I am currently in Cyprus as part of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program, and I already feel that this experience has greatly contributed to both my professional and personal growth. One of the biggest challenges and most unique experiences for me was learning to drive right-hand drive cars, which is completely different from what I was used to. At first, this was incredibly difficult and even frightening: when I first sat behind the wheel of such a car, everything felt strangely unfamiliar. The gear shift was on the other side, the indicators and windshield wipers were reversed, and all my instincts pushed me to do things the way I would at home—which, of course, would have been completely wrong here.
During my first drives, my palms were sweating, and I had to stay extremely focused. Roundabouts seemed especially intimidating, and I often slowed down far too much just to make sure I wouldn’t make a mistake. Before every trip, I would take a deep breath and remind myself: “Stay calm, think through your moves!” Over time, I started driving more and more often, exploring many beautiful parts of the island: narrow mountain roads, small villages, coastal towns, and busy main roads. Gradually, shifting gears and steering became second nature, and now I drive with an ease that feels completely natural, as if I had always driven this way.
My professional experiences have also been incredibly valuable. I’ve had many opportunities to observe how a passenger pickup or a price quotation is handled, and I’ve learned a lot from these situations. At first, I quietly watched how clients were greeted, what details were clarified, and how offers were explained. Later, I began to understand that these situations aren’t just about numbers or logistics—they’re about building connections, showing kindness, and earning trust.
These everyday experiences have taught me to step out of my comfort zone and to see every new situation as a chance to grow. For me, Cyprus is no longer just an island, but a place where every turn, every new encounter, and every lesson learned has made me more confident and experienced.