How to Study Abroad in Greece: A Complete Guide

Studying abroad in Greece is an amazing experience that you'll never forget... but how do you go about it?

Spending an academic year in Greece is completely possible, there are just a few steps you have to go through to make sure it's the right fit for you and to turn your Grecian dreams into a reality.

In this complete guide, we're going to talk about a series of topics important for the student heading abroad to Europe... specifically Greece.

🇺🇸 This specific article is for US students looking to study in Greece.

How to study abroad in Greece

To study abroad in Greece, there are a few things that you need to do to make sure it makes sense for you.

While we will go through each of these in detail in just a little bit, the general steps are as follows:

• Check that there is a university or program for you and your area of study available.
• Make sure you meet the minimum requirements for a Greek long stay visa.
• Apply for university admission.
• Apply for your Greek visa.
• Get ready to move to Greece!

Finding an academic program in Greece

Probably the most important part of your preparation is finding the college or program you want to enroll in and applying for admission.

This has to happen first because you likely won't be able to apply for a Greek long stay visa until you have proof that you've been accepted.

There are a few ways that you can find a program.

One of the most common ways is through your university. If you're currently attending university back home, they might have a program already designed. If this is the case, they will be able to help guide you through the process. Additionally, they will have existing relationships with Greek programs and services, which can make the entire logistical part of the journey easier to navigate.

If your university doesn't have a Greek network, or if you want a different kind of program or experience, there are third-party study abroad services that you can use. Keep in mind that these programs may cost you additional fees.

On the other hand, if you are a college graduate or aren't in college in general, you can find a college independently and navigate the experience yourself. You will need to make sure that not only the program/college you're interested in accepts international applicants, but that you also meet admission requirements.

When choosing a program in Greece, make sure:

• They accept international applicants.
• You meet the admission requirements.
• There are programs available in your area of study.
• The program/institution is aligned with your professional and academic goals.
• That your required courses are conducted in a language you're proficient in (Greek, English, etc.)
• If you're a student back home, that the credits are transferrable and will count to your overall degree.

Athens does have a university called the American College of Greece that offers study abroad programs, which is helpful to know.

Greek long stay visa requirements for students

The next important thing you need to check off your list is whether or not you meet the minimum requirements for a long stay visa.

If you're a US citizen and are planning to spend more than 90 days in Greece, you are required to apply for a long stay visa.

When you apply for your Greek long stay visa to study abroad, you will need to make sure that you can provide the following documents:

• A completed application form.
• A valid passport and a recent passport-sized photograph.
• A criminal record certificate.
• A medical certificate.
• Travel insurance.

You may also be asked to provide supplementary documents, such as your acceptance letter into a Greek educational program.

When you apply for your visa, you will be given a list of all of the mandatory documents and the formats that they need to be in. Make sure you follow that list carefully. You should always take actionable advice from official websites, such as the Greek Embassy or a trusted partner (like a visa processor).

How to apply for a visa to study abroad in Greece

The visa application process may sound complicated, but it's fairly straightforward once you understand what's required.

When applying for a Greek long stay visa to study abroad, the steps generally go as follows:

• Apply to your university/program in Greece and receive an official acceptance letter 🦉
• Begin collecting the necessary documents to apply for your Greek long stay visa.
• Schedule an in-person appointment through the official Hellenic Republic website for the USA (if you are a US citizen/resident).
• Attend your appointment and bring all of the required documents with you. Make sure the documents are in their requested formats.
• At your appointment, you will submit your application after a visa officer looks through it to make sure it is complete with all of the necessary documents. You'll also give your biometrics (fingerprints).
• Wait for a decision!

Preparing for life in Greece

Once you have been accepted into a program and your visa has been approved, you are ready to prepare for Greek life (but... the actual Greek life)!

Here are a few tips about studying abroad in Greece.

Be careful with taxis. Like many places in the world, taxis may try to scam tourists into paying exorbitant prices. When opting for a taxi, only use official onces.

Learn some basic phrases. If you don't speak Greek, learning a few phrases in Greek is a small effort that goes a long way. Try to learn the musts like hello, goodbye, thank you, and I'm sorry. While you should come across many English speakers if you're in larger cities (and if you're enrolled in an English speaking program), it's a kind gesture.

Get ready for the heat. Greece can get very warm and the sun can be very bright. Make sure you pack accordingly with lightweight clothing, high quality sunglasses, and sunscreen. On top of that, air conditioning is far less common in Greece than it is in the states, so be prepared to be warm.

Greece uses the euro.

Dining out takes longer. Dining out is seen differently in Greece than it is in the States. It's not just about being hungry and needing to eat; it's an experience - a time to connect with others. Service will likely be much slower than you're used to, but you'll also find that no one is in a rush to clear the table or kick you out either. Many restaurants also are made to order, which means it'll be a little bit longer before you get your food. But it will be so worth it 😋

Pickpocketing. Keep an eye out for pickpocketers if you're in tourist areas in Greece. Tourists are often targeted as they're typically unaware and in areas with high foot traffic. Always keep your bag/phone/wallet, etc. where you can see them and in zipped bags.

Know about the beach risks. Greece is famous for its incredible beaches, but it's important to know that there are jellyfish, coral, sea urchins, and other critters that can poison or sting you. Additionally, some coastal areas can be dangerous from a landscape perspective (rough waters, cliffs, etc.). Always keep an eye out for local signs and obey any closures or warnings.