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.

Shopping

ANAVASI
Maps and Navigation Systems in a nice travel bookstore in the Arsakios arcade with a wide variety of foreign-titled books.... more
POLITEIA
It is difficult to walk out of this store empty handed. Seven specialized departments and tens of thousands of book... more
APOSTOLART
Apostol’s bronze and glass sculptures have gained popularity for their extraordinary design and craftsmanship. He has had exhibits in many... more
BIBLIOPHILIA
A paradise for booklovers. Here you may find antique and rare books, engravings and manuscripts from the 15th - 20th... more
OCTOPUS
Innovative youthful designs at reasonable prices, with a fanatic following of friends. ... more
ARGALIOS
Take home folk art like Byzantine icons as lovely and spiritual keepsakes of Greece.... more
MOHNBLUMCHEN
Imports and trades fine Italian and French Men\\\'s & Women\\\'s wear, Shoes and Garment Accessories. This store is highly exclusive... more
BENAKI MUSEUM SHOP III
A beautiful space filled with unique souvenirs from the Benaki Museum – such as ceramics, silver vessels, reliefs and sculptures,... more
SWISSCORNER
Center of Swiss watches for women\\\'s and men\\\'s.... more
BENAKI MUSEUM SHOP
The Benaki Museum is noted for the plethora of tasteful items it has for sale such as, ceramics, reliefs &... more
HOTEL SHOP (Hotel Grande Bretagne)
Open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. the Gift Shop of the most famous and luxurious hotel in Athens... more