiness”: slower pace, breathtaking sunsets, and days that somehow feel longer than anywhere else. So stay in touch with the people you meet, write down the places that moved you… because your Cypriot adventure might just be the beginning. And honestly? We really hope it is.