Shemaine Bushnell Kyriakides
When people talk about the growing U.S. presence in Cyprus, the conversation often turns to big-picture topics—defense programs like Cyclops, humanitarian aid for Gaza, or strategic partnerships. But last Wednesday evening, November 20th, the U.S. Embassy showed another side of its engagement with the island: helping Cypriot families navigate higher education opportunities in the United States.
At the Home for Cooperation in the buffer zone, more than 30 parents and students from both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities gathered for a special event led by the Associate Director of the NCAA, Elizabeth Thompson. During the live session, Ms. Thompson highlighted the exciting opportunities available for Cypriot students who wish to study in the U.S. Organized by U.S. Embassy spokesperson Elaine Paplos, the session was all about showing families that studying in the U.S.—even for those worried about costs—is more achievable than they think.
Making college dreams affordable
For many parents, the idea of sending their kids to an American university can feel like a pipe dream. Let’s face it: U.S. tuition isn’t exactly known for being cheap. But this event introduced a game-changer—sports scholarships through the NCAA.
If you’re not familiar, the NCAA is the governing body for collegiate sports in the U.S., awarding over $3.6 billion in athletic scholarships each year. These scholarships can cover tuition, housing, and other expenses, offering student-athletes a chance to pursue their education while excelling in sports. It’s a unique opportunity to blend athletic talent with academic achievement at some of the world’s top universities.
And there’s growing interest from Cypriot students. According to the **Open Doors Report**, 409 Cypriot students studied in the U.S. last year. That’s slightly down from 413 the year before, but here’s the interesting part: undergraduate numbers are on the rise. Clearly, programs like these are catching the attention of young Cypriots who dream big.
Cyprus: Punching above its weight
Despite its small population, Cyprus leads the EU in sending students to the U.S. on a per-capita basis. With just over 921,000 people, those 409 students represent a significant commitment to education abroad. That’s a point of pride—and an encouraging sign that more families are exploring the benefits of an American education.
The report also revealed another fascinating trend: the number of Americans studying in Cyprus jumped by 8.6% last year, from 359 to 390. These exchanges highlight a growing educational connection between the two nations, making events like this all the more meaningful.
A night of inspiration
The Home for Cooperation was the perfect venue for this bicommunal gathering. Parents and students from both communities had the chance to hear directly from the NCAA about how sports scholarships work, what universities are looking for, and how to get started.
“This made everything seem more achievable,” said one attendee. “We always thought studying in the U.S. was out of our reach, but now we see there’s a path forward.”
After the presentation, guests enjoyed refreshments, mingled with each other, and asked questions. The atmosphere was upbeat and hopeful, with students buzzing about the possibilities and parents reassured that financial obstacles might not be as daunting as they once thought.
Bridging communities, empowering futures
This wasn’t just about education; it was about building bridges. Hosting the event in the buffer zone sent a clear message: opportunities like these are for everyone, regardless of background.
And that’s what makes this type of community outreach so impactful. Beyond the numbers and statistics, it’s about giving young people the tools to dream big and helping parents feel confident in those dreams.
If you missed the event but are interested in learning more about studying in the U.S. and NCAA scholarships, visit the U.S. Embassy pages at:
IG: USEMBASSYCYPRUS
