Relocating to North Cyprus

4ofus


Joined: 27/12/2011
Posts: 9

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 13:05

Hi,



We are moving to TRNC in August with our 2 small children. Just wondered how many young ex pats are about with young family?

I dont mean to be rude or upset anyone just wanted to know how easy it will be to make friends.

walkerscott


Joined: 13/08/2009
Posts: 901

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 13:21

It's easy to make contact with people if that's what you would like. A car is a necessity though.

http://northcyprusfreepress.com/2009/11/21/how-much-does-it-cost-to-live-in-north-cyprus/

http://no-deeds-no-money.moonfruit.com/#/trnc-news/4544168069

matula


Joined: 07/07/2008
Posts: 647

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 16:57

No place for anyone with a young family. Easy enough to make friends but they tend to congregate in bars!

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 18:02

Msg 3,

Nothing like a positive post to help a new member, there are quite a few people who are not your archetype p***s artiste.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 18:16

@ msg 4, paddywack: If this in post nr 3 is NOT true: "Easy enough to make friends but they tend to congregate in bars!" - then what do they do outside the bars? I think Matula in post nr. 3 hits the nail on the head.

paddywack


Joined: 04/05/2009
Posts: 959

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 18:22

Disagree Hans, member has a young family, do not think he would be interested in bars or what goes on outside afterwards.

lotech


Joined: 22/12/2009
Posts: 295

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 18:49

My opinion is that it is a much better and safer place than the U.K. to bring up kids.

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 19:01

@ msg 7, lotech: (...) My opinion is that it is a much better and safer place than the U.K. to bring up kids. (...)

▶ I'm afraid you meant to write Western Europe instead of "UK"..?

Riddles


Joined: 26/04/2011
Posts: 429

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 19:15

Probably, if you disregard TRNC's road-accident-data ....

Lambousa Gordon


Joined: 03/11/2007
Posts: 1992

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 19:21

4ofus,



Don't worry.

Those that are able to congregate in bars might do so. Many do and many don't.

There are also plenty of others who, like you, are parents of young children and have better things to be doing

chriswife


Joined: 30/03/2011
Posts: 449

Message Posted:
27/12/2011 21:24

see my come see try thread

4ofus


Joined: 27/12/2011
Posts: 9

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 10:17

Safer to bring young family up in the UK? Have you seen the news? Cant even go shoppinng without someone being stabbed to death in broad daylight.



I appreciate your comments and opinions but i dont see why people are so negative. If its so bad why do you live there?



We have been coming to TNRC for years as my husbands family live there and have done so for 37 years. Maybe i should have mentioned that but i wanted opinions of people who may have recently moved with a young family.



Sorry for not explaining properly.

MsGarnet


Joined: 04/01/2009
Posts: 989

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 10:40

This is not meant disrespectfully; I would have thought if you have been "coming to TRNC for years as my husband's family live there and have done so for 37 years" that you don't have a very good idea of what TRNC is like, gleaned from your own observations and the views of people who have lived there for almost four decades...

4ofus


Joined: 27/12/2011
Posts: 9

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 10:48

Things have changed since they moved there so wanted some opinions of people who have recently moved. Coming on a holiday for a few weeks a year and living there are completly different.



I dont see why people comment if its not going to help us. I truely thought it was a simple question. There is no need for the 'disrespectful' comments.

Salamisboy


Joined: 20/03/2011
Posts: 54

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 11:17

A decision not tobe undertaken lightly. You have the future of your children to consider in addition to your own.



Your financial position is paramount but if , as is the normal case, your children will be required to earn their own living when the time comes then you need to ensure that their education allows them to be fluent in both spoken and written Turkish. Playtimes and friendships with trnc children is essential and may not be so easy living in an ex-pat community unless you yourselves are prepared to make the effort to encourage it.



All the best.



Sb.

pollymarples


Joined: 08/08/2010
Posts: 1778

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 11:28

Consider please very carefully. You will need to pay for your children's education, all of you will need to pay for medical care If you need jobs, they are not always easily come by and if you work illegally you risk deportaton. The pay is very low but your outgoings will not be.

walkerscott


Joined: 13/08/2009
Posts: 901

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 12:23

Understanding that people are driven by innumerable motivations can help you learn to see their actions as a product of their inner selves rather than taking their behaviour personally. Not taking people's words and actions personally frees you from the need to react to them. You no longer have to perceive any negativity on their part as ill treatment, nor do you have to see their responses to you as a reflection of whether or not you said or did something wrong. Other people's behavior and reactions cease to be a benchmark of your worth. When you choose not to take the words and actions of others personally, you can feel positive even when surrounded by perceived negativity.

Visiting North Cyprus on a regular basis is completely different than relocating!

Stay grounded my friends.

blondie35


Joined: 23/10/2008
Posts: 37

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 12:43

Hey 4ofus, I moved here nearly two year's ago after coming out here on holiday for over ten year's, It is very different living here to coming on holiday??? but if you are willing to make friend's with all type's of people you will either love it or hate it????? It is difficult meeting younger people most of my younger girlfriend's are either Turkish or Turkish Cypriot, which is great becaues they help me to learn Turkish??? However we do not have a young family????? so I am unable to comment on that?? It may help you to know that two of my good English girlfriend's have both recently returnd to the UK because of their children's Educational need's!!!!! Any way I say if you dont give it a go you will never know, and as long as you have a base in the UK you can alway's go back if it you decide you dont like it here??? I just LOVE it here it was the best move ever.

Best Wishes

Senay

mark&beck



Joined: 08/01/2009
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 12:44

We moved over 3 years ago with 2 children and its the best decision we ever made, the kids are very happy in school and have lots of friends.



I belive it's a great place to live and bring up children.

Jonesy299


Joined: 07/02/2009
Posts: 367

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 12:48

4ofUs - I think it would help this thread responses if you briefly explained your motivation or circumstances driving a move to TRNC. We may be able to dismiss some myths or provide you with more constructive advice (before other members start 'spinning off thread').



My gut feeling is that there is much more opportunity and support for your young family in UK than here but would need to know your reasons behind move to provide a more substantive response .

bigOz


Joined: 29/09/2010
Posts: 1244

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 13:10

4ofus;

You are expecting people to give you advice on living here without disclosing much about your financial and social position

Is your husbans a Turkish Cypriot - his family has been living here for 37 years it points out to 1974 settler

Will he do his military service? If so, does that mean you living with his family, clearly a major factoron allowing you the freedom of making expat friends

Can you afford a full time or at least a part time care taker? Dificult to go out & make friends with young kids at home

Where do you plan on living? In one of the main towns? Not as easy to make English friends in Lefkoşa or Güzelyurt, as it would be in Girne & suburbs for example

By it's very nature, Cyprus has very friendly native people and a safe environment. But both the friendliness/kindness & safety have been comprimised over the years, due to high concentrations of foreign immigrants in some areas

Are you after expat friends or are you prepared to have Cypriot people as suc

bigOz


Joined: 29/09/2010
Posts: 1244

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 13:13

Oh! by the way - I forgot the most important question!

Will you be taking Turkish lessons from me?

4ofus


Joined: 27/12/2011
Posts: 9

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 13:22

My husband is half turkish cypriot. He has already completed his National Service so no worries there.



Mark & Becky can i ask what school your children attend?



As for our children finding jobs. Our daughter are 2 and 7 months so i think its a long time off.

Becky123


Joined: 01/06/2011
Posts: 144

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 14:07

Hi Nicky



Me and my husband moved out this Aug from UK, with our girls who are 4 and 7. We relocated due to my husband getting a teaching post here. We are really enjoying it so far and have found most people to be friendly and helpful. In fact I have to say that the twice we have felt uncomfortable is when we visited two bars that were full of expats and have not been back since. We are making friends and have met others with young children. It has not always been easy - especially having two accidents in the car over the last month (neither my fault of course) but despite that i feel safe, our children are enjoying it and I believe the experience is what you make of it. I think with your children being younger you will be able to meet other families much easier - as you can join toddler/ baby groups etc. I think the key is to not isolate yourself and get involved in what you can locally. Hope that helps - feel free to email me off forum - rebecca_shaw@sky.com.



Becky x

StGeorgeI


Joined: 27/08/2009
Posts: 973

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 14:14

Hi,



I have been living here for 10 years or so and I have a young family (we are in our 30's). Email me and I will happily give you some advice. If you want to meet up when you come over that's cool as well.



Cheers,

G

4ofus


Joined: 27/12/2011
Posts: 9

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 14:18

At last, some positive posts!!



Thank you. Will be in touch later today.

walkerscott


Joined: 13/08/2009
Posts: 901

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 14:53

it all hinges on whether you are able to sustain yourselves financially. If you are not teachers, and have no financial security / nest egg, then it will be difficult anyway.

carolhm


Joined: 05/10/2011
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 16:29

Good luck I hope it all goes well for you and your family . We moved out here in september and love it . We dont have young children but if we could afford to bring my daughter out with her 2 youngsters then I would .

I dont think its safe any where in the UK and the crime rate is so low over here .

mark&beck



Joined: 08/01/2009
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 18:53

Hi 4ofus



They are in The English School of Kyrenia and both are doing very well and enjoy there schooling.



Feel free to email of board.

burliz


Joined: 05/07/2010
Posts: 24

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 19:04

There are some really lovely families here with very young children. You will make some great friends. I am a child minder here and the kiddies I have met have full and happy lives , mums seem to be far less stressed as well !. Come to Cyprus and enjoy the experience.

burliz


Joined: 05/07/2010
Posts: 24

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 19:06

There are some really lovely families here with very young children. You will make some great friends. I am a child minder here and the kiddies I have met have full and happy lives , mums seem to be far less stressed as well !. Come to Cyprus and enjoy the experience.

4ofus


Joined: 27/12/2011
Posts: 9

Message Posted:
28/12/2011 20:30

Mark & Beck,



Our daughter is due to start ESK in September just after her 3rd birthday.

I'm glad you say they are happy. We were impressed with the school when we visited and our daughter did'nt want to leave!!

Can i ask where you live and how long it takes you to get to school?

StGeorgeI


Joined: 27/08/2009
Posts: 973

Message Posted:
29/12/2011 10:17

Save your money! The state schools here are excellent, especially for young children. They will learn Turkish much quicker so, presuming they currently learn English at home, they will be fluent in both languages. they will have local friends in YOUR area and they will still have English friends from your own social network.



Both my wife and I are English, and sending our son to local school was without doubt the BEST thing we did. Your children are at the perfect age to do this, much harder if they are already 7-8 years old.



This is obviously just my opinion, and I'm not knocking anyone that chooses private schools, but the benefits for a child of just 3 years old being fluent in 2 languages are huge. Especially if one of their parents is Turkish Cypriot and you plan to spend many years here.



Anyway, good luck with your plans - hope you love NC as much as we do



G

bigOz


Joined: 29/09/2010
Posts: 1244

Message Posted:
29/12/2011 13:35

I agree with StGeorge;

Most private schools here are a waste of time in terms of value for money. If your children are very young - i.e. younger than 8 years old, then state schools and nurseries would be your best bet. They will learn both Turkish and English and will have an advantage in terms of chooseing where to study at later stages. There is nothing a private institution teaches that would not be taught at state schools.

If you express which area you would be living (in terms of nearest town), I might be able to recommend the nearest nursery or primary school available in that area

bazzagirl


Joined: 09/05/2010
Posts: 525

Message Posted:
29/12/2011 14:19

Good Luck

4ofus


Joined: 27/12/2011
Posts: 9

Message Posted:
29/12/2011 14:24

When we come over we will be living in Nicosia till we find our rental place.

Thanks for the advice and opinions.

mark&beck



Joined: 08/01/2009
Posts: 303

Message Posted:
29/12/2011 16:22

Hi 4ofus,



We live in Ozankoy, which is very close to the school, we sometimes walk in the summer months, but its about a 5-10 minute max drive.



If you need a chat regarding anything, call Becky on 05338237117. As this is Mark and i'm out the country until next week but she'll love to assist you ( I will fore warn her )



Mark

DutchCrusader



Joined: 19/05/2008
Posts: 11281

Message Posted:
29/12/2011 17:06

@ msg 33, StGeorgeI (...) the benefits for a child of just 3 years old being fluent in 2 languages are huge. (...)

▶ Do your children a lifelong favour: stimulate them to learn as MANY languages as possible. It's a big advantage in life.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
29/12/2011 18:00

"we love it here" ( KL that is..........)

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
29/12/2011 18:21

DC, Enoch Powell spoke 14 languages,,and look where it got him...

ozankoymum


Joined: 10/01/2009
Posts: 359

Message Posted:
30/12/2011 07:34

Hello, its great you are seaking advice on a big move like this from people who have previously done it who are in a similar situation to you.



In general the people we have met who seem to be happy here are the ones who come and rent to start with and the ones who have do not have to rely on making a living here in TRNC.



If you have ticked those 2 boxes, are married and fullfill all other residency requirements life is pretty simple. Its an interesting time and you will come across some interesting people.



Its a beautiful place to live but no doubt you will go through your ups and downs with the place, we did but it certainly has been worth it, with 2 extremely happy well balanced kids who have a wide range of friends from all over the world.



Good luck and hope everything works out for you, as my husband said (mark&beck) feel free to email or call for any specific advice ie:importing goods or cars, house rental, different areas, schools (local and private) etc.

4ofus


Joined: 27/12/2011
Posts: 9

Message Posted:
30/12/2011 12:55

Thanks for your reply.



We have lots to do before we come and hopefully can try and come over for a week in a few months to get the ball rolling.