The thought is daunting. How on earth do you choose a school for your children from the UK with no local knowledge? Following on from my recent blog about education in Cyprus, I’ve had quite a few emails about this. So I’ve spoken to parents I know and they have made several suggestions (all with good feedback) which I have mentioned at the end of this article.
There are 2 options - state and private. State schools are the local schools and are primarily for the Cypriot children - however, I know of many other nationalities that attend. This is by far the quickest way for a child to learn the language and settle into life in Cyprus, but it isn't everyone's choice - many prefer to go the private route.
Private schools are superior and classes are small. It is not unusual for these schools to have waiting lists - which is why I am suggesting that you make sorting out your schooling one of your first priorities before moving over.
Potential pupils have to undergo entrance examinations and parents are interviewed too.
Fees are payable in advance, and vary according to age/school but they are far cheaper than the UK. School uniforms, books, activities and private lessons are all extra – remember - these do mount up.
Unfortunately, I can’t give an individual college or school a personal recommendation, but here is a list of popular private schools in Cyprus you may like to search on the internet:
St John’s School (this is not just for the military)
The American Academy
Pascal English School
Foley's Grammar and Junior School
The International School of Paphos (search under Paphos International School)
The Heritage Private School
You may also want to try www.cyprus.gov.cy where you will find a huge amount of really useful information – remember to click the button for “English” which you will find in the top right hand corner; it’s a bit small and easy to miss.
Good luck with your search!
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Cyprusbuyingguide.com
Thursday 24 February 2011
Thursday 17 February 2011
When is the best time to ski in Cyprus?
In the magical Troodos Mountains the snow is falling. The scenery is stunning and there’s not a cloud in the bright blue sky. During the winter season, the sheer pleasure of waking up to glistening snow, alpine villages and glorious mountains is something you really shouldn’t miss. But when do you go?
Anytime during the year is fabulous, but traditionally, the ski-season is between mid-December and March. The best time is usually January and February when typically, there is enough snow to go downhill skiing or snowboarding. Here’s a top tip though. Watch out for weekends and public holidays – these are very busy, as they are the most popular time for Cypriots to visit and hundreds turn up. You will find that during the week when most people are at work, the slopes are much quieter.
The Troodos Mountains are spread over most of the southern half of Cyprus. Right in the centre, you will find Mount Olympus, which is the highest peak at 1952m. It’s easy to spot. Just look for the structures that look like huge golf balls.
In 1960, the Cyprus Ski Club developed and now has a ski Federation too. There are four regional clubs, and they all compete in various skiing competitions.
Don’t miss visiting the Troodos Ski Centre run by The Cyprus Ski Club. It doesn’t have the grand facilities you will find in Austria, Italy or Canada, but the excellent hospitality makes up for that. The Cyprus Ski Federation also uses these facilities for training their ski racing teams - so you never know; you could see some of the experts practicing while you are there. And as Cyprus has competed in the World Championships and the Olympics, there’s every possibility you could see more than one famous face from the world of skiing on the slopes.
If you’ve never been skiing before, don’t worry. Everyone has to start somewhere. The beginners’ slopes are located in the centre, which is known as Sun Valley. If you don’t feel that adventurous, you can hire a sleigh for just 5 euros a day. At Sun Valley, you will also find a traditional cafeteria where you can enjoy steaming hot cups of chocolate, scrumptious pancakes and all sorts of other tasty things to warm you up.
If you don’t have any equipment of your own, this is also where you can rent whatever you need. But be warned. If you are going at the weekend, make sure you get there early – because rental equipment goes very quickly. Ski equipment rental for adults for the day is 16 euros, for the afternoon only, 12 euros. For children it is 13 euros for the day, 9 euros for the afternoon only. Cross country ski boots are 8 euros a day, snowboard boots are 20 euros a day. A pass for the whole season for members is 180 euros.
By the way, if you are here on holiday, the ski club does accept tourists as temporary members.
Lessons are available for everyone. You can be taught in groups, or individually. Group lessons come in two sections, 5-12 years then 13 years and over. If groups don’t appeal to you, then you can be taught privately. The cost of skiing - whether you are buying a day’s ski pass or just an hour’s private tuition - is incredibly cheap compared to the prices at other international resorts.
To give you an idea, winter 2010/11 rates for a full day pass including VAT are just 23 euros, and an afternoon pass (from 13.00 hours onwards) just 16 euros. What’s more, if you are already a member of the Ski Club, you are entitled to a further 25% discount.
The cost of ski lessons do vary, but are still incredibly good value for money. So, if you’d like to book a lesson, you can contact the Cyprus Ski School on (00 357) 9951659, Ski School Olympus on 99428116 or 25720309 or the Troodos Ski School on 99443450 or 99631452. They will all be pleased to help you.
See you on the slopes soon!
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Cyprusbuyingguide.com
Anytime during the year is fabulous, but traditionally, the ski-season is between mid-December and March. The best time is usually January and February when typically, there is enough snow to go downhill skiing or snowboarding. Here’s a top tip though. Watch out for weekends and public holidays – these are very busy, as they are the most popular time for Cypriots to visit and hundreds turn up. You will find that during the week when most people are at work, the slopes are much quieter.
The Troodos Mountains are spread over most of the southern half of Cyprus. Right in the centre, you will find Mount Olympus, which is the highest peak at 1952m. It’s easy to spot. Just look for the structures that look like huge golf balls.
In 1960, the Cyprus Ski Club developed and now has a ski Federation too. There are four regional clubs, and they all compete in various skiing competitions.
Don’t miss visiting the Troodos Ski Centre run by The Cyprus Ski Club. It doesn’t have the grand facilities you will find in Austria, Italy or Canada, but the excellent hospitality makes up for that. The Cyprus Ski Federation also uses these facilities for training their ski racing teams - so you never know; you could see some of the experts practicing while you are there. And as Cyprus has competed in the World Championships and the Olympics, there’s every possibility you could see more than one famous face from the world of skiing on the slopes.
If you’ve never been skiing before, don’t worry. Everyone has to start somewhere. The beginners’ slopes are located in the centre, which is known as Sun Valley. If you don’t feel that adventurous, you can hire a sleigh for just 5 euros a day. At Sun Valley, you will also find a traditional cafeteria where you can enjoy steaming hot cups of chocolate, scrumptious pancakes and all sorts of other tasty things to warm you up.
If you don’t have any equipment of your own, this is also where you can rent whatever you need. But be warned. If you are going at the weekend, make sure you get there early – because rental equipment goes very quickly. Ski equipment rental for adults for the day is 16 euros, for the afternoon only, 12 euros. For children it is 13 euros for the day, 9 euros for the afternoon only. Cross country ski boots are 8 euros a day, snowboard boots are 20 euros a day. A pass for the whole season for members is 180 euros.
By the way, if you are here on holiday, the ski club does accept tourists as temporary members.
Lessons are available for everyone. You can be taught in groups, or individually. Group lessons come in two sections, 5-12 years then 13 years and over. If groups don’t appeal to you, then you can be taught privately. The cost of skiing - whether you are buying a day’s ski pass or just an hour’s private tuition - is incredibly cheap compared to the prices at other international resorts.
To give you an idea, winter 2010/11 rates for a full day pass including VAT are just 23 euros, and an afternoon pass (from 13.00 hours onwards) just 16 euros. What’s more, if you are already a member of the Ski Club, you are entitled to a further 25% discount.
The cost of ski lessons do vary, but are still incredibly good value for money. So, if you’d like to book a lesson, you can contact the Cyprus Ski School on (00 357) 9951659, Ski School Olympus on 99428116 or 25720309 or the Troodos Ski School on 99443450 or 99631452. They will all be pleased to help you.
See you on the slopes soon!
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Cyprusbuyingguide.com
Wednesday 9 February 2011
Important information about schools in Cyprus
Due to the way the education system works over here, if you are moving to Cyprus with children, it is very important to arrange their schooling before you arrive. If you are a parent, you need to find the school first because there are often waiting lists. You should also be aware that at private schools, both parents and children are carefully interviewed for suitability. At these particular schools, potential pupils will also need to undergo entrance examinations, which they must pass in order to gain admittance.
Right, now let me tell you more.
Education is mainly free at Greek state schools - but is compulsory. If you have children who don’t speak Greek yet, special lessons will be given to them to make integrating easier. By the way, foreign children are actively encouraged to join state schools.
Attendance at all schools in Cyprus, whether private or state, is required on five days of the week – Monday to Friday. A school year in Cyprus is divided into just three terms of three months. Classes tend to be small in numbers.
Education is provided free of charge at state schools as follows:
1. For primary education, for children who are aged between five years and eight months and 11 years and eight months. There is, however, a condition for enrolment into primary state schools. As a parent, you must provide proof of pre-school attendance for your child for the 12 months from four years and eight months to five years and eight months.
2. For lower secondary education, for children aged between 11 years and eight months and 15 years of age. Children are admitted to lower secondary education on age, but they must be in possession of a primary school leaving certificate.
3. For upper secondary education for children aged between 15 and 18 years of age. Any children who want training for a technical occupation are able to attend a technical school, where the diplomas are equivalent to upper secondary education.
In Cyprus, there are currently 188 private nurseries, 26 private primary and 31 private secondary schools operating with Ministry of Education and Culture approval. You can call them on (00 357) 22 800 600 for further information.
Let’s move on to fees so you can get an idea of costs. For pre-school children, at private nursery school, you will need to budget approximately €1500-€3000 per child, per year. For older children, private school fees range between €4500 and €6500 per pupil, per year.
Fees do vary from school to school and the more popular the school, generally the more expensive the fees. Remember you also need to budget for after school activities, school uniforms, books, additional private lessons (which are very common in Cyprus) and the one to watch out for – examination fees. These can be quite hefty and if a re-take is necessary, a further fee is payable.
My best advice is to always visit several schools before you make your final decision. Good schools will allow your child to attend for a day to see if they like it. Oh, and make sure you get a written contract showing what your fees cover and then there are no nasty surprises!
Finally, if you do decide to go the private route for education, and you are paying your fees from the UK, don’t move the money over using a bank as you could unknowingly lose hundreds of pounds in the process. Why not try Smart Currency Exchange? That’s who I use – www.SmartCurrencyExchange.com – they move money all over the world in numerous different currencies - and I guarantee you will get a far better exchange than the bank!
Have fun finding your schools, if you need any further information, remember to email me.
Until next week
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Cyprusbuyingguide.com
Right, now let me tell you more.
Education is mainly free at Greek state schools - but is compulsory. If you have children who don’t speak Greek yet, special lessons will be given to them to make integrating easier. By the way, foreign children are actively encouraged to join state schools.
Attendance at all schools in Cyprus, whether private or state, is required on five days of the week – Monday to Friday. A school year in Cyprus is divided into just three terms of three months. Classes tend to be small in numbers.
Education is provided free of charge at state schools as follows:
1. For primary education, for children who are aged between five years and eight months and 11 years and eight months. There is, however, a condition for enrolment into primary state schools. As a parent, you must provide proof of pre-school attendance for your child for the 12 months from four years and eight months to five years and eight months.
2. For lower secondary education, for children aged between 11 years and eight months and 15 years of age. Children are admitted to lower secondary education on age, but they must be in possession of a primary school leaving certificate.
3. For upper secondary education for children aged between 15 and 18 years of age. Any children who want training for a technical occupation are able to attend a technical school, where the diplomas are equivalent to upper secondary education.
In Cyprus, there are currently 188 private nurseries, 26 private primary and 31 private secondary schools operating with Ministry of Education and Culture approval. You can call them on (00 357) 22 800 600 for further information.
Let’s move on to fees so you can get an idea of costs. For pre-school children, at private nursery school, you will need to budget approximately €1500-€3000 per child, per year. For older children, private school fees range between €4500 and €6500 per pupil, per year.
Fees do vary from school to school and the more popular the school, generally the more expensive the fees. Remember you also need to budget for after school activities, school uniforms, books, additional private lessons (which are very common in Cyprus) and the one to watch out for – examination fees. These can be quite hefty and if a re-take is necessary, a further fee is payable.
My best advice is to always visit several schools before you make your final decision. Good schools will allow your child to attend for a day to see if they like it. Oh, and make sure you get a written contract showing what your fees cover and then there are no nasty surprises!
Finally, if you do decide to go the private route for education, and you are paying your fees from the UK, don’t move the money over using a bank as you could unknowingly lose hundreds of pounds in the process. Why not try Smart Currency Exchange? That’s who I use – www.SmartCurrencyExchange.com – they move money all over the world in numerous different currencies - and I guarantee you will get a far better exchange than the bank!
Have fun finding your schools, if you need any further information, remember to email me.
Until next week
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Cyprusbuyingguide.com
Thursday 3 February 2011
Are you switched on?
Watch out for a major change in July this year. Yes folks, this is the month that Cyprus will cease to broadcast analogue television channels. So what do you do? First of all, don’t believe all the rumours that are circulating – and there are many. Do you really need to buy a new television? Do you really need to buy a new aerial? Help!
Well don’t panic. It is true that if you have an old analogue television, you will not be able to receive television programmes without making any changes at all.
But the biggest scam at the moment – and one you should watch out for - is over aerials. There is a lot of confusion. The truth of the matter is, that if you have already have a perfectly good television aerial that is working, then the chances are you do not need to buy a new one.
Don’t be taken in by fearful sales tactics, because you could end up spending a small fortune for something you already have.
And watch out for this one too.
If you are persuaded to buy a top box which will, in all fairness, enable you to receive a digital signal and convert it so you can view television programmes, you will not be able to see any programmes in high definition. And as high definition is the way forward, it doesn’t seem to make any sense to do this …
The perfect solution is to buy a new high definition television set which already has a built in digital receiver and a built in digibox. Research these on the internet first and double-check forums, they are full of useful information that may help you.
Although buying a new TV does mean you incurring more expense - amongst other advantages - the picture quality will be much better than you would have received before.
By the time July comes, I’m told all the necessary transponders should be place. In fact, in most of the larger towns, digital signals are already being transmitted, so if your television is quite new, and has an auto scan facility, you may already be able to tune in.
Why not give it a try?
Until next week
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Cyprusbuyingguide.com
Well don’t panic. It is true that if you have an old analogue television, you will not be able to receive television programmes without making any changes at all.
But the biggest scam at the moment – and one you should watch out for - is over aerials. There is a lot of confusion. The truth of the matter is, that if you have already have a perfectly good television aerial that is working, then the chances are you do not need to buy a new one.
Don’t be taken in by fearful sales tactics, because you could end up spending a small fortune for something you already have.
And watch out for this one too.
If you are persuaded to buy a top box which will, in all fairness, enable you to receive a digital signal and convert it so you can view television programmes, you will not be able to see any programmes in high definition. And as high definition is the way forward, it doesn’t seem to make any sense to do this …
The perfect solution is to buy a new high definition television set which already has a built in digital receiver and a built in digibox. Research these on the internet first and double-check forums, they are full of useful information that may help you.
Although buying a new TV does mean you incurring more expense - amongst other advantages - the picture quality will be much better than you would have received before.
By the time July comes, I’m told all the necessary transponders should be place. In fact, in most of the larger towns, digital signals are already being transmitted, so if your television is quite new, and has an auto scan facility, you may already be able to tune in.
Why not give it a try?
Until next week
Best wishes
Jackie
The Overseas Guides Company
http://www.Cyprusbuyingguide.com
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