Studying Abroad in Greece
Greece, the country of white and blue, is located in southeast Europe at the junction of Europe, Asia, and Africa. The country's unique geography consists of two peninsulas and more than 6, 000 islands. The diverse landscape is filled with some the world's most well known ruins, and it's easy to see how both democracy and mythology were born among the brilliant landscape in Greece.
, Greece's capital and largest city, has been one of the top 10 cities in the world for study abroad for many years. It is an inviting city full of all the experiences a curious traveler and student could want. Athens is an easy hub for other travels as well. Since the metropolis offers both new and old, it is a great place for immersion and diversity.
The county's history and general location make it a very popular site for shorter term cultural and art study abroad programs, which include the main historical sites and some island hopping. But, everything from 10 day tours to year long exchange programs are available for students who want to study abroad in Greece.
The Mediterranean climate offers lots of sunshine and minimal rainfall, but the mountains provide cooler temperatures year-round. Northern Greece has more extreme temperatures with very hot summers and freezing winters. May through June, or the summer term, and September through October, the fall semester are the recommended seasons to study abroad in Greece.
While you do need a passport to study abroad in Greece, for some students a student visa won't be required. Check for the requirement of entry for your home country in GoAbroad's Greek Embassy Directory.
Celebrate Ancient History In Modern Times
There are several festivals and events which commemorate Greece's long and storied history. Some festivals last for months and overlap, which makes finding a lively festival in Greece as easy as turning a corner. One of the best known is the Hellenic Festival, held in Athens. It uses some of the ancient theaters as festival venues, and lasts from June to September.
Studying abroad in Greece means daily contact with esteemed culture and history. Greece's famous landmarks include ancient cities where stories of heroes and epic battles began and ended. Here, one can take firsthand looks into one of the world's most studied and influential societies. Ancient Greeks created groundbreaking art, architecture, and philosophy. Their legacy comes to life vividly with visits to the Acropolis, the city of Troy, and the original school in Athens where Aristotle taught. Troy houses more than 4, 000 years of history and is a keystone in understanding the development of European civilization. It is the site of the epic story of the Trojan horse delivered by the Spartans and made famous by Homer's Iliad.
Getting Around: Greece & Beyond
Since Greece is made up of thousands of islands, ferries are a main mode of transportation. It is easy to find ferries from neighboring countries and inter-island after arrival. There are also buses and trains that run daily between the main cities. They connect with the crossing points of the neighboring countries of Albania, Macedonia, Turkey and Bulgaria as well.