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High School in Greece

Where do the crossroads of ancient and modern lead you?

Step into a land alive with history and warm hospitality. Greece is famous for its history, nature, and sunny weather. Democracy and ideas central to Western Civilization can trace their origin to ancient Greece and their spirit can be felt today. The lasting Greek influence on politics, art, science, and philosophy that are mixed with a vibrant Greek culture makes the country an ideal study abroad destination! Any student will be captivated by Greece’s storied past, while getting to know the country as is it today: A hub of rich cultural experiences filled with friendly people and countless adventures.

Surrounded by the sea, Greece’s long coastline boasts beautiful beaches and hundreds of islands. While students will get a chance to soak up some sun, your time in Greece will be more immersive than just a vacation. By attending high school in Greece, you’ll get to know what it’s like to be a Greek teenager and family member – something you would not be able to achieve as a tourist. At home, students will spend time with their host family and community. You’ll learn customs, traditions, and dive into learning the Greek language.

The Greek word kefi is used to describe being joyful, spirited, and having a general love of life. Capturing this feeling is at the heart of Greek culture, and you’re bound to come by moments of kefi throughout your exchange!

What's included in your experience

  • 70 Years Experience

Eligibility

Graduates Eligible? Yes, high school graduates are eligibile to participate if they are within the age range.
Minimum GPA 2.5
Age Range 15 yrs, 0 months to
17 yrs, 0 months at start of program
COVID-19 Vaccine Not Required

Based on differences in culture, strict government regulation of medications, and other local customs, it has been our experience that not all of our international AFS partners are able to support students with certain diagnoses, including but not limited to, severe allergies, strict dietary restrictions, ADD/ADHD, and those currently taking or who have taken psychotropic medications and/or received counseling for mental/psychological issues within the past year. If this applies to you, please get in touch with an AFS Study Abroad Specialist early so that we can determine the right experience for you.

Your Journey to Greece

In the months before your departure, AFSers have the opportunity to participate in various preparatory activities, including an online Student Learning Journey, which is an interactive course that brings AFSers from around the world together to learn how to develop essential global skills, intercultural communication techniques, and practice social impact, maximizing the outcomes of the AFS learning experience. 

AFS-USA will coordinate and share your international travel with you. You will need to coordinate your own travel to the point of international departure. From there, your journey in Greece will begin when you land, where you’ll be met by staff, volunteers and meet your fellow AFSers from around the world. Shortly after arrival, you will attend an arrival orientation and get a crash course on the culture of Greece, living with a host family, safety, and support structures.

Along the way, you might see peaks of rugged mountains, forests, and lakes. Perhaps you’ll catch a glimpse of islands dotting the Aegean Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea to the south and the Ionian Sea to the west. Wherever you go, you won’t be far from the sites of ancient ruins. As you take in your new home, you might get a chance to sample authentic Greek cuisine at a taverna or pastries from a street vendor.

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Your Accommodations

Greece has a diverse geographic landscape. Students can expect to be placed in several regions including: a city, farming region, the rural countryside, a beach town, or an island.

Family plays a central role in Greek life, so you’ll get to know your host family well by spending quality time together. Like everywhere, all families are different, and Greece is home to different types of domestic and international cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. It’s not uncommon for Greek families to have adult children, grandparents, or other relatives living at home with them.

Greeks enjoy good food and good company. Contemporary Greek cuisine makes wide use of vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish, and meat. Expect to have lively conversation with friends and family while getting a taste of Greek food.

Greek Orthodox is the largest religion in Greece. Depending on where you are placed, religion can play a significant part in the life of your host family and community. Although you won’t be obligated to attend services regularly, you may participate in social activities connected to the family’s center of worship, such as a picnic, performance, or holiday celebration.

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Your High School in Greece

Greeks are known to be easy-going and friendly, but they place a high value on education. Secondary education is divided into two stages: lower-level education in gymnasiums and upper-level in lyceums, which are offered by the Unified Lyceums and Technical Vocational Educational Schools.

AFS students will likely attend upper secondary school at the lyceum. Students enrolled in high school typically attend classes Monday through Friday, from about 8:15am to 1:30pm, which is offered by the Unified Lyceums and Technical Vocational Educational Schools.

As a student in Greece, most of your time will probably be spent at school, hanging out with friends, and getting to know your host family. Outside of the classroom, many teenagers participate in extracurricular activities such as sports, theater groups, and choir.

Scholarships and Aid

We believe that studying abroad should not be contingent on personal finances. When you apply, we work with you to understand your family’s needs and match you with available scholarships and aid. 100% of accepted applicants with demonstrated need receive funds.

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What's Included

What’s Included

  • 75+ years of experience delivering high-quality programs through a worldwide network of 32,000 dedicated volunteers 
  • Accommodations with a vetted host family 
  • Round-trip international airfare for the designated program dates 
  • School enrollment fees 
  • Worldwide, 24-hour emergency assistance 
  • Access to an in-country support team and network, as well as our Participant Support Department based here in the U.S. 
  • Orientations and intercultural education before and during your program
  • International secondary medical travel coverage
  • Visa support and guidance
  • Inclusion in a worldwide returnee and alumni network of over 1,000,000 people

Visa Info

Do I need a visa/residence permit for Greece? YES. Visa + Residence Permit
How do I apply for the visa? (By mail, In-person, In host country) In-person + In host country
Visa/Residence Permit Process Difficulty Level (Easy, Average, Complex) Complex
Estimated Visa/Residence Permit Expenses
($ – $$$)		 $$
Frequently Asked Visa Questions Visit our general visa FAQ page for more information.
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Returning Home

“Life-changing” is hard to describe, yet it’s nearly always the first thing that AFSers say when asked about their experience abroad. “Transformed” is another one.

When you return home, if you’re like most AFSers, you’ll bring with you a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. You’ll have gained maturity and independence, discovered new passions, and developed the confidence and resilience to accomplish anything you set out to do. That transformation isn’t only visible to you, though – others see it as well. AFSers gain critical skills for college and careers. Second language fluency, intercultural competence, creativity, and critical reasoning will help you succeed, whatever path you take. “Life-changing” means it’s only the beginning.

It’s not just an adventure abroad; it’s a whole new reality. The perspectives and personal connections you gained will stay with you and likely draw you back to the second home you found in Greece. In fact, our alumni reviews have made AFS one of the top-rated organizations in the study abroad industry.