From the moment you land in “The Land of Gods”, you will start enjoying the little things that life offers. Greek people are very relaxed, take the time to sit down with their friends and have a cup of coffee. For Greeks, nothing is more important than being happy and you will soon catch this attitude as well.
Coming to Greece will not be just about studying, but also about gaining new experiences and new friends so seize every opportunity!
While Athens and Thessaloniki are the major student cities in Greece, you can enjoy and visit outstanding attractions in every corner of this country. Whether cultural sites or places where you can simply relax, Greece will pleasantly surprise you.
1. Attend some of the best Greek universities
Greece has around 24 universities and 16 technical universities and most of them are public. As an EU-country, Greece is a member of the Bologna process so you can earn and transfer ECTS credits.
If you’re attracted to the idea of studying in Greece, here are some great universities that offer English-taught programmes for you to check out:
- Alba Graduate Business School
- University of Crete
- Athens University of Economics and Business
- Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
- University of Ioannina
- University of Patras
2. Enjoy free education & an affordable lifestyle
In Greek public universities, EU/EEA students are usually not charged with any tuition fee; the only exception are a few Master programmes. All other international students will have to pay tuition fees that range from 1,500 to 9,000 EUR/year that also includes textbooks for the chosen courses.
Great anthologies, novels and any other kinds of books are lent and sometimes even given to students for their own use. The University of Thessaloniki offers hot meals twice a day and the free use of the gym to all its students.
Greece is one of the cheapest countries in Europe for foreigners, for both tourists and international students alike. On average, you would need around 450-700 EUR/month for all expenditures, including the accommodation, which is reasonable, compared to other European destinations (Spain, Germany, or Italy) where average monthly living costs are between 800 and 1,000 EUR.
Rent for an apartment in the city centre is just around 240 – 450 EUR/month, and you can find cheap street food for 5 EUR.
3. Study degree subjects Greece is especially known for
Greece does not only take pride in their cultural and historical legacy, but they still preserve their traditions and enhance it through education. Naturally, many Greek universities provide numerous English-taught study degrees in plenty of fields.
- Study Philosophy in Greece! What better place to study philosophy then once the home of thinkers like Socrates, Plato, or Aristotle?
- Study Architecture in Greece! Take inspiration from masterpieces like the Acropolis, Parthenon, Olympia or Achilleion Palace.
- Study Politics or History in Greece! Learn at the birthplace of democracy itself.
- Study Medicine in Greece! You surely heard of Hippocrates who theorised ethics in medicine, as well as methods in diagnosis, biology, and treatment still used today.
- Greece also had a big influence in the early concepts of Science, and most symbols often used in Physics and math equations are derived from Greek alphabet. The first known mathematical formula was discovered by another Greek, Pythagoras.
4. Visit astounding World Heritage Sites and enjoy stunning beaches
Greece is an awesome touristic destination, and the truth is the country provides many things tourists can enjoy: Mediterranean climate, great historical sites, lovely beaches and islands, a thriving night life, delicious food – all at quite affordable costs.
If you’ll study in Athens, you are one feet away from splendid monuments such as Temple of Olympian Zeus, The Parthenon, The Acropolis, Mount Olympus, and in Thessaloniki, you can visit he byzantine city walls, the Heptapyrgion castle, the Ottoman White Tower, and many more.
Check out some of the famous Greek seaside spots, like Thasos, Rhodes, Crete or Corfu, swim, get a tan and relax and have fun.
5. Greek food and beverages will be a delight for your taste buds
Whenever you travel to a foreign country, it is a waste not to try its local flavours. Tsatsiki, feta, olives, gyros are famous Greek specialities, as well as tsipuro, metaxa, retsina, and ouzo. Greeks have long life spans as an average which is partly attributed to their diet so try it! The food is not only healthy but delicious!
6. Appreciate the Greek loyalty and hospitality
Greeks appreciate loyalty and they are some of the most welcoming people in the world. If you frequent the same restaurant or diner, they will greet you as a friend, and even probably offer a discount. Finding disagreeable waiters or households is almost impossible. Customers usually also receive gifts, such as free shots or free desserts. Try to adopt this attitude because it is very endearing!
7. Enjoy the warm weather all year round
Due to its geographical location, Greece has a warm climate. During the summer, there is no rain for two or three months, especially in the Southern territories, and during winter, snow falls only rarely and temperature usually stays above zero.
This is surely an unbeatable advantage, because you can complement study hours with social and cultural activities any day. So nothing can stop you from visiting most splendid attractions in Greece.
Source: Alexandru Pop, study portals
