Largely influenced by its history and its geographical location, Greece offers all its visitors the opportunity to experience a lifestyle that has managed to grasp the pace of contemporary western society, without however ignoring its rich traditions, which have been influenced by eastern cultures, as well as the wisdom of the ancient Greek civilization.
International students choose Greece as their studies destination because they:
- Enjoy the hospitality of the people, the mild Mediterranean climate, the excellent cuisine, an array of entertainment choices and the beautiful rural landscape.
- Avoid the higher cost of living in most western countries, such as the UK or the US.
- Can choose to live between Athens and Thessaloniki; two of the safest major cities in Europe.
Your life in Greece
Entertainment & activities
Clubs, taverns, bars, sidewalk cafes (open 24/7) can be found throughout central Athens and Thessaloniki, along the coastal promenades and, of course, in local suburbs. For activities which “cultivate the mind” all kinds of theatre, film and art exist. Outdoor cinemas, for example, offer movie lovers the perfect medium to view contemporary films on a warm summer evening, in a relaxed outdoor setting where the surrounding walls are covered with flowered bougainvilleas or lined by pine trees, and the ceiling is the infinite star-filled sky. Well-equipped indoor and outdoor athletic complexes are located in both cities and students may join nearby gymnasiums. Festival and athletic events, organised by local city council community groups, provide further avenues for involvement.
Both cities are a shopper’s delight. You can spend endless hours window-shopping or going on a shopping-spree at any one of the major shopping districts and malls, where the latest collections from local and international designers are available. Alternatively, the flea-market at Monastiraki, located in the old section of Athens, offers you the opportunity to purchase the unusual, the collectible, crafts and clothing.
If spending time in Greece over the summer months, you will have the opportunity to visit any one (or as many as you like) of the well-known Greek islands, such as Santorini, Mykonos, Crete and Corfu. Here the crystal clear blue waters will entice you to the many beaches during the day – where there is more to do than just soak up the sun; whilst in the evenings, the entertainment which the islands are famous for will not disappoint you.
Climate
The climate in Greece is typical of the Mediterranean climate: mild and rainy winters, relatively warm and dry summers with most locations enjoying over 300 days of sunshine. As is common with the Mediterranean climate, there are several micro-climates which are encountered throughout Greece’s regions. This is due to the influence seas and mountain ranges have on the topography of Greece. This means that there are marked differences in humidity, temperature and precipitation over short distances. Thus, the climate in Greece various from the dry climate found in Attica [Athens Metropolitan Area] and other locations which experience the rain shadow effect to the moist wetter climates found in northern and western Greece.
In climatological terms, the year can be broadly subdivided into two main seasons: The cool/mild rainy period lasting from mid-October until the end of March, and the warm and dry season lasting from April until September.
It is not unusual to see Athenians wearing short-sleeved tops/ shirts in November and sitting outdoors at their favorite cafe drinking iced-coffee. Where snowfalls in Athens and Thessaloniki are rare events, for lovers of winter sports, the surrounding mountain regions provide ideal conditions for skiing.
Food
Greek cuisine has an extraordinary taste. The world’s most exquisite Mediterranean flavours are before you. Food here is ten times better and healthier, not only because recipes have been perfected over time, by generations of Greek families, but because Greek food is based on fresh products and the wide use of olive oil. As a student you will happily find out that food is not expensive in Greece.
Expenses
Aside from the annual fees for the programme you will be studying at Mediterranean College, there are other expenses you will need to pay during your stay in Greece. Most of the expenses will be paid during the early stages, right after your arrival.
To help you plan ahead your staying in Greece as good as possible, see the list of other expenses you will need to take into consideration.
Watch the “You in Greece” Video
