26/09/2014
Settling into your new life in Cyprus
Take it from people who have been there and done that. There are plenty of ways to ensure that settling into your new life in Cyprus is smooth sailing - it’s all down to research and preparation.
1. Do a recce
The internet is a fine tool to help you figure out the social activities in Cyprus before you arrive. Pick one of your interest or hobbies, type in the key words and see what comes up. There is so much going on for expats. You probably won’t just get the chance to carry on with a love you already have, you’ll also pick up a new one. Sailing? All-year tennis? A choir which sings hits from the shows?
2. Pick up some Greek
Nearly everyone in Cyprus speaks some English because many of the key industry sectors here, such as tourism and real estate, rely on knowledge of other languages. Don’t let this stop you learning some Greek though. If you’re someone who enjoys learning other tongues, you’ll find Greek challenging but sensical; it’s a rich and beautiful language and familiar in some ways too (much of the vocabulary has found its way into English). Even if you aren’t especially interested in languages, picking up a few key phrases is easy enough and goes down well locally.
3. Keep in touch with the news
Before and after arriving, check the local English media online to get an overview of what the political, social and economic climate is like on the island. This will help you gain more of an understanding about the place where you are living, making everything a little less alienating. In a way, we all have the same problems everywhere, but getting to know the main players in it all is a good way of being able to fit in locally.
4. Social Media and Skype
Love it or hate it, getting on social media and Skype will help you keep in regular touch with the lives of friends and family. Setting up a Facebook account, for example, means you can share your experiences with loved ones back home and keep up to date with their lives. Skype is great for free and very low cost communication - Skype to Skype costs nothing, and Skype to a phone is very cheap.
5. Join in and socialise
You can be out every day and night of the week in Cyprus if you want to be. Check out what clubs, activities and events are on in your part of the island and take advantage of whatever is on offer which appeals to you. It’s a fast way of starting to socialise.
6. Read the History
Buy or borrow a book about the history of Cyprus. It’s rich and fascinating and will help you make sense of the island which is to be your new home. At the very least, you’ll understand where all of the intriguing ruins dotted all over the island come from.
7. Day trip
In many ways, Cyprus is like several countries in one island. Villages next to one another are well known for different products and various parts of the island have new landscapes and stories to discover. You don’t have to travel too far to experience an interesting new aspect of the island - all you have do is get in the car or on the bus and explore.
8. Daily expenditure conversions
To keep on top of what you are spending, why not convert your daily expenditure into your own currency - you can learn what you are getting for your money straight away, and this will take away some of the anxiety of using a new currency.
9. Red tape
When you arrive, find out where your local Citizens Advice Centre is for all you need to know on getting a health card, ID documents and registering for tax. Helpful staff will usually speak English and, if they can’t help you, they will be able to direct you to the right office.
10. Don't make the mistake of comparing
Don’t make comparing Cyprus with your home country a miserable habit. Nobody’s telling you to force yourself to like things you don’t like, but it’s not a good idea to seek out pointless unfavorable comparisons. You’ll miss all there is to enjoy and make yourself very unhappy. Part of moving abroad is embracing new experiences.
