How to Study Abroad in Greece Climate
Warm and Bright. The Mediterranean climate offers lots of sunshine and minimal rainfall, but the mountains provide cooler temperatures year round. The north of Greece has more extreme temperatures with very hot summers and freezing winters. May through June and September through October are the recommended travel seasons. Some of the islands actually close during the winter months.
Currency and Language
It's All Greek. They use the Euro and the national language is spoken by over 99 percent of the 11 million people who call Greece home. Greece is also known for its many elaborate and well known sayings that capture the traditions of the culture, many of which have some connection to food. One popular household saying is, “Life is like a cucumber: one person eats it and is refreshed, and another person eats it and struggles.”
Food, Culture, and Activities
Follow the Footprints of the Greats. Learning is much more fun when surrounded by some of the oldest and most impressive ruins on earth. Take an archaeology class, then spend the weekend visiting the ancient city of Troy. Ancient Greeks created groundbreaking art, architecture, and philosophy, leaving behind a legacy made tangible by ruins like the Acropolis and Olympia, and the writings of Plato. Modern-day Greek festivals last for months and give first-hand looks into one of the world’s most studied and enticing societies.
Savory Simplicity. The Greeks take great pride in their cuisine and make sure visitors are well fed. Food is treated as one of the main attractions, and like the Greek landscape, dishes are colorful and alluring. Fresh, high-quality ingredients and simplicity is the key; crusty delicious bread served with a dish of extra-virgin olive oil are a staple of meals. Seafood is popular in the Mediterranean diet, and dishes are known for use of fresh herbs, cheeses, spices, and vegetables. Greek cuisine has often been heralded as one of the most healthy diets in the world, and the inviting nature of the Greeks will ensure you many samples. In fact, in Greece, the importance of sharing a meal is second only to its taste.
Go Back In Time. Greece is a land of ancient cities, where famed stories of heroes and epic battles took place. During an afternoon outing, students in Greece can spot the stones that the Trojan horse rolled across, and the rocky shores where Poseidon bashed Odysseus. Many study abroad programs in Greece include trips to the Acropolis, one of the most recognizable and visited sites. It is home to the Parthenon, the main temple built for the goddess Athena. Olympia, the original site of the Olympics, is another world-famous attraction. The games began in 776 and visitors can still see the structures used for the original sports. The site was also used as a center for worshipping Zeus; it’s named after Mount Olympus, his mythological home.
About Studying Abroad in Greece
A Study Abroad Superstar. Greece is a popular site for cultural and art studies that combine historical sightseeing with island hopping. From 10-day tours to year-long programs, there are study programs in Greece to fit every time frame. The American College of Thessaloniki, in the second-largest city in Greece, offers programs specifically designed for North American students. Another popular program is the inclusive College Year in Athens (CYA), which ensures students immersion into Greek culture, housing with roommates, many trips to the top heritage sites, and a wide range of classes to choose from.
Greece’s capital and largest city has been named as one of the top 10 cities worldwide for study abroad, many times over. This distinction should come as no surprise, since Athens is an inviting city full of all the experiences an international student could want. As the metropolis is both ancient and modern, it is a great place for immersion and diversity, and it’s close to breathtaking historical sites like the Parthenon. Studying abroad in Athens has an added bonus for students: it is a hub for side trips before or after the semester, with ferries offering easy travel to the neighboring countries of Albania, Macedonia, Turkey, and Bulgaria.
GoAbroad provides links to dozens of organizations that offer an array of study abroad programs in Greece. It makes finding a study program in Greece as easy as visiting the Parthenon once you’re there!