Study, Work, Volunteer, Live Abroad in Europe | euxtra > Countries > Greece

Greece

Political system: Republic
Capital city: Athens
Total area: 131 957 km²
Population: 11.2 million
Currency: euro
Official EU language: Greek

Located near the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Greece forms the southern extremity of the Balkan peninsula in south-east Europe. Its territory includes more than 2 000 islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas, of which only around 165 are inhabited. Mount Olympus is the highest point in the country.

Greece is one of the cradles of European civilisation, whose ancient scholars made great advances in philosophy, medicine, mathematics and astronomy. Their city-states were pioneers in developing democratic forms of government. The historical and cultural heritage of Greece continues to resonate throughout the modern world – in literature, art, philosophy and politics.

Modern Greece has a republican structure based on the constitution of 1975. The 300 members of the single-chamber parliament are elected for a period of four years. The country is divided into 13 administrative regions.

More than 50% of Greek industry is located in the Greater Athens area, the main economic sectors being agriculture, tourism, construction and shipping.

The best-known contemporary Greeks include the film-maker Kostas Gavras, the Nobel Prize winner Odysseus Elitis and composer Mikis Theodorakis.

Greek cuisine is based on goat meat and mutton. Fish dishes are also popular. Olive oil, which is produced in large quantities, adds to the distinctive taste of Greek food.

Study

Greece’s creative tradition lends itself to a wide variety of unique study abroad programs. Study abroad programs with a focus on the fine arts and visual arts are popular, as are programs that allow students to study Greece’s music, past to present. Travel to Greece to study the country’s rich legacy of literature on a Classics program, or participate in a creative writing program. Programs centered around the intensive study of the Greek language are also popular.

For students with a more generalized interest in Greece, there are programs that survey Greek culture. There are also Greece study abroad programs geared entirely toward history buffs, and budding archaeologists will find programs catering to their interests, too.

Work

Greece’s position provides the country will a lot of tourism. Marketing, architecture and tourism are the main career opportunities in the country.

Accommodation

Greece has many historic sites and is full of culture. If you want further information on accommodation visit http://www.metroroommates.com/state_rentals/greece_rentals.asp. Alternatively view the accommodation provided by the university you choose to study.