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

Nightlife

AN CLUB
Classical rock hangout of Exarcheia, that recently made an opening to the harder rock and the hip-hop music.... more
O KAVVOURAS
Unforgettable Rebetika night is what „O Kavvouras“ offers every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Closed during the summer months.... more
JAMES JOYCE
James Joyce is considered, “a different type of Irish pub.” There, they blend the best of the old with the... more
VOX
Performing for Winter season 2011 are Panos Kalidis with Konstantinos Argyros and Sella Kalli. Wine bottle per 2 persons: 50... more
BARAONDA
The bar restaurant is known for hosting live jazz nights on a weekly basis. Open all year, it also offers... more
ATHINON ARENA
Winter 2011 with Pop Prince Sakis Rouvas! Entrance Fri.-Sat.: 15 Euros (+1 drink)... more
BACARO
Located in an arcade across from the Athens\' Stock Exchange in historical downtown, this bar restaurant combines Italo-Mediterranean cuisine with... more
ALEXANDER
Bottle service: 130 & 150 Euros. Working Hours: Tue.-Sat.: 23:00... more
FOLIE
The mini club that first opened its doors in the early 1980s keeps on going strong into its third decade... more
JAZZ IN JAZZ
The proprietor of Jazz In Jazz has traveled the world, collecting mementos from some of the greatest jazz personalities and... more
VILLA MERCEDES CLUB - RESTAURANT
The popular club / restaurant is found parallel to Pireos Street. Continuing his legacy of having some of the most... more
GAZARTE
High ceiling hall of 400 square meters in ground level, with the possibility of multiple uses, such as musical and... more
ANAMNISIS LIVE
Drinks: 10 Euros. Bottle service: 120 & 150 Euros. Working Hours: Tue.-Sat.: 23:00... more
S-CAPE
This place can definitely be considered a mega-club because of its massive size. Various parties – like drag shows, theme... more
MOMMY
Another popular watering hole in Athens in the chic Kolonaki district. The most pleasing aspect of the bar is that... more