When you join a Greece study abroad program you get to view some of the world’s most historical archaeological locations.
Greece has:
- Breathtaking views of ruins that date back 6,000 years.
- Historical castles, caves and islands.
Greece is one place that you’ll definitely want to visit while abroad.
Your Greece summer abroad program should include a stop at the Greek island of Crete, which:
- Is the largest island in the country.
- Offers archaeological digs of the Minoan civilization, the oldest in European history.
- Boasts beautiful beaches that are perfect for time off from classes.
A semester abroad in Greece can include:
- A stop at the medieval island of Rhodes, whose Colossus of Rhodes was considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
- Visiting many of the places to shop, eat and explore in this great island.
Regardless if you study abroad for a summer or an entire semester, make sure that you take in all of the sights and sounds that Greece has to offer.
Study Abroad Programs in Greece
Greece has always been known for its deep-rooted ties to the arts, architecture and literature. That’s why almost any school that you attend in Greece will be well-versed in its history, but will also offer valuable courses in other degree interests.
- Located in two campuses throughout Athens, the Central Athens site and the North Athens site, City University is a non-profit institution devoted to higher learning. The school offers programs in business administration, computer science, science, the arts and teaching, and is conveniently located near the Acropolis, which is full of outdoor cafes and great shopping venues. Both campuses have plenty of coffee shops to meet up with other students, as well as fully equipped dorm rooms.
- If you’re interested in the fine arts such as painting, photography, printmaking and creative writing, then the Aegean Center for the Fine Arts on the Greek island of Paros is the perfect place for you. This non-profit institution has only been open since 1966, but since then it has flourished as one of the best schools to provide individualized study. Students are given every freedom to choose their weekly classes and are encouraged to expand their interests through individual projects.
For more study abroad Greece information, see the Universities section, and for ideas to help pay for your experience see Financing Your Experience.
How to Travel in Greece
With so many different sights to see in Greece, it’s no wonder that transportation in the country is continuously on-the-go. From railways and buses to taxis and cars, the people in Greece always have a way to travel through their beautiful country.
- In Greece, the Athens Metro is one of the most complex systems in all of Europe. It has three lines and travels by some of the most famous archaeological in the country. The metro has specialized escalators, phones, and warning platforms which makes the metro experience more convenient and safe for travelers.
- Buses are also widely used by people to travel to and from their desired destinations. The main bus system in Greece is known as KTEL, which uses green buses to distinguish itself from others. There are literally thousands of bus stops for the KTEL in Greece, and all the people who ride it are very friendly and willing to help direct you in the right location.
- Taxis fares in Greece are the cheapest in all of Europe, but that does come with another price. Even if it may look like a taxi is full, it can still pick you up if there is room for one more passenger. So if you don’t mind being seated next to strangers who are going in your general direction, you can take a ride in a cheap taxi and not even have to tip the driver. You can get a directory of taxi companies in Greece here.
- Of course you can always rent a car or a moped to get around Greece. There are many places that offer great prices for traveling around the country. Some of the best rental agencies are Ace Rent-A-Car, Clio Car Rental, Morphis Car Rental and Pegasus Car Rental.
- If you’re really into embracing all forms of transportation, you can always travel on a donkey. Many of the smaller islands still use donkeys to travel through their narrow streets, so if you’re not afraid then you can always see what it’s like to ride on one.
Just remember that however you travel in Greece, always follow health and safety guidelines to ensure that you are safe. Anything can happen while you’re abroad, so be wise about where you go and how you get there.
Greece Currency Exchange Rates
Greece currency is known as the Euro, which is the same currency used in France, Italy, Germany, Ireland and Spain. You should always know the exchange rate between U.S. dollars and any foreign currency before you travel so you will be prepared to make purchases without any trouble.
Here’s what you need to know about the Euro:
- Coins = 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cent and 1 and 2 Euro
- Bills = 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500
You can use a Greece currency converter like the one here to compare other amounts of U.S. dollars against the Euro.
Study Abroad in Greece and Don’t Forget to Visit These Places
You absolutely can not leave Greece without stopping by:
- Mount Olympus, which is the highest mountain in Greece. Measuring 9,570 feet high, it was considered the home of the Gods in Greek Mythology. It’s also recognized for its flourishing plant and animal life.
- The Acropolis of Athens, which was built by Pericles in the fifth century BC and includes the Parthenon and other looming monuments. Sitting at 490 feet above the Greece skyline, once you are at the top you get a spectacular view of the ruins of the Olympian stadium.
- The archaeological site called Delphi, which in ancient Greek times was known as the center of the known world. It was a major site for the worship of the god Apollo, who was the son of Zeus that stood for discipline and spirituality. The site is full of temples, statues, buildings and other ruins, but there are also modern-day constructions now, such as a ski center.
These are just a few of the popular places you can visit while in Greece. There are literally thousands of other sights to see and people to meet, so make your study abroad Greece trip one that you won’t forget.
Important Study Abroad Greece Information
When you study abroad in Greece you should always keep a list of important numbers with you in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to check with your school or program for any additional information you might need:
