Being an international student in Cyprus has its advantages and disadvantages, while it does give a lot of helpful things when you are first trying to settle down here, it also poses a lot of challenges that each international student must overcome so they can enjoy their temporary or maybe permanent stay in Cyprus. My personal experience was difficult at first, I met a lot of people but none of them were right for me, but eventually I met a group of friends that helped my stay here feel like home and I think that is very important for any international coming here to study or work.
It is important for each person to have someone to guide them and make the process of settling down easier, and of course it is more difficult for some people more than others but with the right people and the right guidance I think it would be easier for people to find Cyprus as more than just a place where they study. Bridges by Mentors gives people who can provide that guidance a place to spread it and I personally want to help as many people feel at home. Coming from a third world country I know the struggles people and especially children go through and so it would be great if I can give back what I have learned and am still learning from my three years living here and trying to learn as much about the Cypriot culture as possible.
That’s why I think the Bridges by Mentors initiative gives people a chance to give back and gain experience as mentors for their future careers. It also grants people a chance to learn about different cultures, age groups, and struggles going on around the world and educate them about each topic which grants these people especially if they are psychology students a chance to broaden their understanding of people and learn that every person needs a different approach, so I am hoping this mentoring program will make me a better psychologist and mentor.