Cyprus: what no one really tells you (but what you need to know before your internship)
Thinking of going to Cyprus for your internship? Still hesitating? Or maybe you just thought, “Oh, Cyprus, nice weather, they speak Greek, must be chill, right?” Hold on. Let me tell you a few things. Not the usual tourist fluff you find in brochures. No. Real stuff. Little anecdotes, details that actually matter, vibes you’ll carry with you. Just a small taste of Cyprus before your feet even touch the ground.
I swear to you, this island isn’t something you can understand through a catalog or a “10 things to do” Excel spreadsheet. And yet, we’ll try. Because you’ve got to start somewhere, right?
Cyprus is Aphrodite, love, and a strange little beach
Let’s start easy: did you know Aphrodite, the goddess of love, is said to have been born in Cyprus? Yep, straight from the sea foam, like in some weird ancient rom-com. Apparently, she rose from the waves at Petra tou Romiou—a spot with a few big rocks in the surf. It’s beautiful, and absolutely soaked in myth.
And honestly, it’s not just a cute detail. In Cyprus, people talk about Aphrodite like she just went to the store and will be back for aperitivo. Her name is everywhere. On soap bars, hiking trails, olive oil bottles. You might end up believing in that love-soaked legend too, just a little.
The island has seen it all—seriously
You might think it’s just a sleepy little island lost in the Mediterranean. But Cyprus was once a massive commercial hub in ancient times. Like, seriously important. Ever wondered where the word “copper” comes from? From “Kupros”—Cyprus. That’s no small deal. They exported it like crazy. Ships everywhere, bustling markets. And even now, it doesn’t feel like just a tourist destination.
The soil is rich, the people have green thumbs, and the markets are bursting with life. Tomatoes that taste like actual tomatoes (yeah, not like those sad plastic ones at the supermarket), juicy figs, massive watermelons, herbs so strong they knock you out. Walk by a garden in a village and BAM—instant scent punch. Even the air feels full.
The Troodos Mountains are not just mountains
One day, you’ll get sick of the beach. Or maybe you’ll have a free weekend and crave an escape from the city. So, you’ll hop on a bus or rent a car (get ready for left-side driving), and head up to the Troodos Mountains. It’s another world out there. Far from the noise, far from the tourists, far from everything.
You’ll stumble into tiny villages where no one really speaks English, but they’ll hand you a coffee with a smile anyway. Stone houses, winding alleys, creaky cypress trees—and churches. Not huge, flashy cathedrals. Small, tucked-away Byzantine churches, with ancient frescoes inside. Walls painted centuries ago, watching you like you better behave. It’s about faith, fear, mystery. You feel history there, in the dim silence.
Cyprus is divided—and it shows
Okay, brace yourself. Cyprus isn’t “just an island.” It’s been divided since 1974. There’s the south—Greek, the Republic of Cyprus, part of the EU, all that. And there’s the north—occupied by Turkey, known as the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, but only recognized by Turkey. It creates a strange atmosphere.
In Nicosia, you can literally cross the “Green Line” on foot. There are checkpoints—like a mini Berlin. One side: kebabs and minarets. The other: Orthodox churches and souvlaki. The contrast is real. You feel caught between two worlds, two histories, two lingering wounds. Because yeah, the division still hurts. Families separated, memories buried, old resentments—but also bridges. People working together, talking, trying. It’s not perfect, but it’s deeply human.
Food = happiness (and beware the halloumi addiction)
Coming to Cyprus? You’re going to eat. It’s a rule. No escaping it. Even if you’re trying to stay on a diet, you’re doomed. Between the mezze (25 tiny dishes all at once), the sugar-rush desserts, grilled meats, fruits, pastries… you’ll be stuffed—and smiling.
Halloumi, that magical cheese that doesn’t melt on the grill, will haunt your dreams. And if you’re into veggies, you’re in luck: crisp cucumbers, okra in every style, bold peppers. Even the bread smells amazing. And meals? They’re sacred here. You never eat alone. Someone’s always handing you a plate, filling your glass, telling you a story while serving the tenth round. That’s just how it is.
The people? A wild mix—but it works
Cyprus isn’t homogeneous. Greeks, Turks, Armenians, Maronites, Brits who’ve lived here for generations, Russians, students from around the globe… all packed into this not-so-big island. That creates tension sometimes—but also insane richness.
You’ll meet elders who speak a mix of Greek and Turkish, young people switching between English, Russian, French. It’ll feel like wandering through a chaotic but captivating novel. And most importantly, you’ll feel welcome. Truly. People are curious, generous, talkative. You’ll probably end up drinking coffee at someone’s house you barely know.
The school system? Not the same—but intriguing
If your internship is in a school, or if you just pass by one, you’ll notice right away: it’s not like France. School is mandatory up to age 15—and after that… well, it’s kind of a free-for-all. Students are super studious (sometimes too much), and there’s a ton of pressure around exams.
But teens here often speak excellent English, they’re open, curious. You’ll see lots of them working part-time, helping their families, figuring things out on their own. And even so, there’s a deep respect for teachers. It’s surprising sometimes.
The calm… it’s real
Cyprus is calm. Not just because there aren’t many cars, or because the streets are narrow. No. It’s mental calm. People aren’t in a rush. Lines are long, schedules are vague, appointments are flexible. It might drive you nuts at first—especially if you’re anxious or hyper-organized. But after a few weeks, you’ll get it. You’ll breathe.
Evenings are slow. Conversations last. Silences do too. It’s okay to take your time. No one will judge you for spending two hours on a coffee. You’re living. That’s all.
Sports? Yeah—but chill
Cyprus isn’t exactly an Olympic powerhouse, true. But sports are everywhere. Dusty football pitches, underground karate clubs, teens skating by the sea. There are even ski stations in the mountains (seriously), and diving centers on the coast.
And you, as an intern, might get pulled into a local tournament, a seaside jog, or rooftop yoga. Say yes. Even if you suck. Even if you don’t feel like it. That’s how you make memories.
And then, there’s everything else…
There’s all the stuff I can’t write down. The things you’ll only understand once you’re there. The smell of the sea at 7 a.m. The golden light on whitewashed walls. The taste of watermelon in the sun. A child’s laugh as they run barefoot. Church bells on Sunday. Silence on a Thursday afternoon. The people. The silences. The glances.
Your internship won’t just be a line on your resume. It’ll be a slice of real life. With struggles, highlights, surprises, moments where you’ll want to give up—and others where you’ll never want to leave.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bag. Bring sandals. Keep your mind open. And let Cyprus tell you its story. Promise—it’s worth the trip.
And once you’re there, don’t forget to look up, to walk slowly, to talk to the elders, to listen to the wind. It’s in the details that the essentials live. Cyprus will be waiting—not demanding anything, but staying with you forever.