......................
Truth be told, I think those faculty members are right. As someone on the other side of that situation than you: I am helpful, I use English with the foreign classmates, or when they are around. But I feel a bit like your professors. The people refusing to learn the local language of the country they've chosen to stay for 6 years in, they really give the impression: "I am here just because I failed to get to a better country and don't care about this one at all. But sure, I'll profit from it in any way I can". Sorry to say it rather bluntly and to not be on your side. But answer it yourself: would you act the same way, if you were not on Cyprus but in a more prestigious country like the Switzerland?
But I love your solution and welcoming foreign professors so beautifully and profiting from the practice opportunity. And of course, let's not forget most people express themselves much better in their native language than English, it is really a different experience to learn from someone in each of the languages. That's why I think many more congresses should opt for simultaneous interpreting or subtitles, instead of making every lecturer use English (or give each lecturer a choice). I think everybody is losing a lot of value this way. I've heard far too many academics suddenly sound like morons in English.
As a language learner, I am not sure why you don't embrace the opportunity of learning at least one of the two languages. Yes, I understand that the norm is switching to English even for one foreigner in the group these days, but I don't think it is a fortunate solution in case of long term staying expats/immigrants. At least an honest attempt and the basics could be a very good gesture and give you many advantages (how do you know those people aren't talking about something fascinating? or gossiping about you?
). Language Transfer started with these two languages, perhaps giving it a try might be worth it, but I understand you've got a lot on your plate.
