People who learn foreign languages benefit as follows:

• They improve their communication and interpersonal skills in the language they are learning
• They broaden their cultural horizons
• They gain confidence
• They gain independence and autonomy
• They strengthen their social skills
• They acquire critical thinking
• They develop their listening comprehension and oral language skills
• They gain a deeper and more extensive understanding of the language
• They develop the educational virtue of patience and perseverance
• They gain a greater understanding of the learning process
• They take more responsibility for their own education throughout their life
• Languages ​​provide a combination of skills and attributes that are useful on a professional, personal, and social level 

How is a language learned?

Languages ​​are best learned when used in authentic communication situations or in situations that are close to authentic.

Multiple media are used in the language learning process, such as:

• Video and other audiovisual media
• Books, newspapers, magazines, authentic material
• Computer software, interactive CD-ROMs
• Internet resources and material
• Modern language classrooms equipped with modern technologies and multimedia
• Educational visits to places where foreign languages ​​are spoken
• Communication with native speakers of the language
• Student exchange programs

Germany is a major economic power in the world market. Companies such as Mercedes, Porsche, Adidas, Audi, BMW, DHL, and VW are some of the hundreds of well-known German companies in the world. In addition, the German language is spoken by more than 124 million people as a first language worldwide, with 102 million in Europe alone. It is the second most popular foreign language after English in Western Europe and the most popular foreign language in Eastern Europe. In addition, knowledge of German in applied engineering, anatomy, biology, botany, chemistry, tourism, design, physics, and many other fields is considered a great advantage in the workplace. For example, Microsoft uses German and Japanese as experimental languages ​​for its new products. German is also useful in the Cyprus tourism industry. Finally, it is a common misconception that German is very difficult to learn. German, like English, are Germanic languages ​​and share many similarities. Therefore, having knowledge of the German language is part of a good preparation for a successful future in a competitive world.

The English language has a global status (David Crystal, 1997) and the role it plays is recognised in every country.

English is used as a lingua franca. It is the most important language of communication with people from other countries living in Cyprus as well as with tourists who visit Cyprus in large numbers (Ministry of Education and Culture, 2003-05, p.16).

The English language provides students with access to knowledge (the Internet, literature, magazines, newspapers, etc.) and entertainment (films, music, media, etc.), and gives them the opportunity to communicate with people abroad (electronic mail, participation in conferences, etc.), to travel (student exchange programs, holidays, etc.), and even to continue their studies on a postgraduate level.

Finally, English also has a very important place in the professional field. It is a fact that a high level of communication in the English language is required to work in the public sector and the educational sector in Cyprus. English is often also a necessary qualification in the private sector (Ministry of Education and Culture, 2004).

French is a language which is spoken on all 5 continents (about 200 million have French as their mother tongue and about 300 million as a second or foreign language).

Knowledge of the French language is a valuable tool in the hands of students who will be called upon to meet the demands of the modern competitive labor market where French is the 2nd international language and working language of the Council of Europe along with English. The work institutions of the European Union, where decisions are made, are located in French-speaking cities: Brussels, Strasbourg and Luxembourg.

For some governmental positions in Cyprus, French is one of the three foreign languages ​​that candidates are required to know. It is also one of the three main languages ​​used in the tourism industry. Large French companies establish economic relations with Cypriot ones in the fields of commerce, banking, cosmetics, food, offering great professional prospects to young Cypriots who speak the French language (Société Générale, Renault, Peugeot, Citroën, Carrefour, Danone, Dassault, Leroy Merlin etc.).

Because of France's high scientific and technological level (telecommunications, aerospace, sending and installing TV satellites, Mirage, Rafale, Concorde, Airbus planes, the fastest train in the world TGV, medical research in Institutes such as Pasteur, nanotechnology, biotechnology, new information technologies, etc.), many prefer it for higher specialised studies. It is one of the eight most powerful countries in the world; first in the perfume and cosmetics industry, fourth in train construction, in aeronautics and in car production.

Having knowledge of French makes it possible to study in prestigious universities (Belgium, France, Switzerland, Canada). In France, tertiary education is free with funded accommodation and food.

Sources: 

International Organization of Francophonie, European Commission, Cyprus Tourism Organisation, Ministry of Education and Culture, Examination Service, Public Service Commission, French Institute of Athens-Thessaloniki-Cyprus, Panhellenic Association of French Language and Literature Teachers, Pan-Cypriot Association of French Language Teachers.

Italy is renowned worldwide for its visual arts, cuisine, music, theatre and cinema, literature, fashion, culture, and lifestyle.

The Italian language is essential for getting to know and understanding the Italian culture. By learning Italian, students can continue their studies in Italy, choosing between the many existing universities, postgraduate programs, and seminars. 

The Italian language is also important due to the continuous development of relations between Cyprus and Italy mainly in the field of industry and commerce.

The Italian language stems from the Latin language. It is an official language in Italy, Switzerland, San Marino, and the Vatican and is spoken by 70 million people worldwide. It is also an official language of the European Union.

 If you still have doubts about learning Russian, here are some reasons that we think can help you reach the final decision.

The Russian language is a very rich and beautiful language which has many similarities with Greek, especially in the structure of grammar and syntax, which makes it easier for Greek students to learn Russian.

Russia and Hellenism are united by having common religion and history.

New economic and political developments created the need for daily language contacts with the Russian-speaking public. Thus, with its undisputed authority, knowledge of the Russian language is now considered essential for conducting commercial activities and fulfilling professional obligations. Plus, it provides students with the advantage of more job opportunities in an expanded commercial market.

More and more Russians choose Cyprus as a tourist destination and as a permanent residence.

The Russian language is the fifth most spoken language in the world. Over 260,000 million people speak Russian worldwide.

According to the European Union's "Euro barometer" survey, in the countries of Western, Eastern and Central Europe, the Russian language is the main language of communication among the 34% of the inhabitants of these states.

Knowledge of the Russian language is necessary for admission to Russian universities, and as it is known, Russian universities consistently maintain the first positions worldwide in the quality of education in all specialties.

Russian Language Levels & Diplomas

Language levels are determined according to the guidelines of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​as follows:

A1 (ТЕУ) - Elementary (Basic user)

A2 (ТБУ) – Basic (Basic user)

B1 (ТРКИ -1) – 1st certificate (Independent user)

 B2 (ТРКИ -2) – 2nd certificate (Independent user) 

 C1 (ТРКИ -3) – 3rd certificate (Proficient user)

 C2 (ТРКИ-4) – 4th certificate (Proficient user)  

Diplomas in Russian as a Foreign Language are considered evidence for sufficient knowledge of Russian for any professional or educational activity in which the equivalent knowledge is required.