MIT MISTI Global Teaching Labs in Cyprus brings MIT students to an island where ancient culture meets a booming tech ecosystem. Across two cities and two universities, students help advance one integrated vision: co-creating and delivering a hands-on STEM program that empowers youth, bridges borders, and transforms education.
MISTI Global Teaching Labs offers MIT students a unique opportunity to learn by teaching in Cyprus over IAP. You'll co-create and deliver an engaging STEM curriculum that emphasizes MIT's mens et manus approach, using hands-on activities, experiments, and demonstrations.
Open to MIT juniors and above who are:
Comfortable with Python programming
Familiar with Linux basics, ssh, git, and the command line
Preference will be given to applicants who:
Are familiar with Docker
Have teaching experience
GPA 4.0 or higher
No language or course requirements
Sept: Students apply for the program.
Oct: Pre-selected students are invited to interview shortly after application deadline.
Nov-Dec: Students selected to participate will attend pre-departure trainings.
Jan: Most GTL programs take place during the last three weeks of the month.
Feb: Students attend a mandatory re-entry session upon return.
From the time you're accepted until you arrive in your MISTI country in January, you'll frequently coordinate with in-country partners and attend November training sessions focused on teaching skills, culture, and education.
What we need:
Passion and talent for teaching/mentoring and ability to excite about STEM concepts (prior teaching experience valued but NOT required)
Readiness to commit full-time to the host organization and project during IAP. You will teach for up to 20-25 hours a week, but be ready to spend a lot of time preparing for the next day
Ability to work closely with diverse teams and meld well in collective work and living arrangements
Ability to communicate effectively with beginner-level English speakers is highly valued for select school placements
Program dates: January 4-29, 2027. The first week will be spent on curriculum development and preparation. The remaining time will be divided between the University of Cyprus in Nicosia and Cyprus University of Technology in Limassol. MIT GTL instructors will be expected to teach the same program twice, once at each university.
All students receive a stipend to cover travel and additional expenses.
Students stay in host university dorms.
Two selected MIT students will serve as co-instructors of the program. They will also be paired with local university students, whose roles as teaching assistants or co-instructors will depend on their experience and ambition.
Locations are Nicosia and Limassol.
All instruction is in English.
We plan to place 2 students in Cyprus over IAP 2027.
Students can expect to teach 20 hours/week, with additional time at the host universities for class preparation and non-teaching activities.
Get in touch with Katya Zabrovski, Managing Director, MIT-Eurasia Program | MISTI Armenia | MISTI Lithuania; Lead, Europe, to get your questions answered.
