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Teaching English
One of the most common jobs in North Cyprus for english speakers is teaching English. As North Cyprus aims to attract more foreign students and tourists, the demand for English teachers is high. There are many private language schools and colleges in cities like Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Famagusta that hire native English speakers to teach conversational English, business English, exam prep courses and more.
Teaching English privately is also an option. You can connect with families who want their children to improve their English through one-on-one or small group lessons. Posting on community Facebook groups or putting up flyers at local cafes and markets are effective ways to find students. The pay for private English lessons tends to be a bit higher than working for a school.
Hospitality and Tourism
North Cyprus's economy relies heavily on tourism, so there are ample opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sector. Hotel resorts, restaurants, bars, tour agencies - they all look to hire friendly english speakers who can communicate well with international guests.
Roles like guest relations manager, tour guide, hotel receptionist, waiter/waitress are common jobs in North Cyprus for english speakers in the tourism industry. While the busy summer season from May to October sees an increase in jobs, many establishments now remain open year-round so there are positions available all year as well. The hours can be long during peak season, but the fast-paced environment and chance to interact with people from around the world make it an enjoyable field to work in.
Writing and Content Creation
With experience in writing, editing, social media or marketing, you can offer freelance services to local businesses and organizations. They are always on the lookout for native english speakers who can help them create high-quality web content, brochures, emails, social media posts and more to reach international clients.
Real estate agents also hire copywriters to draft property listings in English. Magazine and blog publishers provide opportunities for freelance writers as well. You can start building your portfolio by reaching out directly to potential clients and networking online on relevant Facebook groups and forums. This allows you to work remotely on a flexible schedule.
Retirement in North Cyprus
An increasing number of foreigners, especially British citizens, are choosing to retire to North Cyprus thanks to the low cost of living and warm climate. While full retirement, jobs in North Cyprus for english speakers may include teaching English part-time, starting a small guesthouse business, working as a real estate agent helping fellow expats find properties, or offering services like gardening or housekeeping.
The pension received from one's home country can go a long way in North Cyprus. Retirees with skills in areas like law, accounting and finance also provide consulting services to local companies from home. Overall, retiring to North Cyprus is an affordable option for english speakers who want to spend their golden years in a relaxed island environment.
Customer Service Roles
International call centers are located in North Cyprus to take advantage of the availability of native and fluent english speakers. They provide telephone and email support to customers of companies based in Western nations.
Roles in technical support, telemarketing, lead generation and more are common jobs in North Cyprus for english speakers in the call center industry. While the work involves sitting at a desk and taking calls for long hours, the environment is usually relaxed. Perks include competitive salaries, transport allowances and occasional performances bonuses. This can be a good job for those new to the country and looking to gain local experience.
Freelancing Online
The digital nomad lifestyle has grown in popularity, and North Cyprus welcomes remote workers with its affordable cost of living and high-speed internet connectivity in major cities. As a native english speaker, you can pursue various kinds of online freelance work from North Cyprus - programming, virtual assistance, online tutoring, transcription services, social media management and more.
This allows complete flexibility to travel while you work. Co-working spaces have also opened up recently where digital nomads can rent desk space, network with others and attend seminars and meetups. With the four-hour time difference to Western Europe and eight hours to North America, it's possible to provide services to clients abroad during their daytime hours.
Healthcare Industry Jobs
While the local healthcare industry remains modest in size, private hospitals and medical practices do hire foreign english speakers periodically. Roles like nursing, radiography, lab technician, pharmacist, physiotherapist and others require English communication skills to cater to international patients from time to time.
English is also used widely among hospital administrative staff for documentation, reporting and collaboration with international partners. Doctors who are licensed to practice in Europe or North America sometimes relocate to North Cyprus as well. Overall, keeping an eye out on job boards of major private hospitals could yield opportunities for healthcare professionals.
Final Thought
There is a variety of jobs in North Cyprus for english speakers across different sectors thanks to the country's focus on education, tourism and outsourcing industries. With the affordable cost of living, you can pursue work you enjoy while living in a relaxed Mediterranean environment. I hope this overview provides useful information and ideas for English speakers interested in exploring career options in North Cyprus. Let me know if you need any other specifics.