Foreign students in Northern Cyprus: False promises and disillusion
With nearly 50,000 foreign students, mainly from Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent, education has become a lucrative business in Northern Cyprus. According to authorities, it generates a third of GDP – more than tourism. In order to recruit students, universities employ so-called agents, often former students themselves. They are paid a commission – up to $800 per student – for each person they sign up. But this system leads to problematic behaviour, particularly on the part of African agents.
