High School Study Abroad in Greece

At first I was so nervous I had never been out of the country and I was going on this amazing trip all by myself without knowing anyone before hand. I wasn't sure if I would get along with the people on my trip or even become friends with any of them, but I was so wrong about. Not only were the people on my trip amazing and are people I still currently stay connected with and travel with, but my counselors were also the best. When I went on this trip it was during the massive heat wave so there were somethings that we couldn't do but our amazing counselors on our trip helped us to make sure we had the best time and got the most out of our trip. Even though we couldn't do what we originally had plan they made sure we did things even better. When in Greece we couldn't do one of our activities because the heat was so bad but our counselors decided to take us to the barbie movie and it was amazing. The trip in it's self was amazing from the places we went and visited, the shopping we did, the food we got to try, the activities we did, and the way we embraced the different cultures. Not only did I leave the trip learning and trying things from different cultures I lefts with so many new friend and people who I will and do still constantly stay in contact with. Two of the people I met on this trip I had actually visited them a few months later and then we went on another TFT trip this past summer together. Not only will I never forget them and the others I met but I will also not forget all the counselors that I had on this trip and the others.

What an experience!

December 07, 2024by: Megan O’Connor - United StatesProgram: Travel For Teens : Greece and Italy

10

This TFT trip was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had in my life. It was my second time on a tft trip, and I loved every minute of it. The friends I met, including the counselors that went with us, were super chill about anything we might have needed during the entire trip. They had anything we might have needed to make the experience better. I even still follow 2 of my counselors on Instagram! I recently just hung out with one of my tft friends in NYC for her birthday, 2 months after the trip had ended. We often text and call, and she is one of the closest friends I’ve made. My favorite day of the trip, was when we went on the boats to go see Capri and go for a little swim. My friends and I took so many pictures, tanned in the sun, went into a town and got some lunch and dessert, and it was truly a magical experience.

Best time with the best people

December 22, 2024by: Lucy Millman - United StatesProgram: TFT for Older Teens: Greece and Italy

10

At first I was so nervous I had never been out of the country and I was going on this amazing trip all by myself without knowing anyone before hand. I wasn't sure if I would get along with the people on my trip or even become friends with any of them, but I was so wrong about. Not only were the people on my trip amazing and are people I still currently stay connected with and travel with, but my counselors were also the best. When I went on this trip it was during the massive heat wave so there were somethings that we couldn't do but our amazing counselors on our trip helped us to make sure we had the best time and got the most out of our trip. Even though we couldn't do what we originally had plan they made sure we did things even better. When in Greece we couldn't do one of our activities because the heat was so bad but our counselors decided to take us to the barbie movie and it was amazing. The trip in it's self was amazing from the places we went and visited, the shopping we did, the food we got to try, the activities we did, and the way we embraced the different cultures. Not only did I leave the trip learning and trying things from different cultures I lefts with so many new friend and people who I will and do still constantly stay in contact with. Two of the people I met on this trip I had actually visited them a few months later and then we went on another TFT trip this past summer together. Not only will I never forget them and the others I met but I will also not forget all the counselors that I had on this trip and the others.

What an experience!

December 07, 2024by: Megan O’Connor - United StatesProgram: Travel For Teens : Greece and Italy

10

This TFT trip was one of the greatest experiences I have ever had in my life. It was my second time on a tft trip, and I loved every minute of it. The friends I met, including the counselors that went with us, were super chill about anything we might have needed during the entire trip. They had anything we might have needed to make the experience better. I even still follow 2 of my counselors on Instagram! I recently just hung out with one of my tft friends in NYC for her birthday, 2 months after the trip had ended. We often text and call, and she is one of the closest friends I’ve made. My favorite day of the trip, was when we went on the boats to go see Capri and go for a little swim. My friends and I took so many pictures, tanned in the sun, went into a town and got some lunch and dessert, and it was truly a magical experience.

A Guide to High School Programs Abroad in Greece

Locations

The geography of Greece consists of a highly mountainous mainland and peninsula, along with thousands of islands sprawled out across the east Mediterranean sea. Though it has a relatively small population and land area, Greece has nevertheless managed to wield a tremendous amount of influence throughout Europe and the Mediterranean.

Of the 11 million people who populate Greece, close to 4 million live in Athens, the country’s capital. Well over 3,000 years old, Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities which is often considered to be the birthplace of Western civilization. Yet while the ancient Acropolis still overlooks the cityscape, today Athens amounts to much more than its history. It is the center of economic, political, and cultural activity in Greece, as well as a global city with a diverse population and important international connections in many areas.

Since many high school programs in Greece involve travel throughout the country, Athens is likely to be just one stop on your grand tour of Greece. Other popular locations where your high school program in Greece might take you include Paros, Crete, Delphi, Santorini, and Thessaloniki. You might be so lucky as to take a boat trip around the Greek islands, or to climb Mount Olympus as well!

High School Programs in Greece

Most high school programs in Greece are focused on studying the ancient Greek tradition and all the ways that it has influenced Western civilization. Many of the country’s oldest structures and important monuments are still standing (Greece boasts 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites), making the lay of the land itself an imposing classroom environment. Philosophy, literature, history, and government are all popular subject areas taught through high school study abroad programs in Greece, which may even be offered for college credits.

While some some high school programs in Greece will offer you the opportunity for academic study, others are more focused on cultural exploration and adventure activities. You might have the opportunity to go trekking or scuba diving one day and volunteering in a community service project in a rural village the next. Some cultural exploration programs in Greece also offer course credit in a variety of fields, though less commonly than academic programs which stay rooted in one location.

Though it is possible to study abroad in Greece for a semester or full year at an international school, most high school students choose to enroll in a summer program instead. Summer high school programs in Greece tend to last anywhere from two to eight weeks and are guided by certified teachers or local staff. Don’t worry parents – high school programs in Greece take safety very seriously, so you can rest assured that students will be consistently looked out for!

Scholarships & Costs

Greece is one of the less expensive countries of Europe, although its economy has a history of instability. Prices generally tend to be on par with Eastern Europe more so than Western Europe, meaning that on the ground costs need not be a huge concern. Program fees themselves can be quite expensive however, so make sure to check out all of the scholarship and fundraising opportunities out there which can help you cover the costs of the trip.

Accommodation & Visas

The most popular housing option for high school students in Greece is to live with a host family. This is a great opportunity for students to have a total culturally immersive experience, while also forming connections with caring locals. For exploration programs that move around frequently from place to place, you might be staying in a variety of accommodations, such as hotels or dorms, with other international students and group leaders.

Greece is a member of the European Union, meaning that European citizens can join a high school program in Greece without obtaining a visa. If you are coming from outside of the European Union, then you may or may not have to apply for a visa, depending on your home country and the length of your stay in Greece.

Benefits & Challenges

Greece has been one of the most influential countries in the history of the world, and in many ways is responsible for the dawn of modern civilization. While this may seem like ancient history, high school students who travel the country and learn about its rich cultural tradition will begin to see just how much Greece’s influence still acts upon the modern world. The decision to participate in a high school program abroad in Greece is not an easy one to make, but you can rest assured your time will be well spent.