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

PAPASOTIRIOU
This bookstore chain offers foreign language publications ranging from Fiction, The Arts to Children’s and Educational books. ... more
OLYMPICO
This jewelry store is known for offering a great selection of contemporary pieces made from precious metals, as well as... more
LESHI TOU DISKOU
Small record store in the arcade next to the Opera-House with classical and a little jazz music.... more
PUBLIC
Public is a Greek multimedia department store - style chain whose goal is to change consumer habits. It displays a... more
TRANTA
Hand made leather goods of Greek origin like, high quality / exclusive handbags and belts, are sold here. ... more
EMPORIO ARMANI
Fine Italian Mens wear.... more
ART BOOKSTORE KOAN
Art book store with many aesthetic choices from the areas of cinematography, photography, painting and a whole lot more. ... more
ZORBA GIFTS
Novel gift ideas and unique items for collectors. ... more
CARREFOUR
Originally starting out as a super market, the Carrefour Marinopoulos franchise mega-markets now also sell multimedia products, household goods, clothing... more
EFTYCHIA
Original handmade ceramics in a variety of colors are found here. If you are lucky, you might see the artist... more
LESVOS SHOP
Authentic traditional products from Lesvos and Limnos from pasta and wines to cosmetics made by the hands of Island’s Association... more