May 17, 2009 at 03:58 a.m.IT-emigration to Cyprus: personal experience
Good afternoon. My name is Andrey Kashukov and in this post I will talk about the main points of emigration to Cyprus, based entirely on personal experience.
A few words about myself: I have been working as a java programmer in the city of Limassol (which is located in the Greek part of the island) for 1.5 years, I live there with my family.
This story began, in fact, several years ago. Then I was a web developer (php, mysql, etc) and wanted to go abroad. Rather, try to leave while the years allow. He was moving towards the goal systematically: he moved to Moscow, found work related to php (but not the web), worked and studied java in parallel. When I felt that I already had some experience, I began to look for another place of work related to java in order to gain experience in developing commercial applications and free up time that was actively spent on learning the language and everything that was accompanied by it plus searching for a foreign employer.
The search was quite long. I looked at different countries, wrote letters, studied sites, looked for Moscow agencies that could help leave. After several unsuccessful months, I compiled a mini-resume in Russian and published it on the most visited Runet sites dedicated to job search. After some time, I received a letter from a Moscow agency that worked with Cyprus and which suggested an interview. I did not consider Cyprus in the process of remote job search, but at that moment I thought - why not. Further it was a matter of technology. He passed an interview at the agency, then went to Kiev for a second interview (the employer representatives were there at that time and it was a good time to meet and show himself). The second interview was pretty hard; I think I will never forget him. 4 hours strictly in English, which was then very average for me, the last forces were given in the struggle for a brighter future. But in the end he went through and began to draw up his passport for himself and his wife. December 1, 2007 there was a Moscow-Larnaca plane, then a Larnaca-Limassol taxi booked in advance - and now, I’m in a hotel in Cyprus. I will add that the employer took care of all the costs associated with the flight and helped to further pick up the family.
The first month in Cyprus was training, then another 2 months of study in Israel, then return to Cyprus and the arrival of the family, then work, work, work. Now I am in Toronto (Canada) on a two-month business trip, in a couple of weeks there will be a return flight from Toronto-Frankfurt-Larnaca.
I myself like the island, of course. The climate is very good, the water in the sea is clear, sunny almost the whole year. Snow in winter is only in the mountains. Most Cypriots are pretty nice people, sometimes naive, sometimes slow. The atmosphere of leisureliness in everything and after a few months you are already relaxing yourself - where to rush if there are nearby rustling waves and the sun above your head. It is also worth noting that we live 200 meters from the sea. For about a year now I have been running in the evenings along the sea for 7-8 km. Many residents go in for sports, and the climate itself is somehow drawn to recovery.
Another big plus - there is no crime on the island. Rather, it is, but when compared with other countries, we can say that it is not. It strongly disposes and gives confidence in tomorrow. In particular, you are no longer afraid to go to unknown areas at a later time of the day.
Good attitude to Russians. At least I have not experienced any negativity from the local during my entire stay. Many Russians already live on the island (in particular, during a walk you can often meet compatriots). There are Russian shops, there is one Russian radio, a couple of newspapers and a couple of sites on which many Russians living here hang out.
In Limassol, everywhere there are Russian signs attracting Russian tourists, who are fewer in relation to the British and Germans. But Russians often relax “more broadly” and for this reason become attractive customers. It is also worth noting that tourism is the main source of income for Cyprus.
Prices for goods are different, but comparable with Moscow. In something lower, in something higher. The assortment is worse, there are fewer shops and they themselves are smaller in size (although there are several supermarkets). Plus, the work schedule of the shops coincides with the usual work schedule - from 9 to 18, including 2 hours of lunch. On Saturday, they work only until noon, on Sunday they don’t work at all. On Wednesday they work like on Saturday - only until noon. Therefore, for many, the weekend is as follows: on Saturday, supermarkets visit cars, buy food for a week, then either relax or go about their business.
Transport.Tight with public transport, especially in Limassol - there are a couple of bus routes, but they rarely go and the devil knows where, so we can say that there is no public one. 99% of residents get cars. If necessary, have a taxi.
Housing. It is better with housing than in Moscow, although prices are comparable. At the same time, the apartments themselves are considered not in rooms, but in bedrooms (single, two, three, etc.). Not in rooms, because in any apartment there is a hall (even in one-room apartments, called studios). Therefore, a single - it is, in fact, two-room. The hall is mainly used as a hall - sleeping in it is not very convenient.
We rent a double for 500 euros per month plus 50 euros - common expenses (for the elevator, cleaning of the territory, garbage, etc.). But! The apartment itself is 90 square meters. m. and well furnished, air conditioning in the rooms, two toilets. Photos from the inside can be viewed on my personal blog: http://www.kashukov.com/?p=410
Three friends take a three-bedroom for 600 euros with an area of 120 square meters. m. There on one of the verandas you can freely play football.
Another subtle point: there are no particular problems with renting apartments. Some even rent houses. In my case, in general, the owner of the apartment paid the agent for finding me (!). I paid nothing to the agent. After Moscow, it was a shock. Plus, there is no monopoly of agencies for rental housing. But the first shock, of course, was the size of the apartment during its initial inspection.
In addition to rental costs, there are also costs for electricity, water and garbage. Electricity is the most expensive - we pay in different ways, but on average 200-250 euros per two months. Electricity in general for Cyprus is one of the main problems, as is water. There is no central heating on the island as a class (although they say that it is already appearing in new houses) and therefore in winter it is necessary to be heated with air conditioners, which consume noticeably. In summer, air conditioners are used for cooling. Water - about 30-50 euros in two months, garbage - I don’t remember exactly now, something about 70-90 euros every six months. There is no gas supply, in each apartment there is a gas cylinder, which is enough for about a month if you live with your family and whose replacement costs 10 euros. Plus 50 euros per month for ADSL Internet.
Languages(my favorite topic). English is known to 99% of the population and you can live your whole life communicating only in it. But the state language is Greek, and if you want to communicate fully, you need to pull it up. There is also Turkish (in the Turkish part of the island), but we live in Greek and therefore a few months ago we began to master Greek. We go with my wife to municipal courses once a week. I have English every day at work, so there is no problem with this.
About the English I want to write separately. At first, of course, there were big problems. He flew to the island from the upper-intermediate level (as he was evaluated at the interview), but there was not much conversational practice. Two months before departure, I listened to English ESL podcasts, read textbooks, but upon arrival it turned out that this was not all right. In order to know the language, you need to surround yourself with the atmosphere. Eliminate Russian to the maximum and listen, watch, read only in English. Day after day, step by step will lead to the result. To study the language, its features and traditions of the population, but not to learn. Learning without practice is a waste of time.
It’s good when you communicate with carriers. I had to (and have to constantly) talk with the Indians. But not only with them, of course. The poor knowledge of English at first and the strong emphasis of the Indians (who spoke, knows) was a strong blow to self-esteem. But gradually, gradually, it leveled off. Now I understand them 100%. He began with the use of a small vocabulary, but one that he knew for sure. Then he began to expand the times, besides simple, to insert also perfect into conversations, for example, to remember unfamiliar words and try to use them when necessary. Now, after 1.5 years, I already freely watch films in the original. It’s just now that I’m watching the 5th season of “Lost”. While writing this post, the next episode is swinging.
Work. In Cyprus there are not so many places where you can get an IT specialist.
I suppose that during the crisis this will make it even more difficult and companies will prefer to hire locals, but it's worth a try if you have a desire to move here.
At one time, I collected a list of companies where you can try your luck. There he is:
Education. I can’t say anything about the higher - while there was no need to study, I can only write a few words about the initial. The daughter is now finishing 1st grade (we recorded it immediately upon arrival on the island). He goes to a Russian school with in-depth study of English and Greek. English every day, the first lesson. For the summer we plan to give in an English summer camp. She studies well, which makes us very happy. The school is private, paid by the employer. There are 15 people in the class, all classes - one at a time, without letters (1, 2, 3, etc.). Regularly arrange excursions around the island.
The crisis.The crisis on the island is not felt very much - my family (pah, pah) did not feel it. There were layoffs in different organizations, but I would not say that this is a trend. Summer and the influx of tourists will show whether the island will cope this year.
Scrolled up and realized that the post came out quite long. At the same time, he has not yet told much. If you have questions - ask what I can - I will answer. The only thing - I have no right to talk about work in detail (policy).
By the way, many topics have already been disclosed in a personal blog - www.kashukov.com
There was no advertising, there is not and will not be, so this is a stretch for PR (if someone suddenly decided).
For me, a blog is another way of communicating with relatives, friends and relatives, many of whom have remained in Russia.
Those who want to study the history of moving can look in the section "Before Cyprus" or read the posts for November-December 2007 (I just flew away then). I consider the most valuable posts related to the collection of documents.
A few words in the end.
Do not be afraid to dream. Any dream can be turned into a goal and broken down into its components. If, for example, Europe beckons you - look for an employer, learn (but don't learn!) English, take it step by step. And everything will turn out, even during the crisis. I'm sure.
A few words about myself: I have been working as a java programmer in the city of Limassol (which is located in the Greek part of the island) for 1.5 years, I live there with my family.
This story began, in fact, several years ago. Then I was a web developer (php, mysql, etc) and wanted to go abroad. Rather, try to leave while the years allow. He was moving towards the goal systematically: he moved to Moscow, found work related to php (but not the web), worked and studied java in parallel. When I felt that I already had some experience, I began to look for another place of work related to java in order to gain experience in developing commercial applications and free up time that was actively spent on learning the language and everything that was accompanied by it plus searching for a foreign employer.
The search was quite long. I looked at different countries, wrote letters, studied sites, looked for Moscow agencies that could help leave. After several unsuccessful months, I compiled a mini-resume in Russian and published it on the most visited Runet sites dedicated to job search. After some time, I received a letter from a Moscow agency that worked with Cyprus and which suggested an interview. I did not consider Cyprus in the process of remote job search, but at that moment I thought - why not. Further it was a matter of technology. He passed an interview at the agency, then went to Kiev for a second interview (the employer representatives were there at that time and it was a good time to meet and show himself). The second interview was pretty hard; I think I will never forget him. 4 hours strictly in English, which was then very average for me, the last forces were given in the struggle for a brighter future. But in the end he went through and began to draw up his passport for himself and his wife. December 1, 2007 there was a Moscow-Larnaca plane, then a Larnaca-Limassol taxi booked in advance - and now, I’m in a hotel in Cyprus. I will add that the employer took care of all the costs associated with the flight and helped to further pick up the family.
The first month in Cyprus was training, then another 2 months of study in Israel, then return to Cyprus and the arrival of the family, then work, work, work. Now I am in Toronto (Canada) on a two-month business trip, in a couple of weeks there will be a return flight from Toronto-Frankfurt-Larnaca.
Cyprus
I myself like the island, of course. The climate is very good, the water in the sea is clear, sunny almost the whole year. Snow in winter is only in the mountains. Most Cypriots are pretty nice people, sometimes naive, sometimes slow. The atmosphere of leisureliness in everything and after a few months you are already relaxing yourself - where to rush if there are nearby rustling waves and the sun above your head. It is also worth noting that we live 200 meters from the sea. For about a year now I have been running in the evenings along the sea for 7-8 km. Many residents go in for sports, and the climate itself is somehow drawn to recovery.
Another big plus - there is no crime on the island. Rather, it is, but when compared with other countries, we can say that it is not. It strongly disposes and gives confidence in tomorrow. In particular, you are no longer afraid to go to unknown areas at a later time of the day.
Good attitude to Russians. At least I have not experienced any negativity from the local during my entire stay. Many Russians already live on the island (in particular, during a walk you can often meet compatriots). There are Russian shops, there is one Russian radio, a couple of newspapers and a couple of sites on which many Russians living here hang out.
In Limassol, everywhere there are Russian signs attracting Russian tourists, who are fewer in relation to the British and Germans. But Russians often relax “more broadly” and for this reason become attractive customers. It is also worth noting that tourism is the main source of income for Cyprus.
Prices for goods are different, but comparable with Moscow. In something lower, in something higher. The assortment is worse, there are fewer shops and they themselves are smaller in size (although there are several supermarkets). Plus, the work schedule of the shops coincides with the usual work schedule - from 9 to 18, including 2 hours of lunch. On Saturday, they work only until noon, on Sunday they don’t work at all. On Wednesday they work like on Saturday - only until noon. Therefore, for many, the weekend is as follows: on Saturday, supermarkets visit cars, buy food for a week, then either relax or go about their business.
Transport.Tight with public transport, especially in Limassol - there are a couple of bus routes, but they rarely go and the devil knows where, so we can say that there is no public one. 99% of residents get cars. If necessary, have a taxi.
Housing. It is better with housing than in Moscow, although prices are comparable. At the same time, the apartments themselves are considered not in rooms, but in bedrooms (single, two, three, etc.). Not in rooms, because in any apartment there is a hall (even in one-room apartments, called studios). Therefore, a single - it is, in fact, two-room. The hall is mainly used as a hall - sleeping in it is not very convenient.
We rent a double for 500 euros per month plus 50 euros - common expenses (for the elevator, cleaning of the territory, garbage, etc.). But! The apartment itself is 90 square meters. m. and well furnished, air conditioning in the rooms, two toilets. Photos from the inside can be viewed on my personal blog: http://www.kashukov.com/?p=410
Three friends take a three-bedroom for 600 euros with an area of 120 square meters. m. There on one of the verandas you can freely play football.
Another subtle point: there are no particular problems with renting apartments. Some even rent houses. In my case, in general, the owner of the apartment paid the agent for finding me (!). I paid nothing to the agent. After Moscow, it was a shock. Plus, there is no monopoly of agencies for rental housing. But the first shock, of course, was the size of the apartment during its initial inspection.
In addition to rental costs, there are also costs for electricity, water and garbage. Electricity is the most expensive - we pay in different ways, but on average 200-250 euros per two months. Electricity in general for Cyprus is one of the main problems, as is water. There is no central heating on the island as a class (although they say that it is already appearing in new houses) and therefore in winter it is necessary to be heated with air conditioners, which consume noticeably. In summer, air conditioners are used for cooling. Water - about 30-50 euros in two months, garbage - I don’t remember exactly now, something about 70-90 euros every six months. There is no gas supply, in each apartment there is a gas cylinder, which is enough for about a month if you live with your family and whose replacement costs 10 euros. Plus 50 euros per month for ADSL Internet.
Languages(my favorite topic). English is known to 99% of the population and you can live your whole life communicating only in it. But the state language is Greek, and if you want to communicate fully, you need to pull it up. There is also Turkish (in the Turkish part of the island), but we live in Greek and therefore a few months ago we began to master Greek. We go with my wife to municipal courses once a week. I have English every day at work, so there is no problem with this.
About the English I want to write separately. At first, of course, there were big problems. He flew to the island from the upper-intermediate level (as he was evaluated at the interview), but there was not much conversational practice. Two months before departure, I listened to English ESL podcasts, read textbooks, but upon arrival it turned out that this was not all right. In order to know the language, you need to surround yourself with the atmosphere. Eliminate Russian to the maximum and listen, watch, read only in English. Day after day, step by step will lead to the result. To study the language, its features and traditions of the population, but not to learn. Learning without practice is a waste of time.
It’s good when you communicate with carriers. I had to (and have to constantly) talk with the Indians. But not only with them, of course. The poor knowledge of English at first and the strong emphasis of the Indians (who spoke, knows) was a strong blow to self-esteem. But gradually, gradually, it leveled off. Now I understand them 100%. He began with the use of a small vocabulary, but one that he knew for sure. Then he began to expand the times, besides simple, to insert also perfect into conversations, for example, to remember unfamiliar words and try to use them when necessary. Now, after 1.5 years, I already freely watch films in the original. It’s just now that I’m watching the 5th season of “Lost”. While writing this post, the next episode is swinging.
Work. In Cyprus there are not so many places where you can get an IT specialist.
I suppose that during the crisis this will make it even more difficult and companies will prefer to hire locals, but it's worth a try if you have a desire to move here.
At one time, I collected a list of companies where you can try your luck. There he is:
- Amdocs (www.amdocs.com)
- Primetel (www.prime-tel.com)
- CTL (www.ctl.com)
- Asbis (www.asbis.com)
- Edams (www.edams.com)
- ThunderWorx (www.thunderworx.com)
- CYTA (www.cyta.com.cy)
Education. I can’t say anything about the higher - while there was no need to study, I can only write a few words about the initial. The daughter is now finishing 1st grade (we recorded it immediately upon arrival on the island). He goes to a Russian school with in-depth study of English and Greek. English every day, the first lesson. For the summer we plan to give in an English summer camp. She studies well, which makes us very happy. The school is private, paid by the employer. There are 15 people in the class, all classes - one at a time, without letters (1, 2, 3, etc.). Regularly arrange excursions around the island.
The crisis.The crisis on the island is not felt very much - my family (pah, pah) did not feel it. There were layoffs in different organizations, but I would not say that this is a trend. Summer and the influx of tourists will show whether the island will cope this year.
Scrolled up and realized that the post came out quite long. At the same time, he has not yet told much. If you have questions - ask what I can - I will answer. The only thing - I have no right to talk about work in detail (policy).
By the way, many topics have already been disclosed in a personal blog - www.kashukov.com
There was no advertising, there is not and will not be, so this is a stretch for PR (if someone suddenly decided).
For me, a blog is another way of communicating with relatives, friends and relatives, many of whom have remained in Russia.
Those who want to study the history of moving can look in the section "Before Cyprus" or read the posts for November-December 2007 (I just flew away then). I consider the most valuable posts related to the collection of documents.
A few words in the end.
Do not be afraid to dream. Any dream can be turned into a goal and broken down into its components. If, for example, Europe beckons you - look for an employer, learn (but don't learn!) English, take it step by step. And everything will turn out, even during the crisis. I'm sure.
