The 8 Best Tips for Studying Abroad in Greece

Whether you saw Mamma Mia! or read Homer’s The Odyssey, everyone knows the cerulean seas, clear skies, and white sand shores of Greece. While you might daydream of falling in love with a beautiful Grecian, what is it like studying abroad in Greece? We can tell you there won’t be women running down the streets singing “Dancing Queen.”

You’ll have the chance to write your own fairytale in Greece.

You can expect cities of rich cultural heritage built around ancient ruins still seen today. You can expect to eat real feta—not the watery boxed kind you find in the supermarket. You can expect a seemingly laissez-faire attitude to the locals and will quickly get accustomed to something called “Greek time.”

Still not convinced? That’s okay! For many students, this might be the first time you’re leaving home or traveling alone. So, we have compiled a list of 8 things to know about studying abroad in Greece before you go! Voulez-Vous?

Why study abroad in Greece?

So, besides the tropical climes, why should you study abroad in Greece? Imagine walking down the streets of Athens, a coffee and a koulouri in hand, admiring ancient ruins right under your feet. The city encases their found artifacts and sites in glass, turning the entire city into a walking museum. This is a way to preserve their historical legacy that mutually benefits the public.

Students can get a hands-on learning experience in the birthplace of modern philosophy, architecture, politics, medicine, literature, and much more. And of course, there are the most well-known sites, such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Zeus, to name a few.

The historical sites in Greece will take your breath away.

Worried about spending money on museums and travel? Have no fear! There are free admission days, student passes, and discounts at many museums and sites. Greece is a very affordable place to travel. The cost of basic goods, food, and public transit tends to be much cheaper than the United States.

Considering the cultural, educational, and personal benefits, Greece is a great place to study abroad. But…what’s it actually like, and what can you expect?

What is it like studying abroad in Greece? 8 tips to know

Alright, let’s get down to business. You want the inside scoop on the things to know about studying abroad in Greece. Whether you are an experienced traveler or a complete newbie, everyone can benefit from a little inside knowledge. Here are 8 studying abroad in Greece tips that you need to know before packing that suitcase.

1. Journal, blog, write, or do something to record your experience.

While it may be a cliché, your future self will thank you for jotting down those memories. Write down something that shocked you that day. Blog about every new food you tried. Make a photo journal of your travel group standing at the top of every mountain. While it’s a fine line to walk, try to balance being in the moment and recording for posterity.

2. Light layers and comfortable sneakers are a must.

Greece is a city of ruins, and you will be hiking up and down these ruins a lot! Fun fact, the Acropolis overlooks Athens, so there are quite a few steps to the top. It’s about a 20-minute hike, and is well worth it.

But consider your Acropolis hike to be the standard, so comfortable shoes are a must! Similarly, there are some chilly breezes at the top, so bringing a light jacket tucked into a backpack is a good idea.

3. Go get lost.

This might seem like unusual advice, but you must explore your city in order to get the most out of your experience. Now, this is all within reason. Bring along some friends or be brave and ask some random people in your program to come on your adventure.

Keep your wits about you and your important items tucked away at all times. Make sure you explore in broad daylight and start walking closer to home at night. We promise, your favorite place in Greece will be a hidden gem you found while you were exploring.

4. Befriend some locals.

The friends you make will be what you remember the most about your experience!

Cafés, bakeries, and sweet shops are a way of life in Greece. Every town and city will be littered with dozens of each, but most likely you will find one that you gravitate towards. Maybe it’s on your way to school or right next to your favorite grocery store. Either way, it will pay to be friends with your local café owner.

Start with a smile, end with a compliment. Greek people tend to be friendly and curious and will be happy to chat. You might learn the restaurant with the best moussaka, the museums that are a must-see, or the city’s best views. Or you might just get a good conversation with your coffee. Either way, it’s a win.

5. Explore the closer (and cheaper) islands.

While Mykonos and Santorini are the most famous islands, they can also be touristy, overpriced, and overcrowded. And, to many people's surprise, these islands are further away from the mainland than you might think.

There are two ways to get to the islands: by plane or by ferry. Obviously, the ferry is less expensive but takes a few hours on the sea. The plane ride is much faster, usually about an hour, but prices increase during peak season. This makes impromptu visits to those islands much harder. So, if you want to visit these islands, we recommend planning ahead by several months.

Instead, think about visiting one of Greece’s closer and cheaper islands like Aegina, Hydra, or Corfu. All are less than an hour away and around 10 euros per ferry ticket.

6. Dance!

Don’t let fear hold you back from memorable experiences!

Dancing is a huge part of Greek culture, and you will frequently see men and women dance during lunch or dinner. This tradition speaks to the very heart of their culture. While it might seem unusual to us, it’s far better to join the revelry.

There is a freedom you gain when you shed your self-consciousness and give yourself to the Kalamatiano. Dances bring the community together, and who knows? You might land next to the Greek boy or girl of your dreams. Isn’t that the dream?

7. Say “yes” to everything (almost).

While it’s scary to leave your comfort zone, this is a unique opportunity that may not come along again! While you should use your common sense, try to do as much as you can. This can be making new friends within your program, trying new foods, or taking spontaneous trips.

Flights within Europe tend to be much cheaper, so a spur of the moment trip to Bulgaria, Italy, or Turkey is easy. If you go in with an open mind, you never know where you might end up!

8. Make meaningful connections (maybe for life).

No matter what kind of study abroad program you choose, there will always be students who are in the same boat as you. There will also be many students from different countries, so there are more possibilities to meet someone outside your bubble.

Whether you are friends forever or only for the semester, you will never forget the people you meet abroad. Plus, you could meet someone who could advance your career! There is no such thing as too many connections within the job industry. You can stay in touch through LinkedIn or email, because you never know when you might need a job recommendation.

Convinced? Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Greece for FREE

Studying abroad in Greece might just be life-changing!

Are you ready to take the next step toward your future?

Are you feeling more confident now? Now that we have shared all of our studying abroad in Greece tips, you’re an expert! Apply for that visa, pack those bags, and update that passport. No matter which city you wind up in, you will never forget your trip abroad.