EDUCATION

The city of Athens, respecting its ancient history and high regard as one of the major cultural centers of the world since the dawn of civilization, could but only offer to its residents and visitors, tens of various places to learn more about educational opportunities, research of the sciences and the Greek language.

Beginning with full-time residents of the city and country, a government funded educational system is offered to one and all – ranging from kindergarten to elementary and high school levels. Correspondingly, the capital city also provides musical, ecclesiastical, and athletic elementary and high schools. After completing the high school course, the public school service again provides free university education, divided in two ways: A.E.I. (Anotata Ekpaideftika Idrymata, meaning Higher Education Institute) and T.E.I. (Technologika Ekpaideftika Idrymata, meaning Technological Educational Institute). A student’s entrance into these universities is dependant upon his/her performance scores on the national examinations, given on the second and third year of high school. Moreover, most of the universities also offer post-graduate studies for those wishing to earn Masters Degrees. For those who fall below the passing level for entrance into public universities, there are a number of official schools called I.E.K. (Institouta Epaggelmatikis Katartisis, meaning Professional Training Institute). These schools accept both elementary and high school graduates, depending on their selected specialization and the need in the wide-ranging job market.

For those who wish to deepen their knowledge about specific scientific subjects, there are a number of research facilities and libraries rich in bibliographical material all over Athens that will satisfy the most ardent and demanding lovers of knowledge. An important part of the general education system in Athens is the system of foreign language tutorials, of which are offered more sufficiently in Athens than any other European capital. Foreign language education is provided through a plethora of private institutes as well as the official institutes established by various countries that are headquartered in Athens wishing to offer a source of culture and activities for the countries that they represent. Tutoring usually begins around the age of 9 and favors English and French. Although later on, students tend to take a more avid interest in learning languages such as German, Italian and Spanish.

As far as visitors to the city (especially those from foreign countries) are concerned, it should be noted that universities in Athens take part in most of the foreign exchange programs available. Lessons for beginning and advanced Greek are widely available by the Teaching School of Modern Greek, residing at the School of Philosophy at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. For those planning on staying in Athens for a long period of time, the capital offers plenty of foreign language training facilities as well as schools for minorities of which might follow the Greek educational system or one of another country.

• Official Site of Ministry of Education

Gastronomy

BIO PLOUTOS
Dishes made with organic ingredients, as well as regular sandwiches and juices.... more
POLIS
Reasonable menu with equal portions of Mediterranean and domestic cuisine, in an atmosphere with color, design and some graffiti on... more
CHROMA – CHROMA
This colorful venue boasts the slogan “All day fun,” and with good reason. Χρώμα-Chrộma (meaning “Color-Color”) has a certain low... more
ANDRIAS
Profiterol with good rich chocolate, in servings for 4. 8, 12 persons and...have fun.... more
FASOLI
\"Trendy\" restaurant / kitchen based primarily on the Mediterranean cuisine, but also on \"exotic variations\"... more
MILOS ESTIATORIO (Hilton Hotel)
The most famous Greek restaurant offers fresh fish and other seafood, while it does not forget the meat suggestions. A... more
DESPOINA
Famous millefeuilles, tried in ...Zaire, to finally end up in the nine shops of Athens and specialty plates.... more
JACKSON HALL
Jackson Hall is an American sports bar with a great big twist to serve the appetites of its Greek public.... more
CENTRAL
Many visitors to the city center prefer to drink their coffee in the chic area of Kolonaki Square. Many like... more
PIL POUL ET JEROME SERRES
Classical French and modern cuisine in the gorgeous neo-classic of Thisio, awarded with “Golden Cap” and Michelin Star.... more
TAVERNA ACROPOLIS
Classic tavern with all the Greek specialties and marvelous view of the Acropolis and the Roman Agora.... more
BOSCHETTO
Tha “Dasaki” of the Evaggelismos Grove offers its excellent Italian cuisine for the last 20 years. Try the “papardeles”... more
I PITA TOU PAPPOU
Chain of grill houses, that serve (among other things) the rumored biggest souvlaki in town.... more
PREMIERE (Athenaeum Intercontinental)
French hints but also many Mediterranean elements in the kitchen of Sotiris Evaggelou. Try the risotto with leeks and... more
ST' ASTRA (Hotel Park)
Under the care of Herve Pronzato and the view of the big park, a modern cuisine of a high grade... more