>> About Northern Cyprus

Life in Northern Cyprus Map of Cyprus An attractive spot in Mediterranean Sea North Cyprus enjoys picturesque nature, beautiful beaches, and monuments standing in testimony of many different civilizations and cultures that have inhabited the island throughout the history.   Language The official language is Turkish, but English is also widely spoken as a second language.   A Safe Place to Study Crime Rate in North Cyprus is one of the lowest around the World.   Climate North Cyprus enjoys a very pleasant climate, with warm, dry summers and mild winters, and an average of 300 days of sunshine. In August, the hottest month, mean temperatures range from 21°C to 36°C and in the coldest months of January and February, the average temperature is around 10°C, with a winter average of 6 hours daily sunshine and only moderate rain, making it an ideal year-round destination.   Culture Religion The majority of the Turkish Cypriots are Muslims. Cuisine The culture of a place is always reflected in its kitchen, and Northern Cyprus is no exception. North Cyprus cuisine embodies influences from north (South-Eastern Europe), east (Western Asia), south (northern Africa), and west (Mediterranean) resulting in excellent choices from pasta dishes made of dough, raw and cooked vegetables, different types of seafood and meat kebabs, and finally mouth-watering deserts. Eating out is popular amongst locals and the choice of cuisine reflects this. In larger towns, a range of international restaurants also offer dishes from around the world.   Fees and Living Expenses: North Cyprus Universities offer affordable tuition fees and moderate living expenses Estimated average living expenses for international students are 450-600 US dollars per month including accommodation.   Transportation: How to Come to North Cyprus: By Plane Flights to Northern Cyprus are conducted via Turkey.  Students should obtain a transit visa to Turkey from the nearest Turkish Embassy.  However, students located close to Islamabad – Pakistan; Baku – Azerbaijan and Abu-Dhabi – UAE can obtain a clearance document from TRNC Representative that will help to enter TRNC. Also students must have an original copy of the Acceptance Letter issued and send by the university.  Students can do their flight booking as transit passengers from Istanbul.  Providing that students do not leave transit region in Turkey, then no entry visa to Turkey will be required. The final destination of arrival should be Ercan Airport located 10 km away from the capital of Cyprus – Lefkosa (Nicosia). Links: www.thy.com www.kthy.net www.atlasjet.com www.pegasusairlines.com By Boat There is a ferry boat linking between Tasucu and Girne (Kyrenia) during all seasons and a new boat link has been established during the peak season between Alanya, Antalya and Anamur to Girne (Kyrenia). You are advised to reserve your places before departure.   Entry Requirements A valid passport is required for entry to North Cyprus. Transportation from/to campus is provided by Universities. Apart from this, a good inexpensive network of buses and mini-buses operates between all the main towns, in addition there are Dolmush (shared taxis) operating on the same routes. Taxis are widely available.   Electricity: 240 volts Ac. 50 Hz.   Traffic Driving is on the left. Traffic and road signs are international. Maximum speed is 100 km/hr. Vehicles entering North Cyprus must be insured upon arrival.   Banking and Exchange: Currency is the Turkish Lira. Eurocheques, Travelers cheques, Sterling, Dollars and other major currencies may be used or exchanged throughout North Cyprus.   Useful Link for more information about North Cyprus: http://whatson-northcyprus.com http://northcyprus.cc http://www.cypnet.co.uk/ncyprus http://www.trncpresidency.org/

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