Greece

Greek is the official language of Greece.

Many younger people will know or at least be familiar with English, particularly in more touristy areas like Athens and Santorini. Farther north and with older generations there might be more of a language barrier, though locals will appreciate the effort if you learn a few key words and phrases.

Language learning prior to departure: As a University of Illinois student, you have access to library resources (such as Rosetta Stone and Libguides). You may also want to consider free sources, such as Duolingo to learn basic phrases, or to refresh your language skills prior to departure.

If you are staying for a duration longer than 90 days, you will need to acquire a student visa before traveling to Greece. If you are traveling on an Arcadia program, check out Arcadia's comprehensive visa guide of what steps you will need to take during this program's visa application process.

To read more on passport and visa terminology see the Passports & Visas page on the Illinois Abroad and Global Exchange website.

Phones

• • Check with your carrier before departing to see if there are any international plans that might work for you. These tend to be expensive, so consider other options like purchasing a local SIM Card once you arrive.

  • Websites like Too Many Adapters have recommendations for what to consider when purchasing a Greek SIM Card.

  • Make sure you have the Duo Mobile app set up on your phone. If you get a new SIM card, use the passcode options instead of PUSH, or go to UI Verify website to enter your new phone information.

Internet

• • You will have WiFi on campuses. In addition, most host families in Greece have internet access.

Electricity

• • You will need a US to EU adapter in Greece (pictured below). These are widely available for purchase upon arrival in airports and shops across the country, or purchasing prior to departure online.

  • While an adapter makes your device fit into the local outlet, a converter converts the voltage. The voltage will not be the same as in the U.S. For that reason, it is recommended that you do NOT bring appliances such as hair dryers or hair straighteners with you unless you also purchase a voltage converter.

Payment Options

• • Credit and debit cards are the preferred payment method for many Greek nationals, and both debit and credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country (AmEx cards may not be accepted at all locations, in both Greece and the whole of Europe).

  • Cash is also common and can be used anywhere.

  • If you plan to use a U.S. credit or debit card while in Greece, be sure to notify your bank that you will be using it abroad and find out how much of an international surcharge will be added for each card swipe.

  • Many US banks will allow you to exchange dollars for Euros in advance of your trip. It is recommended that you travel to Greece with enough Euros to last you several days, so that you have an emergency back-up option if you have issues with your cards.

Geography

• • Located on the Balkan Peninsula and at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, Greece is a mountainous costal country made up of a distinct landmass and many idyllic islands.

  • Greece is widely known as the birthplace for democracy and philosophy, and the country's long history can be observed in the landmarks and architecture that are scattered around each city.

Climate

• • The Mediterranean geography of Greece means that summers are hot and dry and winters are wet and cold.

  • There is also a strong northern wind called the "Meltemi" which usually sweeps through the east coast of Greece during July and August, and offers a welcome relief to the heat of the summer.

Packing

• • Depending on which term you will be studying abroad, you will need to adjust the wardrobe you pack accordingly.

  • For more packing tips, visit the Pre-Departure Checklist page.

Traveling locally

• • Athens has a metro/subway system that connects the city, meaning you can get around with relative ease. There are also trains running to different parts of the country with relative frequency.

  • Athens is also a jumping off point for many of the Greek islands, and ferries are available to take from Athen's ports to island ports.

  • Long-distance bus services such as Flixbus can be used to travel across the country as well.

Flights

• • Athens City and Thessaloniki City are the busiest and most common airports in Greece, however many of the islands (such as Santorini and Corfu) also have smaller airports to support domestic travel.

  • EasyJet and RyanAir are common airlines.

For tips and social climate, search the State Department page for Greece.

Each student faces different barriers and unique challenges based on their identity. Note that how you identify in the United States may not be how you choose to identify abroad because of the local social culture. We encourage all students to reflect on the different aspects of their identity and consider how they may play a role in their study abroad experience. To help with this thought process:

• • Visit the Department of State website.

  • Look into the Diversity Abroad Resources available on our study abroad website.

Student Voices on Identity and Inclusion

• Greece has become more progressive, however, it is still a country that has issues with trans. There are not a lot of people of color in Greece, so if you are not white you will be stared at more often.

The Illinois Safety & Security page gives important wellness tips, along with using your insurance and the emergency phone number. Be sure to become familiar with it.

Also, check out the U.S. Embassy page. and the Department of State website.

If your host provider or university doesn't automatically enroll you, consider enrolling yourself in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U.S. Department of State. Registration in STEP will allow you to get alerts on the latest safety and security information. In addition, the information you provide enables the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.