Cypriots are highly educated and multilingual. The official languages of Cyprus are Greek and Turkish, but English is widely spoken and written and is the language of international business. Proficiency in English is high (higher than in many other European countries), and Cypriots that receive education in English might code-switch between Cypriot Greek and English.
English features on road signs, public notices, and in advertisements, etc. German, French and Russian are also widely spoken in commerce, due both to the number of Cypriot graduates from overseas universities and the island’s commercial ties with the global business community.
With renewed emphasis on cultivating a knowledge-based economy, Cyprus’ education sector is continuously expanding and diversifying to meet market demands. Cypriots have always valued education and learning, and while prizing their own languages and culture, they have also long had a realistic understanding of the importance of English in today’s globalized markets. The island has a highly educated English-speaking workforce, with over half of all 30 to 34-year-olds educated to degree level.
The country’s five private universities maintain consistently high academic standards, and are acutely aware of the need to keep ahead of the curve by offering English-language teaching of vocationally relevant courses that reflect the changing commercial climate.
